Fiat E-Ducato Panel Van (2023 - ) Electric review

Bear with me here, but Fiat’s reputation as the campervan chassis of choice is well-founded because the large van has the best size and carrying capacity in its class. With the ability to carry load volumes of up to 17m3 and massive payloads of up to 1,695kg, the E-Ducato (and its Vauxhall Movano Electric, Citroen E-Relay and Peugeot E-Boxer siblings, and no doubt the soon-to-be-launched electric Toyota Proace Max) is the undisputed king of cargo. The largest versions can transport a massive 4070mm long load.

Like the rear compartment, the cabin makes clever use of the space available by fitting a lot of storage into its dash, deep door pockets and overhead shelving. The new “Eat&Work” middle seat doubles as a useable tabletop, either for a laptop or your lunch, with cupholders and storage for pens and other bits. There’s a new 10-inch touchscreen with navigation and voice recognition, as well as smart phone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a spacious interior with good visibility, but (and this is a big but) many of the materials feel cheap and the overall appearance is a bit drab, even when compared to some of the vans that share the same platform as it.

Operating a large van is never cheap but as an electric van it can be surprisingly cost-effective. The E-Ducato has a large 110kWh battery which has a claimed range of up to 261 miles (of course this will decrease the more load you carry and less efficiently you drive). The downside of that is that it will cost a good deal to charge, particularly if you’re using a third-party rapid charging network out in public. On the plus side an 0-80% charge can take just 55 minutes. It’s also not a cheap van to buy. For the entry-level van at £50,235 (ex VAT) for the entry-level panel van you’re also getting a lot of van for the money.

The Ducato has enjoyed a brilliant reputation over the years and has regularly topped the sales charts in Europe for the large van segment. Despite Fiat’s somewhat patchy reputation for reliability, the Ducato has been a well put together vehicle for much of its 40-plus years on sale, sharing that reputation with its long-standing counterparts the Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer. While it has only been available as an electric van for a short while, the E-Ducato seems to have maintained that solid reliability.

Large vans need plenty of power and the E-Ducato doesn’t disappoint with a 200kW (272hp) motor producing 410Nm of torque. The new 110kWh battery’s 261-mile range is a 30% improvement on the previous model and rapid charging of up to 150kW ensures it can stay on the road for longer. The new battery is joined by a revised electric motor that provides a more rapid response which very evident from the moment you press the pedal. Even under a heft load, it springs to life and shows no sign of slowing. However, being an electric van, it will suffer in range due to the amount of weight you’re carrying, how efficiently you drive it, ambient temperature and more.

Over time, the Ducato has morphed into a quietly capable van, winning a lot of its fans with the way it drives. Although the electric model had removed many of the attributes that have seen it become so well regarded - like its punchy automatic gearbox - what remains is a well-balanced and comfortable chassis with neat handling and, given its size, surprisingly good body control. The big batteries under the floor lower the van’s centre of gravity and improve the dynamism of even further. This also comes with the added benefit of the van’s suspension feeling nice and stiff even when unloaded and reducing wobble round those tighter corners.

Safety has taken a huge step forward, most notably on what is now fitted as standard. A rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and speed sign recognition with intelligent speed assist are all now on the base model. Other options mean that the E-Ducato is now also a level two autonomous vehicle when specified with an auto gearbox. It gets adaptive cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ function, as well as lane positioning assist to allow the Ducato to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph. There’s also drowsiness detection and emergency braking systems designed to detect pedestrians and cyclists. The only issue is that these are often supplied as standard on other large vans, so most of the Stellantis platform sharers have earned points for improving safety standards in the range of late.

There are two options of trim available with a base-level Ducato and top-spec Primo. The 10-inch screen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster and both standard on the electric van, along with keyless entry and start. Electric heated mirrors, cruise control and automatic air condition round-off the standard package. Primo spec adds all the autonomous driving functionality (find out more in the ‘Safety’ section above). An electric van wouldn’t be complete without some sort of power tool charging function, which is why there’s now an optional 230V socket in the dash to help charge electrical items like laptops or tool batteries up to 150 Watts.

It’s one of the most celebrated large vans in Europe and while Brits often prefer a Transit, the Ducato has plenty to offer for those willing to take a closer look. As an electric van, the E-Ducato has an impressive payload, can carry big load volumes, and offers up a decent quoted range. There’s also a good deal of choice with three wheelbase lengths and two heights – choice that many competitors don’t yet offer. The only compromises you’ll have to make are those that normally come with an electric van – price, range, and payload – and the fact that its cabin could be more modern. Admittedly, price can be mitigated by financing or leasing the van. But beyond those, if you’re looking to drive an electric large van the merits of the E-Ducato far outweigh its shortcomings.