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

News

Here are all the vans eligible for the Zero Emissions Van Grant

The Zero Emissions Van Grant can apply discounts of up to £5,000 on new electric vans and pick-up trucks – here’s a list of all the eligible vehicles

Published 3 days ago

News

Everything we know about the Volkswagen Transporter eHybrid

Volkswagen has announced the launch of the Transporter eHybrid – here’s everything we know about it

Published 8 days ago

News

Ford E-Transit Courier vs Kia PV5 Cargo

The Kia PV5 Cargo and Ford E-Transit Courier go up against each other in a small electric van tussle for the ages

Published 9 days ago

News

Everything we know about the Farizon SV Sport

The new Sport model of the Farizon SV gives the base electric van a makeover with new external styling, colour options and more

Published 17 days ago

Need a second opinion?

Check out the latest electric van reviews from our team

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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

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Ford Explorer Van (2026 - ) review

The Ford Explorer Van joins the swelling ranks of electric car-derived vans with enough plus points to justify the price

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Volkswagen Transporter Kombi (2026 - ) review

4.5

The latest Volkswagen Transporter Kombi makes carrying your crew, family or the occasional huge loads very easy to enjoy

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MAXUS eTERRON 9 (2026 - ) review

3.5

Electric pick-up trucks are targeting a niche audience right now, but the Maxus eTerron 9 offers a convincing range and modern mass-market feel

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

320 65kWh Limited Auto L1 H1 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£47,324

Now

£34,794

Save

£12,530

Kia PV5

Standard Range 51.5kWh Essential Cargo Panel Van Auto L2 H1 5dr (2 Seat)

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£28,835

Now

£28,194

Save

£641

Ford E-Transit Courier

43kWh Trend Auto SWB 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£28,417

Now

£20,999

Save

£7,418

Video

Volkswagen e-Transporter

T32 70kWh Commerce Plus Auto SWB 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£43,460

Now

£38,237

Save

£5,223

Video

View all & refine

Used electric vans

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View all & refine

Your questions answered

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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

More about electric vans

Here are all the vans eligible for the Zero Emissions Van Grant