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 for sale on Autotrader

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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More new details are emerging about the passenger and commercial vehicle versions of the Kia PV5 van, despite UK specifications remaining unconfirmed.

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Best electric vans ranked by range

If you want to make the switch to an electric van, range is a key consideration – so, we’ve done the research for you and ranked the best electric vans by range.

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New Renault 4 E-Tech Van: picking up where the Zoe Van left off?

The new Renault 4 E-Tech is being converted into a compact electric light commercial vehicle; fingers crossed it comes to the UK.

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Need a second opinion?

Check out the latest electric van reviews from our team

Citroen e-C3 Van (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

If you need a budget-friendly, electric, compact car-derived light commercial vehicle then the Citroen e-C3 Van is worth a look… but that’s quite a niche

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

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

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

Ford Transit Connect PHEV Panel Van (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5

The Ford Transit Connect adds a new PHEV version to its panel van lineup offering drivers an interesting choice of a bridging vehicle to enjoy before going

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo eHybrid (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5

Volkswagen’s eHybrid technology comes to the Caddy Cargo panel van range offering a new long-term cost-saving competitor for your attention in the small

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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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