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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 Fiat e-Ducato 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-Ducato 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.
Speaking of battery packs, the e-Ducato Dropside comes with a choice of a 47kWh or 79kWh battery – with the smaller pack offering a driving range of 88-108 miles, and the larger pack can achieve between 147-175 miles. All variants of the e-Ducato range are fitted with a 90kW motor (122hp) which, although not the most powerful, still delivers a punchy 280Nm of instant torque. Use a 50kW DC rapid charger and the e-Ducato Dropside can add 60 miles of driving range in just 30 minutes.
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
Taking a look inside the cab of both vehicles, you can expect a modern and well-thought out interior in each. The e-Ducato Dropside shares many similarities with its diesel cousin, with just a few minor adjustments made to accommodate the new power source. Inside, you’ll find plenty of storage space, a comfortable driving position and great visibility. Features that come as standard include climate control, a rearview camera with parking sensors and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Overall, this is way more features that you get in the diesel Ducato Dropside.
The eTGE Dropside’s cab is equally thorough and modern. It comes with plenty of storage options to stash everything you need for a day on the job, and secure compartments are available for items that you don’t wish to leave unattended. It also comes with an infotainment screen that can be used for navigation or media.
The Verdict
Although both the Fiat e-Ducato 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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