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Whether you’re working as a professional landscaper, building contractor, removal specialist or sole trader, a reliable work vehicle is a necessity. Sure, a car might be enough to get you from A to B, but for real work, nothing beats a van. These sturdy workhorses have acted as the backbone of many industries for decades, providing a practical solution to all your transport, storage, equipment and material needs. That said, in this day and age practicality alone isn’t quite enough.
With commercial vehicle manufacturers battling it out for the top spot, vans are now more comfortable, ergonomic and aesthetically appealing than ever. What’s more, engineers are constantly working to create sustainable vehicles. Leading the charge on environmentally friendly commercial vehicles is the wide selection of electric vans now available.
Both the Citroen e-Relay Dropside and the Renault Master Z.E. Dropside are excellent examples of electric vans. With practical dropside chassis, functional cab space and a comfortable driving experience, it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Owing to their range of merits, however, choosing between the two can be a tricky call.
Fortunately, here at Van Sales UK, we’ve put together a van vs van review of the Citroen e-Relay Dropside and the Renault Master Z.E. Dropside. From payload to driving range and everything in between, read on to discover our thoughts.
Engines and Spec
There’s no denying that Citroen and Renault both know what they’re doing when it comes to commercial vehicles. Having sold thousands of commercial vehicles per year for decades, these French automotive manufacturers certainly know how to meet professional needs. That said, let’s see how they compare in terms of engine and specifications.
We thought we’d kick things off with the Citroen e-Relay Dropside. Below the bonnet (metaphorically speaking) of this nifty van is a 74kWh battery pack, hooked up to a respectable 90kW motor. This combination produces 122hp and can travel 154 miles on a single charge. What’s more, with a top speed of 68mph, this van is capable of handling faster roads and urban environments alike.
In terms of payload, storage space and practical capabilities, the Citroen e-Relay is equally as impressive. The van’s dropside body boasts 3,059mm of internal length and 2,026mm of internal width; this provides tradespeople with plenty of space for materials and larger equipment. Equally, the e-Relay Dropside offers a seriously impressive 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.
The Citroen e-Relay Dropside is, undoubtedly, a tough competitor. So, how does the Renault Master Z.E. Dropside compare? We’ll start with the motor and battery.
The Renault Master Z.E. Dropside’s R75 electric motor is powered by a 35kWh battery. Though impressive, these figures fall slightly short of the Citroen e-Relay. With a range of 75 miles, the Master Z.E. Dropside is ideal for city driving and shorter journeys, but will need to be recharged on longer trips.
Fortunately, what the RRenault Master Z.E Dropside lacks in range, it more than makes up for in terms of load space and storage. With an official payload of around 1490 kg, this van offers a very similar load capability to the e-Relay. What’s more, it offers a slightly longer 3,083mm body, with a width of 1765mm.
Interior
With a better understanding of each van’s battery, motor, load space and payload capabilities, let’s take a look at their cabs, comfort and tech.
Inside the Citroen e-Relay’s cabin are three comfortable seats for driver and passengers, each with plenty of legroom. The spacious layout is complimented by ample 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.
As for the Renault Master Z.E. Dropside, there is no denying that the manufacturer has prioritised functionality. That said, the cab is spacious and comes with a load of tech as standard. Drivers and passengers are in for enjoyable trips thanks to the DAB radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, height-adjustable driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and electric, heated door mirrors, all fitted as standard. What’s more, the Master Z.E. Dropside offers remorse central locking, automatic lights and wipers.
The Verdict
For tradespeople of all kinds, both of these vans are sure to serve as a reliable work vehicle. If you’re wondering which is best though, the answer depends on your requirements and personal preferences.
Those looking for a van capable of longer journeys will find the Citroen e-Relay Dropside is a perfect choice; 154 miles of range on a single charge is mighty for an all-electric vehicle. That said, the cab does lack the well-designed feel of the Master Z.E. On the other hand, if a little extra load length and in-cab technology is what you’re after, the Renault Master Z.E. Dropside might just be a better choice for you.
Still unsure which of these great vans to pick? No problem! We’re here to help, and are always happy to point customers in the right direction. Just get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
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