What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

After several torrid months of Covid-induced decline the UK’s new LCV market increased in July to record the first year-on-year growth since January. The overall market was up by 7.1%, with 27,701 new LCVs hitting the road, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The market-defining 2.5t-3.5t sector, covering medium and large vans, saw growth of 5.4% to 17,566. Over the first seven months of the year, however, it was down by 38.5% to 85,895 units.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was the biggest-selling large van in both July and the year-to-date, with sales totals of 2,581 and 10,713 respectively, putting it ahead of the Ford Transit, which shifted 1,785 units in July and 10,249 in the year to 31 July.

Electrification is starting to make its presence felt in the large van segment and it is no surprise to see Renault leading the charge with a new 3.5t version of its Master Z.E. plug-in van. Previously offered only as a 3.1t model, the new 3.5t version brings the Master Z.E. in line with its diesel equivalent.

It is available as a panel van, with volumes between 9.0m³ and 13.0m³ and up to 1,490kg payload; as a platform cab, with payloads up to 1,740kg and conversions such as a Luton Low Loader possible; and as a new chassis cab, with a maximum payload of 1,620kg and conversions including Tipper, Dropside and Luton Box Van available.

Renault claims the additional body options mean the Master Z.E. now offers the widest range of variants for an electric commercial vehicle.

The powertrain is the same as that found in the 3.1t Master Z.E., comprising a 77hp motor with 225Nm of torque, and a 33kWh battery, meaning a driving range of up to 75 miles. A full battery charge is possible in six hours with a 7kW wallbox.

Prices for the 3.5t Master Z.E. start at £52,000, excluding VAT and including the government’s plug-in van grant. Orders opened in August.

Iveco is set to have another stab at breaking into the electric market by launching a plug-in version of the latest Daily within two years. The brand promises it will have a longer range than the previous electric model and the price will be lower because the cost of batteries is falling.