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

The Proace Electric is the latest fruit of Toyota’s collaboration with the PSA Group (now Stellantis) to come to market and is thus already available badged as the Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e. 

Customers may be swayed towards Toyota by dint of the brand’s strong customer service reputation.

The Proace Electric is offered in only the mid-specification Icon grade in medium wheelbase but with the choice of 50kWh or 75kWh batteries, delivering respective ranges of 142 or 205 miles. The latter is to give “peace of mind” to operators needing to embark on longer journeys, according to Toyota.

But with electric van use concentrated in urban areas with low emission zones, Toyota claims the average daily mileage of an electric van is just 27 miles, well within the Proace Electric’s capability.

Both versions deliver power output of 100kW, the equivalent of 136hp, and we tested the van with the larger battery. Ride quality is excellent, quiet and relaxing. If you make use of the regenerative B mode, which automatically slows the vehicle when easing off the throttle, there is rarely any need to use the footbrake. 

Three driving modes are available, with markedly different performance responses. Eco provides maximum power of 60kW and peak torque of 190Nm; this is the one to choose to preserve battery range but would not be recommended with a full load on board. Normal provides 80kW and 210Nm of torque and offers the most versatility, while Power delivers 100kW and 260Nm torque. In this mode the Proace Electric is thrillingly quick off the mark and nippy to drive – but beware, it will cut the battery range. A quick charge to 80% capacity can be achieved in 32 minutes for the 50kWh battery and 48 minutes for the 75kWh battery.

Toyota Proace Electric Icon 75kWh 

Price (ex VAT, inc. PiVG) £39,463

Price range (ex VAT, inc-PIVG) £34,630-£39,463