Clean Fleet Van of the Year

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Ford Pro E-Transit

There is no doubt that the Ford E-Transit has grasped the baton from the diesel Transit and is making serious headway in an expanding market for large electric vans. Offering a near-200-mile WLTP range with uncompromised payload and an extensive list of standard equipment and safety features, the E-Transit has found a home on many large fleets.

Unlike much of the competition, the E-Transit is available with two power outputs offering 430Nm of torque and a choice of 135kW or 198kW.

Payload is up to 1,758kg on panel vans but there’s an extensive range of variants with double-cab-in-van and chassis cab bodies. Vans are available in multiple lengths and roof heights, as well as with GVW from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes. Features including Ford’s ProPower Onboard system, which can deliver up to 2.3kW in the cab and load area to power conversions and equipment while out at work, have helped broaden its appeal with an offering diesel vans cannot match.

“Ford has created a solution to meet the needs of the customer with an attractive offer in terms of retail and fleet customers. They are making the transition from diesel to electric seemless,” said judges.

Iveco eDaily

The Iveco eDaily van is the latest in a long line of electric Iveco vans dating back more than a decade.

Visually the same as the diesel van with the exception of its front grille, where the charging points are located, the zero-emission Iveco eDaily is available at up to 7.2 tonnes

GVW enabling a 4.6-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capability – the widest range of any electric light commercial vehicle on sale.

Panel vans have a load volume of up to 20cu m and there are crew cab, chassis van and minibus body variants as well as single-wheel and twin-wheel versions. Underlining its versatility, there’s also alternative rear axle ratios on the 50C and 72C versions – something no other manufacturer is offering.

The radical approach to battery sizes, with modular, removable batteries is also unique and gives operators a choice of three different battery options, each using a 37kWh module. The eDaily can have 37kWh, 74kWh or 111kWh batteries fitted, enough for up to 186 miles.

“Iveco has produced a van with a wide range, suitable for many operators. It also has a decent range and gives customers of all types the ability to go electric,” judges said.

Maxus eDeliver 9

Chinese manufacturer Maxus has been making waves as a real disruptor in the light commercial vehicle market. Its range of electric vehicles has caught the attention of many blue-chip companies. This success is partly down to its large van, the eDeliver 9, being the first van with a useable real-world range in excess of 200 miles while also offering a range of bodies and batteries. Like its smaller sibling, the E Deliver 3, the E Deliver 9 offers the prospect of decent range with high levels of equipment in a modern van at a reasonable price.

The E Deliver 9 has a 150kW (201bhp) motor that develops 310Nm of peak torque and is paired to a choice of three batteries with 52kWh, 72kWh and 89kWh options. Although not available at a 4.25-tonne gross vehicle weight, the 3.5-tonne van still manages an impressive 1,200kg maximum payload with the smallest 52kWh battery, while the biggest 89kWh battery still has capacity for 860kg.

Judges said: “The actions of Maxus may have prompted legacy OEMs to pull their finger out with electrification, but the eDeliver 9 is a lot more than just a disruptor.”

Vauxhall Vivaro Electric

The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric has become the go-to choice for some of the UK’s largest fleet operators as well as for a growing number of SMEs looking for affordable and practical zero-emission vans. It offers fleets all the benefits of a zero-emission powertrain with no compromise in capability.

The breadth of businesses and fleets choosing the Vivaro Electric is a testament to the van’s affordability, practicality and efficiency, as well as its range. Available with a choice of two battery options, the Vivaro Electric offers an option for a wide range of operators with a 50kWh battery for urban and city areas or a larger 75kWh battery more suited to out-of-town work.

A WLTP range of up to 205 miles from a single charge is supported by the ability to rapid charge at 100kW, taking just 30 minutes for a 0-80% charge on 50kWh variants and 45 minutes for 75kWh variants. The vans can be specified in either standard or long lengths with a load capacity of up to 6.6cu m. The 50kWh variants can achieve a maximum payload of up to 1,226kg.

“The wide range of fleets to have adopted the Vivaro Electric speaks volumes about the ability and appeal of the Vauxhall electric vans,” judges noted.