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There is no denying that the world of business and commercial enterprise is changing. Everything, from the way we handle money to the tools we use to complete tasks, is constantly evolving. One area of life that has experienced unprecedented modernisation is the way in which we travel. Cars, vans, motorcycles and trucks make up the majority of road traffic here in the UK and, as technology improves, so does the safety and sustainability of travel. That’s right, we’re talking about electric vehicles!
For sole traders, entrepreneurs, business owners and fleet managers alike, reliable electric vehicles are real game-changers. They improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure you’re always where you need to be. That said, choosing an all-electric vehicle that suits your needs to a tee can be tricky. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Both Citroen and Mercedes-Benz have solidified their reputations for excellence within the automotive industry, providing top-quality commercial vehicles for businesses and individuals around the world. In the following article, we’ll compare two of these brands’ latest electric vans, the Citroen e-Relay Dropside and the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside.
With practical chassis, capable payloads and an abundance of comfort and tech features, each of these vehicles boasts a number of benefits. The question is, which is best for you? From battery specs and motors to load volumes and cabin comfort, read on to discover how these vans compare in our van vs van review.
Engines and Spec
First things first, let’s take a look under the (metaphorical) bonnets of these capable vans, starting with the Citroen e-Relay Dropside. This zippy van is powered by a 74kWh battery pack, hooked up to a respectable 90kW motor. Together, this battery and motor combination is able to generate 122hp and travel 154 miles on a single charge. Those looking to balance short trips with longer journeys will be pleased to discover that, unlike some electric vehicles, the Citroen e-Relay is able to reach a top speed of 68mph.
When it comes to payload and storage space, the Citroen e-Relay doesn’t disappoint. A well-built dropside body boasts 3,059mm of internal length and 2,026mm of internal width. For tradespeople and professionals, this offers plenty of space for materials and larger equipment. The e-Relay Dropside also offers a sizable payload capacity of 1.4 tonnes. This is ideal for bulky cargo and heavier trips back and forth from the site. In terms of build quality, Citroen utilises a durable non-slip birch deck which is easy to repair and replace if needed.
So, let’s take a look at the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside. This capable vehicle is powered by a 55kWh battery which, while it isn’t breaking any records, is ideal for short trips, town driving and navigating urban environments. Where this vehicle falls behind the e-Relay is in terms of Range. Offering just 96 miles when fully charged, this isn’t ideal for cross-country routes and long drives.
In terms of payload and load space, the eSprinter is certainly a solid option, with a large flatbed area complete with dropside access; this is more than enough for long items and sizable cargo. This van can hold a maximum payload capacity of 774kg, lower than the e-Relay, but still impressive.
That said, the eSprinter Dropside’s running costs are significantly lower than its petrol and diesel counterparts; drivers of the eSprinter can expect significant savings over the lifespan of their van.
Interior
As we enter the cabs of the Citroen e-Relay Dropside and the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside, we’re greeted by quality, tech, practicality and comfort. Both vans boast incredibly well-designed interiors, ideal for those looking to carry out administrative work from the comfort of their cab.
The Citroen e-Relay cabin features comfortable seats for drivers and passengers as well as an abundance of storage, with nooks and crannies throughout the cab. Owing to the electric conversion, drivers will notice that the gear stick has been replaced by three simple buttons: drive, neutral and reverse. This intuitive feature is thanks to BODEO, the third-party responsible for Citroen’s official conversions.
On the other hand, the eSprinter boasts that all-too-familiar Mercedes quality. The interior is well-built and spacious, with adjustable seats, ample storage, great accessibility and a neatly designed dashboard that doesn’t intrude on legroom. Aside from the DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, there’s not much in the way of entertainment. However, if a well-designed, high-quality cab is what you’re after, the eSprinter is an excellent choice. It does exactly what it needs to, and it does it well.
The Verdict
If you’re wondering which of these two dropside vans comes out on top, the answer very much depends on your personal preferences and requirements.
Those looking to squeeze as many miles as possible out of a single charge will find that the Citroen e-Relay Dropside is a better choice. However, those on the lookout for unparalleled in-cab build quality will probably prefer the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside.
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Here at Vanaways, we’re always happy to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your specific needs.
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