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In light of the mounting climate crisis, many businesses are becoming more aware of ways that can become more sustainable, one of which is to make the switch to electric vehicles. However, there are many factors to weigh up when it comes to choosing between diesel and electric vehicles for your next commercial van purchase, and it can be difficult to determine which is right for you without knowing all of the facts.
In this review, we will be taking a look at the Toyota Proace and the Toyota Proace Electric. Launched in September 2016, the diesel-powered Proace has enjoyed widespread popularity ever since thanks to its high payload ratings and impressive fuel economy. As a result, the Proace Electric launched in late-2020 and has received similar levels of success – even being crowned as Parkers Electric Van of the Year 2022.
Read on to find out more about both vans to help you determine which would be the best fit for you and your business.
Engines and Spec
As a result of more stringent Euro 6.2 emissions regulations, as of 2019 the Proace is fitted with either two 1.5-litre motors producing 100hp / 270nM or 120hp / 300nM or two 2.0-litre engines producing 120hp / 340Nm or 180hp / 400Nm. As a whole, the Proace offers a neat and comfortable driving experience.
The diesel-powered Proace van is available in two wheelbases and three body lengths: Compact, Medium and Large. Each van comes with a sliding door on either side, and rear doors that open to 180 degrees. Combi, Crew and Platform variants are also on offer, giving this generation of the Proace the widest variety of options that Toyota has ever produced in the medium van sector. As of recent upgrades, there are three trim levels: Active, Icon and Design.
Moving onto the Proace Electric, opting for the electric version means that you’ll only have the choice of one body size, and it only comes in the popular Icon trim. However, there are two battery pack sizes to choose from: 50kWh and 75kWh. The larger battery is capable of an impressive driving range of 205 miles, and even the smaller pack still manages 142 miles. Fitted with a 136hp motor and 206nM of torque via a single-speed gearbox, the Proace Electric similarly offers an easy and refined driving experience, with more than enough performance to match the van’s loading capabilities (see below).
With a 100kW charging capacity, when plugged into a suitable charger the Proace Electric can reach 80% in as little as 32 minutes with the smaller battery, whereas it will achieve the same amount in 48 minutes with the larger battery. Although the more common 7.4kW charger will take a lot longer (approx. 11 hours), this should give you the option to recharge fully overnight.
Interior
When climbing into the cabin, drivers will notice that the diesel and electric versions of the Proace aren’t too dissimilar from one another, save for a few minor adjustments. Both have a relatively low driving position, though visibility is fine for manoeuvring around town, and you’ll have no problem getting comfortable in either after a short while. Interior storage options include sizable door bins and a decent amount of space underneath the passenger seat, as well as gloveboxes and cupholders atop the dashboard. The back of the middle seat can also be folded down to form a handy mobile desk, which is ideal for getting some paperwork done whilst on the go.
Naturally, where the Proace and Proace Electric tend to differ slightly is in their dashboard layouts and instrument clusters. As a whole, in both vans the overall design of these elements is very smart and refined. In the Proace, the gear lever is mounted high up in a pod that is connected to the front of the dashboard, which means that the driver doesn’t have to reach far. There is also a stylish, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
In the Electric you receive a slightly different instrument cluster, which replaces the rev counter with a gauge split between Charge, Eco and Power which shows you exactly how hard the engine is working. There’s also a smaller gauge which displays the power consumption of accessories, such as the air-con, and how these might be impacting your remaining driving range. Remaining range is indicated by a battery dial, as well as a digital display of the predicted number of miles left.
In terms of payload, both vans are almost exactly matched and highly capable of carrying out heavier jobs with ease. Whilst the manual diesel-powered Proace can handle a huge 1,458kg, the smaller electric version can handle an impressive 1,200kg (compared to 1,00kg for the larger battery pack).
The Verdict/Snap shot
Now that you’ve heard about everything that both vans have to offer, it’s time to start shopping for your new Proace van today. At Vanaways, both the Toyota Proace and Toyota Proace Electric are available for outright purchase, as well as hire purchase, contract hire and finance lease. All of our new Toyotas come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and manufacturer’s breakdown cover, and free UK delivery is included with every purchase. To find out more about our fantastic offers, give us a call on 0117 428 7721.
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