6 surprising things you didn’t know about electric vans

Yes, that’s right — electric vans deliver instant torque from the get-go. That means no lag, no gear changes, just smooth, punchy acceleration. In fact, many drivers say their e-van feels quicker than its diesel counterpart, especially around town. For example, the VW ID Buzz electric van can go from 0–30mph in around 3 seconds — noticeably faster than most equivalent diesel vans. So next time someone questions the muscle of an EV, remind them: torque wins at the traffic lights.

Some electric vans come with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) or onboard power outlets, meaning you can plug in tools, laptops, or even a kettle directly from your van. Models like the Ford E-Transit Custom feature this handy tech, making them ideal for mobile businesses, contractors, or even weekend campers. It’s a game-changing feature — and one of the unexpected perks you can enjoy when you opt for an electric van lease over a traditional model.

While the upfront cost might be a bit steeper, the running costs of electric vans can still be significantly lower. You’ll benefit from reduced maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), and electricity that’s much cheaper than diesel, especially when charging overnight on a dedicated EV tariff, with costs from as little as 2p per mile.

Ever made a pre-dawn delivery or driven through a sleepy neighbourhood late at night? Electric vans are whisper-quiet, meaning you can keep your business moving without waking the world. That’s not just polite, for businesses with tight delivery windows or urban operations, it's a huge advantage and one of the reasons many fleets are turning to electric van lease deals for city-based work.

We hear this one a lot: “But can it really go the distance?” Short answer: yes. Most electric vans on the market today offer real-world ranges between 130–200 miles, which is more than enough for the average daily van driver in the UK (who typically clocks around 80–100 miles a day). And with the UK’s charging infrastructure growing rapidly, getting an electric van lease is more practical than ever.

Concerned that an electric van might struggle when fully loaded? There’s no need to be. Many electric vans offer payload capacities equal to their diesel counterparts. Thanks to clever battery placement (often under the floor), you don’t have to sacrifice space or performance to go electric.

Take the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, for example it boasts a payload of up to 1,226kg, which is actually more than some diesel equivalents. Whether you're hauling parcels, equipment, or tools, this electric van gets the job done and with the flexibility of electric van lease options, it’s easy to scale your fleet with confidence.