Range boosters: The top 5 hybrid vans

From MPG heroes to all-electric runners, hybrid vans are bridging the gap as the UK transitions from ICE to zero-emission powertrains. Currently an elusive option: here are our top hybrid van picks. 

Change is afoot in the van market. Electric vans may be looming on the horizon, but based on current trends, for many people that is where they will remain — for the time being anyway. With range anxiety, lacking infrastructure, and practicality concerns continuing to stall many peoples’ EV leap of faith, diesel power remains dominant. But, there is another option out there: hybrid vans.

There is only a small selection of hybrid vans on the market, filling the middle ground between ICE and electric powertrains, and in many ways, offering the best of both worlds. With boosted range, reduced fuel costs, and in some cases the ability to run on full electric power, these are our top five hybrid vans.

5. Ford Transit

We all know the Ford Transit. Reliable, versatile, durable… But did you know the latest iteration has a ‘segment-first’ mild hybrid (MHEV) option?

By hooking a 48-volt battery pack up to the Transit’s 2-litre diesel engine, Ford have added ‘fuel efficient’ to the large LCV’s list of strengths. Unlocking an additional 3% in efficiency compared to the straight diesel variant, jumping up to 8% in stop-start situations, the big Transit is now optimised for city environments. Although designed to take a little weight off the engine rather than amping it up, the hybrid system does also boost torque and initial responsiveness, further lending itself to the last mile delivery game.

The mild hybrid system also steers clear of any plug-in faff for those without easy access to EV charging points. And for those expanding beyond city driving, MHEVs tend to be more efficient than plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) if they end up hauling an empty battery by the end of their shift.

4. Toyota Corolla Commercial

Filling the void left by the dearly departed Ford Fiesta Van and the Vauxhall Astravan, the Toyota Corolla Commercial is indeed a van — and a car-derived hybrid one at that. Its pros and cons are intrinsically linked to the Corolla Touring Sports estate at its base, which has had its rear windows blanked-out and set in place, carpets removed, rear seats swapped out for a tough loading bay, and a bulkhead installed. 

Benefitting from hybrid tech tried and tested in the car market, Toyota have created the ‘first self-charging full hybrid electric van’, boosting the fuel economy of the 1.8-litre petrol powertrain to a smooth running 64.2 mpg. As you might expect, it also offers car-like handling and a comfy interior.

However, as it is basically a car, cargo capacity is limited to 1.3m³, and the payload to 425 kg, meaning that although it is economical and practical for everyday use, the versatility of a true van base has not been replicated.

3. Volkswagen Caddy eHybrid

While we wait for 2025’s hybrid powered Volkswagen Transporter to arrive, there is another plug-in hybrid van which we’ve got our fingers crossed will reach the UK as part of VW's partnership with Ford: the Volkswagen Caddy eHybrid.

As a fully-fledged plug-in hybrid van, the eHybrid seems set to thrive in urban environments. When stuck in traffic, you can stop the Caddy’s 1.5-litre engine from sipping costly petrol, relying on the relatively cheap electric power to stop-start to your destination. This should be possible throughout the average shift, as there is up to 76 miles of emissions free pure-electric range which you can select to use (or not to use) at any time.

The catch? Well, the 19.7 kwh battery can be topped up using fast chargers up to 50 kw or 11 kw wall boxes, but unfortunately not everyone has convenient access to these just yet. Oh, and it’s only available in Europe just now, but given its links to the Ford Transit Connect, we reckon that won’t remain the case for too long.

2. LEVC VN5

Known for their taxis, London Electric Vehicle Company have broadened their horizons in recent years, creating the VN5. This commercial van borrows heavily from the popular TX black cab model in more than just the looks department; in addition to being one paintjob and an orange light away from being hailed down, it’s also inherited some handy hybrid tech.

The VN5 is unique beyond its head turning potential, as despite its marketing as a 31 kwh EV, there’s also a 1.5-litre petrol engine tucked beneath the bonnet. Using this ICE engine as a range extender for the electric motor which powers the rear axle, the 61-mile pure-electric driving range is beefed up to around the 300-mile mark with a full tank of petrol.

In short, the VN5 is a PHEV in all but name, capable of covering many people’s 9 to 5s on electric power alone, without the range anxiety. Combine that with the ability to use chargers all the way up to 50 kw, a cargo capacity up to 5.5m³, as well as an 830 kg payload, and it might just make it worth braving the inevitable question of “how much for a lift to the airport?” 

1. Ford Transit Custom

Our second hybrid Ford Transit of choice (and making our list a blue oval sandwich) is the Ford Transit Custom plug-in hybrid. A variant of the UK’s best-selling van, the second generation of PHEV Transit Custom has driven itself to the forefront of the hybrid van market. 

Combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine and 11.8 kwh battery for a pure-electric range just shy of 35 miles, the PHEV Custom’s zero emissions capabilities do fall short of some of our previous entries. 

So, what does it have over the competition? Versatility. Tacking extended range onto the renowned handling and adaptability offered by Ford’s rock-solid all-rounder, we reckon this is the most practical hybrid van out there just now. Although there is a minimal trade off in payload (898 kg net down from its diesel counterpart’s 939 kg) due to the battery which it lugs around, there is still a handy 5.8m³ of load space. And with a weighted overall fuel consumption of 176.6 mpg, it should help you save a few quid as well.

Are there any hybrid vans we’ve missed from our list? Mild, plug-in, and anything in between — we’d love to hear your hybrid van of choice.

Hero image credit: Ford