Whether as multi-passenger vehicles or as cargo-moving machines, minivans have long been a part of modern life. But now, as manufacturers move towards more eco-friendly vehicles, the minivan is becoming increasingly electric.
Electric minivans offer drivers the same space and practicality as their petrol counterparts, but with added convenience – no refueling, no emissions and cheaper running costs. From tech-savvy newcomers to well-known automotive stalwarts, here are five electric minivans blazing the eco-trail.
Nissan e-NV200
The futuristic-looking Nissan e-NV200 is a full-electric option for businesses and families alike. The minivan is powered by a 30kWh lithium-ion battery, hooked up to an 80kW motor and able to cover up to 171 miles on a full charge.
The e-NV200 provides plenty of space, with seven seats, ample storage, and a maximum payload of 1,039 pounds. And when it comes to charging, Nissan’s quick charger can get you back on the road in as little as 30 minutes.
Vauxhall Vivaro-e
Vauxhall’s Vivaro-e is another viable all-electric minivan option. The vehicle is powered by a 50kWh battery, with a price tag of £32,000 – a clear saving when compared with the diesel-powered Vivaro. The all-electric version boasts a range of up to 204 miles on a single charge, but this can vary depending on how heavily you are using the accelerator.
The Vivaro-e has cargo capacity for up to 7.4m3, making it more than suitable for those needing a bit of extra carrying capacity.
Citroen e-SpaceTourer
The Citroen e-SpaceTourer is an ideal minivan option for those with smaller needs, with six seats standard and the option of eight. The vehicle boasts an impressive range of 220 miles from its 50kWh battery and 134bhp electric motor.
Citroen also doesn’t skimp on practicality, with a maximum 1,925litre cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down. The e-SpaceTourer is also equipped with a rapid charging port, allowing for a full charge in around one hour.
Mercedes eVito
The eVito by Mercedes is the full-electric version of the famous Vito van. While not officially classified as a minivan, the eVito comes with a battery-electric series and rear-wheel drive as well as seating and storage space for up to nine people or 1,200 kilograms of cargo.
The eVito is powered by a 41.4kWh battery, allowing for a range of up to 124 miles, and is equipped with a rapid charging station that can bring back a full charge in around one hour. This minivan can definitely accommodate those needing to cover a bit of ground.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the latest all-electric offering by the car giant and the most modern-looking on this list. Although it is not technically a minivan, it does offer seating for seven, a cavernous cargo space of 5,325 litres, and a range of up to 372 miles on a full charge.
The ID.Buzz is powered by a 77kWh battery, making it the most powerful minivan on this list, and has a 110kW electric motor. This minivan is also equipped with a rapid DC charging option, which can get the vehicle from zero to 80% battery capacity in just 30 minutes.
The Benefits of Going Electric
Transitioning to an electric minivan offers a number of advantages. Not only do electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions, but they also drastically reduce fuel costs, with the average electric car saving £280 a year compared to petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
Given the technological advances in battery range and motor performance, electric minivans also provide a great degree of practicality, with plenty of storage capacity and enough seating to accommodate the whole family or team comfortably. And there’s the added bonus of virtually silent driving, meaning your morning commute stays a stress-free zone.
Additionally, many electric car manufacturers, like Nissan and Volkswagen, offer comprehensive warranties with their electric minivans. Nissan e-NV200 buyers receive 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the battery, while Volkswagen customers receive a 6 year/72,000 mile warranty for the ID.Buzz.
What Does the Future Hold?
As electric cars become more commonplace, the minivan will continue to be part of the green revolution. Not only do electric models generate fewer emissions, but their low running costs, practical cargo capacity, improved range and general ease of use make them attractive alternatives to internal combustion vehicles.
What’s more, electric minivans come equipped with plenty of exciting features like wireless device charging, automated parking and adaptive cruise control. Like other electric vehicles, the newer, eco-friendly minivan models come with enhanced levels of performance, thanks to the vast improvements in battery technology and motor design.
The minivan is a mainstay of modern life, but with the growing trend in electric vehicles, the green revolution is only just beginning. With all the problems created by petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, now is the perfect time to take the electric-minivan plunge.
