Most eco-friendly vans

The demand for eco-friendly vans has risen substantially in the past few years and it’s not hard to see why. Commercial electric and economical vans have come a long way since they were first on the scene. With improved technology, a longer range, and more options to get an EV on finance, it could be the perfect solution for your vehicle needs. Eco-friendly vans aren’t just better for you, but they have a substantial impact on the environment too. Owning or leasing an economical van can help to reduce your carbon footprint and make the world a better place for everyone to live! 

What is an eco-friendly van?

An eco-friendly van is simply a vehicle that has reduced or no tailpipe emissions. An environmentally friendly van is one that produces a less harmful impact on the environment compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Petrol or diesel equivalents produce harmful emissions which contribute to greenhouse gases. More greenhouse gases in the environment increase the rate of climate change and are harmful to the environment.

Fully electric vans are powered by an electric motor instead of a traditional combustion engine. They produce no carbon emissions and reduce air pollution considerably. Another economical van option for your commercial van is a hybrid one. Hybrids aren’t as green as fully electric, but they consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than diesel or petrol engines. Hybrid vans use more than one means of propulsion which is usually an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine. More cities in the UK are adopting CAZ and ULEZ areas which charge drivers to pass through designated areas if their vehicle is non-compliant with emissions standards Many eco-friendly vans on our list below are exempt from these charges. 

What are the top economical vans?

1. Ford Transit Custom.

One of the most eco-friendly vans and a popular choice for many UK drivers is the Ford Transit Custom. The Ford Transit Custom is a stand-out model for choosing an eco-friendly van. There are three powertrains: all-electric, hybrid or diesel – all of which are really impressive. The Ford Custom Transit provides a maximum space of 4.3-6.8Cu.m and a maximum gross payload of 1,327kg. What we love about the Transit Custom is how customisable it is. Choose your own seating and layout options to ensure your next van suits your business needs.

2. Nissan Townstar.

The Nissan e-NV200 was one of the best eco-friendly vans you could buy for a long time, but Nissan replaced it with Nissan Townstar in 2021. The Townstar should not be overlooked, though, and it really holds its own. The Nissan Townstar is in the small van category and comes in both petrol and electric powertrains. Its load length is between 1,810 and 2,230 mm, and its cargo volume is 3.3 – 4.3 m^3. It provides great performance and impressive economy. If you choose the all-electric version, you’ll benefit from up to 183 miles of all-electric driving with the 45kWh lithium battery.

3. Renault Kangoo E-Tech.

Did you know the Renault Kangoo E-Tech was What Car’s Best Small Electric Van 2024? That alone should be an incentive to check out this great EV. If you need some convincing, it promises up to 186 miles of emission-free driving and a nippy 90kWh electric motor. It has a 4.3m³ loading volume and makes a great van for towing with a capacity of 1.5 tonnes. The Renault Kangoo E-Tech comes with lots of handy driver assistance tech such as an active emergency braking system, and adaptive cruise control to help make your journeys that little bit easier.

4. Peugeot E-Partner.

One of the best eco-friendly vans you can buy is the Peugeot E-Partner. It’s been designed with the city in mind and can make a great delivery van or a dog walker van. The Peugeot E-Partner has a large load capacity whilst still being agile and confident on the road. You’ll benefit from up to 4.4m³ of usable volume, 780kg payload and up to 213 miles of all-electric driving. Unlike some of the other EVs on our list, you also get a fast charge from 0-80% in just 30 minutes. 

5. Citroen e-Berlingo.

The Citroen E-Berlingo shares the same chassis as the Peugeot E-Partner above and also shares some of the same components too.  It’s a small and versatile van that is great for a day on the road! The all-new Citroen E-Berlingo comes with an increased eletric range of 213 miles and all the latest generation technology. You can choose from 3 trim levels, depending on how much space you need. Used versions can also be one of the cheapest vans you can buy at the moment too! 

6. Renault Master E-Tech.

Let’s step into the large van category with the Renault Master E-Tech. It’s a highly capable van with an impressive 285-mile EV range. It’s often hard for such a large vehicle to provide good economy, but Master E-tech seems to break the mould. You benefit from a huge 1,625kg loading capacity and 2,500kg towing capacity. Not only that but there’s a whole load of body types to choose from, from the standard panel van to tippers and flatbeds, the Renault Master E-Tech does it all. 

7. Vauxhall Vivaro Electric.

The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric is a medium van that looks good, is practical and has a good overall driving experience. It’s a great choice for an economical van and comes with plenty of options. It’s the UK’s best-selling electric van and offers a payload of 1,000kg and 219-mile range. The Vivaro Electric is one of the more expensive options on our list but it’s worth the money in our opinion and you could spread the cost with van finance! 

8. Mercedez-Benz eSprinter.

Last but not least, the impressive Mercedes-Benz eSprinter joins our list of the best eco-friendly vans you can buy this year.  The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter offers one of the longest EV ranges with a notable 272-mile range. It slots into the large van category and has long been the best van for reliability and versatility. From new, the eSprinter also comes with a 3-year warranty, and your first four services are included in an integrated service package for added peace of mind.