Electric Vans & Minivans: What's Out Now and What's Coming
Electric Van Models and Features
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Which commercial van is right for you?
Benefits of Electric Vans
Electrified Minivans
Electric Van Models and Features
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is currently the only electric minivan available in the United States.
Inspired by the iconic VW microbus of the ‘60s, the ID.Buzz drapes retro-chic styling on a thoroughly modern electric platform. Inside, drivers and passengers will find a roomy and nicely appointed interior with three rows of seats and a completely flat floor. In dual motor 4Motion trim, the ID.Buzz produces a combined 335 horsepower, which, combined with an 86-kWh battery pack, delivers 231 miles of driving range.
The ID.Buzz is perfect for drivers looking for a family-friendly hauler with plenty of storage space. Minivans tend to offer more room and practicality compared to three-row SUVs like the Kia EV9. For example, the ID.Buzz can easily fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood with the second and third-row seats folded down.
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Thanks to its electric platform, Volkswagen engineers were able to stretch the usable interior space of the ID.Buzz. The interior volume of the ID.Buzz is larger than comparable minivans like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. The ID.Buzz’s center console is even removable if you need more room to haul long items.
Prices start at $59,995 for the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Pro S trim with 282 horsepower. Stepping up to the Pro S Plus trim adds the retro-cool two-tone paint job and a Harman Kardon sound system for $63,495. Drivers looking for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive will need to step up to the Pro S Plus with 4Motion, starting at $67,995.
A limited 1st Edition trim is also available in either rear-wheel-drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 1st Edition models feature special wheels and badging and come loaded with every option available. Prices start at $65,495, up to $69,995 for the range-topping 4Motion model.
Those looking for more cargo volume and payload capacity, there are a couple more options for fleet buyers.
The Ford e-Transit is an electric version of the popular Ford Transit platform. Like the gas-powered version, this model is intended for commercial use and is available in a variety of configurations. Most configurations will be commercial-specific cargo vans with a variety of roof heights and wheelbases. Range is limited to 159 miles on a single charge, these commercial vans are designed to stay within a certain radius, and to be plugged in every night.
Like the e-Transit, the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is an electric version of the gasoline or diesel-powered Sprinter van. The eSprinter is only available as a cargo van, with no options to configure as a passenger van. The eSprinter has two wheelbase options and two roof heights: standard roof and high roof. Cargo volume and payload capacity are similar to the internal combustion version. The range is limited to 150 miles.
Rivian’s Commercial Van is now available to fleet customers looking for one of the safest and most technologically advanced vehicles on the market. Designed in conjunction with Amazon, the Rivian features efficient and ergonomic design throughout and is a great option for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Like the Ford e-Transit, the range is limited to 161 miles on a single charge.
Which commercial van is right for you?
The Ford and Mercedes-Benz options have a lot in common — the only real practical difference between the electric and the gas-powered versions is the powertrain. Both are available at different lengths and roof heights. The e-Transit can also be configured as a Cutaway or a Chassis cab for businesses looking for even more flexibility. The cargo vans come empty, a blank canvas for companies to equip as needed.
The Rivian is only available in two options, a short-wheelbase ‘500’ and a long-wheelbase ‘700'. The Amazon EDV vans you see delivering packages are the longer wheelbase 700 models. Cargo layouts are customizable from the factory. Deliveries are expected to start in 2025.
The main advantage of the Rivian is its technology package. All Commercial Vans come standard with the same Rivian infotainment found in the R1T and R1S and a 360-degree camera system to aid with maneuvering in tight city environments. Adaptive cruise control is also standard on the Rivian.
The Rivian looks to be better suited as a delivery van with its high roof, while the greater configurability of the Ford and Mercedes-Benz may be more attractive for contractors. It is important to mention that the Ford and Mercedes-Benz have two normal front seats, while the Rivian only has a flip-out jump seat for passenger accommodations. Fleet buyers may prefer the familiarity of the Ford and Mercedes-Benz over the technology of the Rivian.
Benefits of Electric Vans
- Environmental advantages of electric vans
- Cost savings in fuel and maintenance
- Government incentives for electric vehicle adoption
Electric vans provide significant advantages in carbon emissions compared to gasoline or diesel power options. Electric powertrains emit zero tailpipe emissions, which is important in dense city environments. When you consider the energy source of your electricity, it is possible to recharge your van using renewable sources like wind or solar.
If you have reliable charging at your home, office, or warehouse, an electric van can also provide significant savings in operating costs. Being able to plug in and charge every night can be a huge advantage. Using the pre-conditioning settings in the infotainment system, you can make sure your cabin temperature is set just right every time you hop in.
Maintaining an electric powertrain is much simpler than maintaining an internal combustion powertrain. Electric motors do not require oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or chains. Brake systems tend to last a lot longer as well since you can decelerate using regenerative braking through the electric motors rather than the friction brakes.
Finally, federal and state governments are offering credits and rebates to incentivize EV adoption. The biggest is the clean vehicle tax credit, up to $7,500, for both personal and commercial vehicles. Check your local state regulations; many states offer additional incentives for zero-emission fleet purchases or EV charger installations.
Electrified Minivans
If you are not quite ready for full battery EV ownership, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a hybrid (HEV) could be right for you. These minivans do not require regular charging and excel on road trips when you just want to fill up and go - no charging stations required. Compared to a normal ICE minivan, these hybrid systems significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Costs are also much lower than electric vehicles, thanks to smaller battery capacities.
Chrysler Pacifica: This is one of the most popular PHEV minivans on the market. The Pacifica is a stylish minivan and a great option for families who want the benefits of electrification without adopting the EV lifestyle. The Pacifica excels when you can recharge the battery regularly. On a full charge, the Pacifica delivers 32 miles of range. And when the battery runs out, the Pacifica drives like a normal hybrid.
Kia Carnival: Refreshed for the 2025 model year, the Carnival MPV got new styling and a hybrid option. The Carnival is packed with tech, all trims come standard with a 12.3 inch infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Hybrid is significantly more efficient, rated at 33 mpg combined compared to 21 mpg combined for the V6-powered gas version.
Toyota Sienna: Toyota’s iconic Sienna is now only available in fuel-sipping hybrid form, either in front-wheel-drive or an optional all-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy is impressive for a large vehicle, rated at 36 mpg combined. The Sienna is quiet and refined, with a spacious interior for passengers or cargo. The ride is comfortable, and Toyota’s suite of active safety features is standard equipment to keep you and your family safe.