Charge ahead: go electric for less with the best electric vans for under £10,000 – with expert tips to help choose the right one
Thinking about switching to an electric van? With the government announcing today that they are continuing to offer up to £5,000 off the cost of a new electric van via the Plug-in Van Grant – there’s never been a better time for tradespeople to explore going electric.
And for those not in the market to purchase a brand new vehicle, the good news is that the used electric van market is now more affordable and accessible than ever. While the grant only applies to new vans, the knock-on effect is more affordable used models entering the market.
Switching to an electric van doesn’t have to mean spending big – especially for tradespeople working locally or in cities. Whether you’re a painter, decorator, electrician or general handyman, a used electric van can cut your fuel bills, lower your maintenance costs, and help you avoid clean air charges.
Just 17% of van-buyers are looking to use their van purely for commercial purposes, an additional 37% say they want to use their van for personal use also extending the potential for making savings.
With the majority of van buyers (51%) having a budget up to £10,000, Carwow, the online car-changing marketplace, has revealed its guide to the best used electric vans available – complete with expert advice on what to look for when buying.
Iain Reid at Carwow, said: “Electric vans aren’t just better for the environment – they’re increasingly better for your bottom line. Thanks to the government grant for EV vans and the growing supply of used models, going electric is more realistic than ever for sole traders and small businesses. We know that one in three van buyers come to the platform undecided between buying a new or used van. Our guide is here to help drivers buy smart, save money, and change their van with confidence.”
Iain’s tips for choosing a used electric van:
- Work out your daily mileage:
Most small electric vans under £10,000 have a real-world range of 60–100 miles, which is ideal for city-based jobs or multiple local appointments. If you rarely drive long distances, this range could be all you need.
- Check the battery health:
The battery is the heart of an electric van, so it’s worth asking for a health report. Some vans may still be under battery warranty, especially if they came with a long-term guarantee or were leased as part of a fleet.
- Consider your charging method:
Most models in this price range support standard Type 2 charging, which can be done overnight from a home charger or wall plug. Some older vans use the ChaDeMo charging standard, which is being phased out at public fast charge points in favour of the more modern Type 2/CCS connector. But if you’re only planning to charge your van overnight using a slower AC connection, this might not be a problem.
- Think practically:
Do you need sliding doors for kerbside access? A low floor for lifting tools? Enough space for ladders and gear? Think about how you use your van day to day, and check payload capacity too – especially if you regularly carry heavy materials.
Carwow’s top electric vans under £10,000 for tradespeople:
- 1. Nissan e-NV200 (2014–2017)
With up to 100 miles of range and a practical load area, the e-NV200 is a favourite for city-based trades. It’s quiet, reliable and has easy-access sliding doors – ideal for painters or decorators hopping between jobs.
- 2. Renault Kangoo Z.E.
Compact but capable, the Kangoo Z.E. is great for tradespeople who don’t need loads of space and want low running costs. Expect a range of around 60 miles – enough for daily use, with the bonus of a car-like driving feel.
- 3. Citroën Berlingo Electric (pre-2021)
Slightly bigger than the Kangoo, the Berlingo Electric offers up to 3.3m³ of cargo space, plus twin sliding doors and a simple layout that suits many trades. It’s a popular fleet model, so used versions are often well-maintained.
And for those with a slightly bigger budget:
- 1. Maxus eDeliver 3
The Maxus eDeliver 3 was designed from the ground up as an electric van, so it has excellent payloads and a great driving range of over 150 miles from a comparatively small battery. It’s peppy to drive and the touchscreen has smartphone connectivity for media and sat-nav.
- 2. Toyota Proace City Electric
This may look like a Citroen Berlingo with a different face, and that’s because it is! But the Proace City is still a great electric van capable of carrying big payloads. And Toyota’s ‘Relax’ warranty means that even if you buy a used van, you get a year’s warranty coverage every time you service it at an approved centre, good until the van is ten years old.
- 3. Renault Master E-Tech
The first-generation Master E-Tech has a weak electric motor and not much range – but if you’re looking for a large van to do urban deliveries, it’s perfect with a seriously impressive space.
And with cities like London, Manchester and Glasgow expanding low-emission zones, a zero-emissions van doesn’t just save money – it keeps you mobile and compliant, too.
Drivers can now buy new and used vans, commercial 4x4s, pick-ups, and other light commercial vehicles (LCVs) on Carwow and its portfolio brands, including Auto Express. Carwow can also help you sell your used van back to van dealers via its daily online auctions.
For more from Carwow visit Carwow | The free, easy way to change your car online.
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