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With an increasing number of commercial customers hoping to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment, it’s unsurprising that many manufacturers are now producing electric versions of their most-loved diesel dropside vans. Two such vans are the Peugeot e-Boxer Dropside and the Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside, whose diesel counterparts have already seen widespread popularity.
While the recent surge in the popularity of electric commercial vans is certainly positive, there’s no denying it can make choosing your ideal van harder. Though both the Peugeot e-Boxer Dropside and Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside have much to offer, it’s important that you’re aware of all the key information before deciding which is best for your business. Read on to discover what you need to know about each of these popular dropside vans.
Engines and Spec
For those who aren’t already familiar with dropside vans, they offer a large, flat loading space with hinged sideboards and tailboard. This not only means that their payloads are often incredible compared to other configurations, but they also promise easy loading and unloading every time.
On the subject of payload, the Peugeot e-Boxer Dropside does not disappoint, with a maximum payload capacity of over 1000kg. The Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside offers a little less, coming in at 800kg, but is still more than capable of meeting the demands of many businesses.
All variants of the e-Boxer come equipped with a fully electric 75kWh battery, which allows drivers to travel up to 154 miles on a full charge – a great distance compared to some of its competitors. This battery also produces no CO2 whilst driving, so you can be sure of its environmental benefits.
With regards to charging, a Quick Charge with a DC current can get you from 0% to 80% in just 1 hour, while Three Phase and Single Phase charges go from 0% to 100% in 5 and 12 hours respectively. Put simply, it’s likely you’d be able to charge the van whenever your business is not in operation (e.g. overnight) and get on the road straightaway when you return.
The Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside is fitted with an 83kW (110bhp) electric motor and a 37.3kWh battery and, while this is a tried-and-tested system, it is a little outdated compared to competitors. This setup offers a range of just 82 miles on a full charge, meaning that many businesses won’t even be able to consider buying the e-Transporter Dropside. However, it is ideal for drivers who only need to cover a short distance and/or can stop to recharge throughout the day.
Charging throughout the day needn’t be a struggle either, as this van is also equipped with DC charging capabilities, meaning it can be charged from 0% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Therefore, if you connect the van to a suitable charging point upon arriving at your worksite, it could be 80% charged by the time you need to get back on the road.
Interior
The e-Boxer Dropside van offers excellent in-cab storage, plenty of space for up to six passengers, as well as a touchscreen display with an integrated navigation system. Additionally, the interior rearview mirror can helpfully display key information, such as the battery percentage, remaining range, and current driving mode.
Speaking of the driving mode, the Peugeot e-Boxer Dropside operates using Drive, Neutral and Reverse buttons rather than a traditional gearbox. This can take some getting used to, but it’s sure to please once you’ve got the hang of it. Finally, there’s no denying that this van favours practicality over comfort, so this van may not be the most comfortable option for anyone who often completes long journeys.
The Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside’s interior is essentially an exact replica of its diesel counterpart, meaning you’ll get the same smart, modern, and practical cabin that the Transporter is notorious for. There’s plenty of room for passengers, with a three-seat layout as standard, and you won’t be short on interior storage space.
Additionally, the centre console is home to USB charging points, 12v sockets, and a 6.5-inch infotainment system equipped with Bluetooth, DAB radio and USB-C connectivity. This can be upgraded by adding VW’s Discover Media sat-nav with a large touchscreen – perfect for drivers who often make unfamiliar journeys.
The Verdict
Both vans make for a reliable commercial vehicle, but their suitability for your business will ultimately depend on your requirements. It’s worth noting that both will be more expensive to buy outright than their diesel counterparts. However, you’re sure to make huge savings on running costs over the course of the van’s lifetime. This is just one of the many benefits of switching to an electric van.
If you’re keen to make your processes as sustainable as possible, the Peugeot e-Boxer Dropside might be best for you, with its zero-emissions promise being sure to significantly reduce your business’s carbon footprint. In the same vein, those requiring a decent driving range or impressive payload capabilities in order to perform everyday tasks efficiently may be better off opting for the Peugeot offering. For more details, see our Peugeot e-Boxer Dropside review.
The Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside, on the other hand, offers a decent load capacity, affordable running costs, and a great driving experience. It does have a very limited driving range compared to others – among the lowest on the market, in fact. However, this van is more than capable of covering short, familiar routes every day with minimal impact on the environment, meaning it’ll be perfect for many businesses. If you’d like more information, consult our full-length Volkswagen e-Transporter Dropside review.
If either of these vans has taken your fancy, secure yours with Vanaways today. As well as stocking a wide range of new electric vans, we offer a range of finance options, free nationwide delivery, and fantastic customer support. For more information about either of these brilliant electric vans or simply to discuss your options, get in touch with us today.
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