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Dropside vans have long been a popular choice amongst gardeners, landscapers and tradespeople because of the generous payload and practicality they offer. The popularity of the dropside model, combined with the shift to more eco-friendly sources of energy, has led many mainstream van manufacturers to release battery-powered electric variants of their most-loved diesel vans. Two such electric dropside vehicles are the Citroen e-Relay Dropside and the MAN eTGE Dropside.
However, the push for more carbon neutral options in the commercial van sector means that there are now countless electric vans to choose from. Whilst this is ultimately good for the planet, it can nonetheless be difficult to decide which dropside van would be best suited to your specific requirements. Although both of the vans discussed in this review have a lot to offer, it’s important to know all of the key differences between them to help you make an informed decision. Read on to find out more about the peaks and pitfalls of each of these electric vehicles.
Engines and Spec
The design of a dropside van consists of a large, open load space with hinged sides and tailboards, allowing them to be dropped below floor level for easy loading. As a result, many tradespeople opt for dropside vans because of the fantastic payload capacity they offer over, for example, a tipper van. Naturally, then, both the e-Relay Dropside and eTGE Dropside rack up a payload capacity of over 1 tonne – impressive for an electric vehicle. Both vans conveniently have their battery packs located beneath the floor, meaning that their load scapes are not impacted.
Taking a look underneath the bonnet of both vans, the Citroen e-Relay Dropside is available with either a 35kWh or 75kWh battery, providing a range of up to 154 miles on a full charge – subject to conditions· The Dropside model has an internal length and width of 3059 x 2026mm, and in order to ensure that loads are properly secured, drivers can make use of three-level lashing rails.
With a 100kW motor, the eTGE Dropside produces a similar 290Nm of torque. However, with a range of just 70 miles, this is certainly a van built for driving locally and not much more. Having said that, MAN offers three different charging options, meaning that you can easily recharge on the go and be back on the road in no time.
Interior
Moving onto the cab, you can expect a modern and spacious interior in each vehicle. Inside the e-Relay Dropside, drivers can expect a comfortable amount of room for a driver and two passengers to sit in. There are also plenty of storage options – ideal for storing personal items or any work-related documentation – and the removal of the gearstick means that legroom is abundant. Replacing the traditional running gear are three buttons for switching between Drive, Neutral and Reverse. On top of this, all information typically found on the instrument cluster has been moved to a display on the rearview mirror, conveniently allowing you to check battery usage, remaining range and more.
The eTGE Dropside’s cab is equally well thought out. There are once again a number of storage areas for stashing everything you need for a day on the job, and there are even secure compartments available for items that you don’t wish to leave unattended. An infotainment screen comes as standard, complete with a sat nav and media options.
The Verdict
Although both the Citroen e-Relay Dropside and the MAN eTGE Dropside are both abundant with great features, the choice of which van to buy will ultimately come down to your preferences and the requirements of your business. At the very least, regardless of which you choose, you can rest assured that you are choosing an environmentally-friendly, zero-emissions dropside van that will save you money on running costs and also reduce your carbon footprint.
If the choice between the two comes down to cost for you, then worry not as both vans are available to buy on finance lease from Vanaways at highly competitive prices. We supply a vast range of new diesel and electric vans in a variety of body lengths and models. If you’d like to find out more about what either van has to offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction towards the perfect van for you.
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