Toyota Proace Electric Review Analysis
The Toyota Proace Electric is Toyota’s strategic entry into the electric van market, leveraging a shared platform with the Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. This badge-engineered model aims to meet the needs of small and medium-sized fleets, offering practicality, efficiency, and Toyota’s renowned reliability.
Comparative Table of Reviews
| Attribute | Top Gear | What Car? | Auto Express | Parkers |
| Driving | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Interior | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Practicality | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Range | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Charging Time | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Warranty | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Detailed Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear praises the Toyota Proace Electric for its refined and comfortable ride, which is unusual for a van of its class. They highlight its robust warranty and customizability through Toyota Bespoke LCV Conversions. However, the review points out the lack of a high-roof version, which might limit its appeal to some businesses. The driving experience is noted as being smooth and relatively enjoyable, thanks to the four-cylinder turbodiesel engines and the new all-electric variant, which offers a decent range of 200 miles.
What Car?
What Car? emphasizes the practicality and capability of the Proace Electric, noting its quiet operation and strong standard warranty. The review details its two battery options (50kWh and 75kWh) and respective ranges of 142 and 205 miles. They find the cabin somewhat cramped compared to competitors but appreciate the solid build quality and useful features like the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Proace Electric is described as feeling more powerful than its diesel counterparts due to the instant torque from the electric motor.
Auto Express
Auto Express gives a high rating to the Proace Electric, appreciating its comfortable drive, up to 200 miles of range, and a strong warranty. They note that it’s a single trim and body length might limit flexibility for some users. Charging times are reasonable with a powerful charger but lengthy with standard plugs. The review highlights the Proace Electric’s solid performance in urban settings and commendable payload capacity. The cabin is noted to be well-built but small, especially for taller drivers.
Parkers
Parkers commends the Toyota Proace Electric for its excellent driving range, high payload, and low running costs. The review highlights the van’s 10-year warranty, which is a significant advantage over competitors. However, the cab is described as cramped with a poor driving position, and the van is more expensive to buy than its diesel counterparts. The Proace Electric’s smooth and quiet driving experience is praised, as is its practicality with a choice of two battery pack sizes and a robust standard equipment list.
Overall Product Summary
The Toyota Proace Electric stands out in the electric van market for its practical design, strong warranty, and robust performance. Sharing a platform with other Stellantis Group vans, it inherits their strengths but also shares their limitations, such as limited interior space and fewer body styles.
Driving Experience: Across reviews, the driving experience is consistently rated highly. The electric motor’s instant torque makes it feel lively, especially in urban environments. The range of up to 205 miles with the larger battery is competitive, though real-world usage may see slightly lower figures. Modes like Eco, Normal, and Power allow for adaptable driving styles, enhancing efficiency or performance as needed.
Interior and Practicality: The interior receives mixed reviews. While the build quality and layout are praised, the space is tighter compared to some competitors. Practicality features like the Smart Cargo system and multiple storage options are beneficial, but the narrow cabin can be a drawback for larger drivers or those needing more cargo space.
Comfort and Features: Comfort is a strong point for the Proace Electric. The smooth ride and quiet cabin make it a pleasant vehicle for daily use. Standard features such as the 7-inch touchscreen, parking sensors, and automatic lights and wipers add to its appeal. The five-year warranty, extendable up to ten years with regular servicing, provides significant peace of mind.
Charging and Efficiency: Charging times vary depending on the method, with the fastest option being a 100kW DC charger. Charging from 0% to 80% takes about 30-45 minutes for the smaller and larger batteries, respectively. However, using a standard plug can take up to 22 hours for a full charge, which may not be practical for all users.
Final Verdict: The Toyota Proace Electric is a reliable, well-built electric van that offers good value for businesses needing a versatile vehicle for urban deliveries and medium-distance travel. Its robust warranty and practical features make it a sensible choice, despite some limitations in interior space and charging times.