Those in the electrical industry looking for a fully electric van have another new option available to them, as Fiat has opened the order book for the E-Ducato.
The Fiat E-Ducato is a 100% electric vehicle, boasting a choice between two batteries, a 47kWh option or 79kWh. This means the van is good for between 146 and 230 miles, depending on which option chosen.
Fiat says that it created the E-Ducato to enable customers to receive all the benefits of having zero tailpipe emissions with the versatility of a large LCV. It can carry a payload of up to 1,885kg and maintains the same volume as the standard polluting Ducato, with the back measuring 10m3 and 17m3.
What options are available with the Fiat E-Ducato
In addition to the aforementioned battery sizes, the E-Ducato is also available in two trim levels – standard and eTecnico – and three main configurations – goods van, chassis cab and passenger van.
The goods van will be of most interest to those in the electrical industry, and it’s not a one-size-fits all affair. In fact, the goods van is available in three different heights 2309mm 2579mm and 2814mm, as well as three different lengths 5413mm, 5998mm and 6363mm.
In terms of interior fit-out, the standard trim level offers a 5in touchscreen with DAB Radio and Bluetooth as standard, as well as automatic climate control, a tablet holder, a USB charging port, fixed full width steel bulkhead, electric heated mirrors, convertors plug, LED lighting in the load area and twin leaf suspension.
Those wishing to upgrade to eTecnico will find a 7in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a SatNav, as well as a rear parking camera with reverse parking sensors, embroidered headrests, front fog lights, heated electrically folding doors mirrors, LED daytime running lights, a leather steering wheel and chrome air vent surrounds.
Both trim levels come with a range of safety equipment, including lane departure warning system, advanced emergency braking, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Recognition (HBR), Rain & Dusk Sensors (RDS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and a driver’s air bag. You get slightly more safety gear in the upgraded model, however, with both blind spot and rear cross path detection offered.
One option that those constantly on the move may want to consider is the different charging modes available. Fiat offers both 7kW and 11kW on-board chargers. Obviously the 11kW charger will help charge the van faster, offering the ability to fully charge the 79kWh battery in just four hours.
Unfortunately, the rapid charging ability of the E-Ducato is limited to just 50kW, those wanting either faster charging option should look at something like the Vauxhall E-Vivaro, which British Gas just acquired thousands more.
Purchasing and total cost of ownership
Orders for the 100% electric Fiat E-Ducato are now open, priced from £47,675 excluding VAT (after the Government PiVG).
Every E-Ducato receives a 12 month subscription to Mopar Connect. This smartphone application provides help 24 hours a day via its crash assistance service, to identify the impact and send the GPS position of E-Ducato to its operations centre.
Mopar Connect Theft Assistance is able to detect unauthorised towing or tampering of the device and can receive assistance from a my:Assistant operator. After having reported the theft, the operators will provide the GPS coordinates and will immobilise the engine when the vehicle stops to facilitate recovery. Roadside Assistance is also available via Mopar Connect.
