Van and Commerical Vehicle Awards 2022: Overall Winner

Priced from £27,910 Range 171 miles CO2 emissions 0g/km Load space 3.3-4.4m3 Payload 721-803kg Power 134bhp Torque 192lb ft

Each of these small electric vans deliver a terrific blend of practicality and cost-efficiency, topped off with great driving manners. But which is the best? Well, we decided that the Citroën e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner, Toyota Proace City Electric and Vauxhall Combo-e deserve to share top honours in our awards. A cop out? Far from it.   

You see, each has its own strengths: the Vauxhall (from 1 December) will be available in a more affordable specification than its relatives – perfect for those looking for a dependable low-priced electric workhorse – while the Citroën and Peugeot represent a fantastic turn-key package for fleet buyers thanks to their competitive list price and generous standard equipment list. Finally, the higher specification of the Proace City Electric – together with Toyota’s longer 10-year warranty – makes it an ideal choice for independent operators and tradesmen.

Whichever of these near-identical quadruplets you deem to be right for your business, you’re getting a top-class product, and one of the most complete electric vans out there. You get an official range of 171 miles, courtesy of a 50kWh battery, which is paired to a 134bhp electric motor, whose 192lb ft of torque provides a sprightly feel around town. 

There’s designed-in versatility, too; conversions in need of power have the option of the E-Power Take Off (an electric PTO) to run equipment like refrigeration units, and there’s up to 4.4m³ of usable load space to play with. You also get a generous 800kg payload limit, together with the ability to tow up to 750kg – enough for a small trailer. Meanwhile, sophisticated driver-assistance systems help to make these small vans among the safest on the market.

Citroën, Peugeot, Toyota and Vauxhall can take a deserved bow as joint victors, then. Four vans with common virtues but uncommon breadth of appeal.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

See all of our Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards winners >>