Do I need to charge my van?

Whether or not you need to charge your van depends on the van's fuel type. If you have an Electric van - you will have to charge this van. If your van is a mild hybrid or a hybrid electric vehicle - you don't need to charge your van. If your van is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) - this vehicle will need charging.

Where can you charge an electric van?

To charge an electric van, you access the electric grid via a charging point. You have the option of using public electric charging points or charging at home. You'll need to use a cable and a compatible connector. As different vans use different connectors, you'll need to check nearby chargers support your van Learn more about charging an electric van.

What types of charge points are in the UK?

In the UK, there are three types of charge point: slow, fast and rapid. The “speed” refers to how much electricity is transferred to the battery over a given period (the power output). Power is measured in kilowatts (kW).

How long does it take to charge an electric van?

This depends on the size of the van's battery, the speed of the charge point, and the amount of charge you need. Charging a van can take anything between 30 minutes and 12 hours.

How often do electric vans need charging?

This will depend on your van's battery and range. An electric van's range is how far it can travel on a charge. It is worth checking this before you buy a van.

What is an electric van's range?

The range is how an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. The range will depend on how much the vehicle is charged, the size of the battery, your driving style, the features you have switched on, and sometimes even the weather.

Can you lease an electric van?

Yes, you can lease vans of all fuel types from Autotrader including electric vans. Most vans available to lease are either electric or diesel-powered vehicles, with only a few being petrol-powered. Electric vans are classed as zero-emission vehicles allowing easier entry into Clean Air or Ultra Low Emissions Zones around the UK.

Electric vans

Are you plugged in yet?

Is an electric van right for me?

Owning an electric van will result in some lifestyle changes. They may be minor, they may be for the better, but knowing exactly what to expect means you’ll be even more confident when you come to buy your first electric van.

Taking long distance trips

If you are worried about ‘range anxiety’ (the fear an electric van will run out of charge and leave you stranded) then you’ll be pleased to hear the battery range of vans is increasing all the time. You can learn more about electric vans range in our guide.

Learn more

Charging at home and on the go

Cutting the petrol station from your routine is one of the biggest changes you’ll face when you go electric.

Learn more

Replacing an electric van battery

Electric van batteries are more resilient than ever and, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to lease them separately anymore.

We tackle the major electric van battery myths here.

Learn more

More about electric vans

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Everything we know about the Kia PV7

Kia has officially launched the PV7 electric van at the 2026 IAA Transportation Show. Here's everything we know about it

Published 23 days ago

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IAA Transportation Show 2026 | Launches, reveals and 'uptime' musical numbers

The 2026 IAA Transportation Show hosted multiple global launches of new commercial vehicles… and a musical number about ‘uptime’ (we’re serious)

Published 9 days ago

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The Ford Explorer Van STILL lives rent-free in my head | Editor’s Choice September 2026

Building on the legacy of the Ford Fiesta Van comes the Ford Explorer Van… a car-derived van that Tom just can’t stop thinking about

Published 15 days ago

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Everything we know about the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo LWB

A long-wheelbase version of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo is confirmed for the UK… but exactly when is still TBC. Here’s everything we know about it

Published 17 days ago

Need a second opinion?

Check out the latest electric van reviews from our team

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Ford E-Transit Custom Panel Van (2026 - ) review

4.5

Out time with the Ford E-Transit Custom proved it’s the electric medium-sized van to beat right now… and will probably be the UK’s future best-selling van

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Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo Panel Van (2025 - ) review

The latest Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo is now available with a bigger battery increasing its practicality in terms of range, but still coming up short on load carrying capabilities

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Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside (2026 - ) review

3.5

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Dropside is the premium choice in electric chassis cab conversions… but ‘premium’ often just means ‘expensive’

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Farizon V7E (2026 - ) review | Incremental improvements are better than none

3.75

The Farizon V7E boasts strong practicality and a packed equipment list… but like the company’s first van it’s held back by inconsistent ride quality

Brand new electric vans - in stock now

Be the first to own one of these vans. There's no need to wait - they're available right now

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Ford E-Transit Custom

340 71kWh Sport Auto L2 H1 5dr

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£52,700

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£40,560

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£12,140

Kia PV5

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£30,966

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Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo

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£46,285

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Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

314 81kWh PRO Auto RWD L3 H2 5dr

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£58,740

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£32,364

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View all & refine

Used electric vans

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About Autotrader

Electric vans

Is an electric van right for me?

Taking long distance trips

Charging at home and on the go

Replacing an electric van battery