Toyota Proace Electric

The Toyota Proace Electric is making waves in the commercial van market, offering a compelling blend of eco-friendly performance and practical utility. As businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability, this electric van has emerged as a frontrunner, boasting impressive range and versatility. The Proace Electric stands out not only for its zero-emission capabilities but also for its adaptability to various commercial needs, from urban deliveries to long-haul transport. This review takes a closer look at the Toyota Proace Electric’s key features and benefits. We’ll explore its electric range and performance, charging options, spacious cargo area, and advanced safety technologies. Additionally, we’ll examine how this electric van compares to its hybrid counterpart and other models in the Toyota commercial vehicle lineup, including the Proace City Electric and Proace Verso Electric. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of what makes the Toyota Proace Electric a game-changer in the commercial van sector.

Overview of the Toyota Proace Electric

The Toyota Proace Electric represents a significant step in the company’s commitment to electrifying its commercial vehicle range. This all-electric van offers businesses a sustainable and efficient solution for their transportation needs, combining the practicality of a conventional van with the benefits of zero-emission driving.

Key Features

The Proace Electric boasts impressive capabilities that make it suitable for a variety of commercial applications. It features a powerful electric motor that delivers instant torque, ensuring smooth and silent acceleration. The van’s design prioritises functionality, with a low-loading floor for easy access and clever battery storage that doesn’t compromise cargo space. One of the standout features is the van’s impressive payload capacity. The 75kWh battery version can carry up to 1,000kg, while the 50kWh model offers an even more substantial 1,226kg payload. Additionally, both variants have a towing capacity of 1,000kg, making the Proace Electric a versatile choice for businesses with diverse transportation requirements.

Available Models Toyota Proace Electric

Toyota offers the Proace Electric in two main configurations:

1. 50kWh Battery Model:
   • Driving range: Up to 142 miles (230km)
   • Ideal for urban deliveries and shorter routes
2. 75kWh Battery Model:
   • Driving range: Up to 205 miles (330km)
   • Suitable for longer journeys and businesses requiring extended range

Both models come equipped with a 100kW electric motor, providing ample power for most commercial needs. The batteries are strategically placed beneath the vehicle floor, ensuring that the van’s interior space remains uncompromised.

Pricing

The Toyota Proace Electric is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to transition to electric vehicles. While specific pricing may vary, it’s worth noting that the van qualifies for the Government’s Plug-in Van Grant, which can significantly reduce the initial cost. For those interested in the passenger variant, the Proace Verso Electric, prices start from £34,113 for the Shuttle model and £37,701 for the Family grade, available in both medium and long body lengths. These prices make the Proace Electric an accessible option for businesses of various sizes and budgets.

Impressive Electric Range and Performance

The Toyota Proace Electric offers an impressive combination of range and performance, making it a versatile choice for businesses with varying needs. This electric van has been designed to cater to different operational requirements, providing options that suit both urban deliveries and longer journeys.

Battery Options Toyota Proace Electric

Toyota has equipped the Proace Electric with two lithium-ion battery options to meet diverse customer needs:

1. 50kWh Battery:
   • 18 modules
   • Weight: 383kg
   • Ideal for regular short urban journeys or organisations working across large campuses or industrial parks
2. 75kWh Battery:
   • 27 modules
   • Weight: 534kg
   • Suitable for businesses requiring extended range capabilities

Both batteries power a front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels, delivering 134bhp (100kW) of power.

Driving Range

The Proace Electric’s driving range is a standout feature, offering best-in-class performance:

• 50kWh Battery: Up to 142 miles (230km) on a single charge
• 75kWh Battery: Up to 205 miles (330km) on a full charge

This generous range means that for most owners, daily recharging may not be necessary, reducing vehicle downtime. Toyota’s research shows that the majority of European van drivers, including those in the UK, typically cover only around 28 miles in a working day. This makes both battery options more than sufficient for most daily operations.

Acceleration and Top Speed

The Proace Electric delivers responsive performance across its range:

• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 80mph (129km/h) for both battery variants
• Acceleration (0-62mph):
  • 50kWh Battery: 12.1 seconds
  • 75kWh Battery: 13.3 seconds

The van offers three driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Power – allowing drivers to optimise performance and efficiency:

1. Power Mode:
   • Maximum output: 134bhp (100kW)
   • Peak torque: 260Nm (delivered from start-up)
2. Normal Mode:
   • Output: 108bhp (80kW)
   • Torque: 210Nm
3. Eco Mode:
   • Output: 81bhp (60kW)
   • Torque: 190Nm

Additionally, the Proace Electric features a battery recuperation mode that boosts energy recovery when the driver lifts off the throttle, further enhancing efficiency. The automatic drive and near-instant throttle response, especially in Power mode, make the van surprisingly quick off the line. Even in Normal mode, the Proace Electric is more than capable of keeping pace with urban traffic, where it’s expected to spend most of its time. The Power mode can provide extra oomph when carrying heavy loads, though drivers should be aware that this may affect the battery range.

Charging Capabilities and Infrastructure

The Toyota Proace Electric offers versatile charging options to suit various needs and situations. With the growing network of public EV chargers across the UK, drivers have access to over 53,000 charging points at service stations, car parks, hotels, and other locations.

Charging Times Toyota Proace Electric

The charging time for the Toyota Proace Electric depends on several factors, including battery size, charger type, and initial charge level. Here’s an overview of charging times for different battery options:

1. 50 kWh battery: Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes using a 7.4kW home charger
2. 75 kWh battery: Around 7 hours using a 7.4kW home charger

For rapid charging, the Proace Electric can achieve a 10% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes using a 150kW DC charger under optimal conditions. However, charging times may vary due to factors such as temperature and battery condition.

Compatible Charging Networks

The Toyota Public Charging Network provides a convenient solution for Proace Electric owners. This subscription-based service offers access to thousands of charge points across the UK and Europe, making it easier to manage long journeys. Key features include:

1. Integration with the MyT connected services app
2. Access to over 150,000 public charging stations in Europe
3. Real-time information on station availability, charging speed, and price per kWh
4. Single contract and charging card for multiple countries
5. Consolidated monthly invoice for all charging sessions

Home Charging Options

For daily charging needs, Toyota offers the HomeCharge solution, which provides a reliable and efficient way to charge the Proace Electric at home. The Toyota HomeCharge unit features:

• Type 2 Socket with safety shutter
• Maximum power output of 7.4kW
• RFID and MyToyota authentication methods
• 4G, WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity
• 10-year data plan included
• Over-the-air updates
• 3-year warranty
• Wall or pedestal mounting options

The installation process for the Toyota HomeCharge is straightforward. After ordering a Proace Electric, Toyota’s partner, British Gas, manages the installation. This includes a survey to assess the installation site and liaising with the Distribution Network Operator if required. In addition to home charging, the Proace Electric is compatible with various public charging options:

1. Rapid charging: The fastest option, available at over 4,000 public charge points in the UK
2. Fast charging: Found in many public and workplace car parks, offering quicker charging than standard plugs
3. Slow charging: Available through standard domestic sockets, providing a convenient option when other chargers are unavailable

With these diverse charging capabilities and infrastructure support, the Toyota Proace Electric offers flexibility and convenience for commercial users, ensuring that the van can be charged efficiently to meet various business needs.

Spacious and Versatile Cargo Area

The Toyota Proace Electric stands out as an exceptional business partner, offering unbeatable volume and payload capacity. Its design prioritises practicality and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial applications.

Load Capacity

The Proace Electric boasts impressive cargo volumes, catering to various business needs:

• Proace Medium: 5.8 m³ cargo volume
• Proace Long: 6.6 m³ cargo volume

Both variants can accommodate up to three Euro pallets, showcasing the van’s versatility for different load types. Payload capacity varies depending on the battery configuration:

• 75 kWh battery: Up to 1,000 kg payload
• 50 kWh battery: Up to 1,226 kg payload

This flexibility allows businesses to choose between extended range and increased payload capacity based on their specific requirements. Additionally, the Proace Electric offers a 1,000 kg towing capacity, further enhancing its utility for businesses with diverse transportation needs.

Cargo Dimensions Toyota Proace Electric

The Proace Electric’s cargo area dimensions are identical to its diesel counterpart, as the batteries are cleverly positioned under the floor. Key measurements include:

• Maximum load length to bulkhead: 2,512 mm
• Maximum load length with Smart Cargo: 3,674 mm
• Maximum load height: 1,397 mm
• Maximum load width: 1,628 mm
• Width between wheel arches: 1,258 mm

These dimensions ensure the Proace Electric can handle a wide variety of cargo types and sizes efficiently.

Loading Features

The Proace Electric has been designed with ease of loading in mind:

1. Low-loading floor: Facilitates easy access and reduces strain during loading and unloading.
2. Wide-opening sliding side doors: The sliding side doors have a maximum opening height of 1,241 mm and a width of 935 mm, allowing for convenient side loading of pallets.
3. Rear doors: With a height of 1,220 mm and width of 1,282 mm, the rear doors provide ample access for loading larger items.
4. Smart Cargo system: This innovative feature includes a load-through hatch in the bulkhead and a fold-up front passenger seat. It increases the maximum load length from 2,512 mm to 3,674 mm, allowing the van to transport long, thin items while still accommodating two passengers.
5. Optional load space lining: While not standard, this option is available for added protection of the cargo area.

These features, combined with the Proace Electric’s impressive dimensions and capacity, make it a highly versatile and practical choice for businesses requiring a spacious and adaptable electric van.

Advanced Safety and Technology Features

The Toyota Proace Electric offers a range of advanced safety features and technology options designed to enhance driver comfort, convenience, and safety. While the safety equipment may not be considered cutting-edge, it provides essential protection and assistance for drivers and passengers.

Driver assistance systems

The Proace Electric comes equipped with several standard safety features to ensure a secure driving experience. These include:

• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill-start assist
• Driver and double passenger airbags
• Tyre pressure warning system
• eCall automatic emergency calling system

For enhanced safety, Toyota offers three different packs with additional features:

1. Standard pack:
   • Pre-Collision System
   • Road Sign Assist
   • Lane Keep Assist
   • Cruise Control
   • Driver fatigue warning system
2. Second pack:
   • Automatic High Beam
   • Sway Warning
   • Extended Road Sign Assist system
3. Comprehensive pack:
   • Adaptive Cruise Control
   • Blind Spot Monitor

The Pre-Collision System is particularly noteworthy, as it scans the road ahead for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It alerts the driver with audio and visual warnings if it detects a potential collision, activates brake assistance, and can automatically engage the brakes if the driver fails to respond in time. It’s worth noting that while some competitors offer Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard on higher trim levels, this feature is not available on the Proace Electric, even as an option.

Infotainment options

The Proace Electric comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, offering a user-friendly interface for accessing various functions. Key features include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB and Aux-in connexions

For enhanced functionality, the system can be equipped with navigation and online features, including:

• 3D mapping
• Voice command recognition
• Connected traffic information via TomTom Traffic

Additionally, a head-up display is available, projecting key driving information such as navigation instructions, speed limits, and safety functions directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Connectivity

The Proace Electric offers several connectivity options to keep drivers connected and informed:

• On-board Wi-Fi
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing access to Siri and Google Assistant
• MirrorLink compatibility

For improved safety and ease of manoeuvring, the van is equipped with a rear-view camera that provides:

• 180-degree view
• Overhead dynamic images of the area behind the vehicle
• Static view covering an even wider area (180-degree-plus)

An advanced feature called Smart Active Vision uses two dedicated cameras and a ceiling-mounted 5-inch screen to provide a clear, real-time view behind and alongside the vehicle, effectively allowing the driver to see through the metal panels. These safety and technology features work together to enhance the driving experience, improve safety, and increase connectivity in the Toyota Proace Electric, making it a well-equipped option for commercial use.

Conclusion

The Toyota Proace Electric has a significant impact on the commercial van market, offering a blend of eco-friendly performance and practicality. Its impressive range, versatile cargo area, and advanced safety features make it a strong contender for businesses looking to switch to electric vehicles. The van’s ability to adapt to various commercial needs, from urban deliveries to long-haul transport, showcases its flexibility and potential to meet diverse business requirements. To wrap up, the Proace Electric stands out as a game-changer in the commercial vehicle sector. Its competitive pricing, coupled with government incentives, makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. As the push for sustainability grows, the Toyota Proace Electric is well-positioned to lead the charge in the transition to cleaner, more efficient commercial transportation.

FAQs Toyota Proace Electric

How dependable is the Toyota Proace 2025? The Toyota Proace boasts an excellent reliability score of 792 out of 999, indicating a high level of dependability. What is the driving range of the Toyota Proace Electric? The Toyota Proace Electric can travel up to 205 miles on a single charge, under optimal conditions*. How often should the Toyota Proace Electric be serviced? The Proace Electric should be serviced every 25,000 miles or every two years, whichever occurs first. Does the Toyota Proace utilise a Toyota-manufactured engine? No, the engines in the Toyota Proace are supplied by Stellantis, which is the parent company of Citroën, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and others. Toyota offers two engine options: a 1.5-litre engine available with either 100bhp or 120bhp, and a 2.0-litre engine offered with either 120bhp or 174bhp. In contrast, Stellantis brand customers have four engine options to choose from.