Battle of the Tippers: Fiat E-Ducato vs Peugeot e-Boxer
If you keep up to date with the latest news within the market of vans, or even the vehicle sector in general, then you’ll likely be aware that vans are following in the footsteps of cars and becoming electrified. Of course, one van doesn’t fit all purposes, which is why electric vans are being made available in multiple body types and variants – one such variant that is particularly popular with tradespeople is the tipper van.
Looking, then, at some examples of electric tipper vans, in this review we will be comparing the Fiat E-Ducato Tipper and the Peugeot E-Boxer Tipper, so that you can have an idea how each of these vans perform and whether either may be a suitable fit for your needs. Read on below as we delve right in.
Engines and Spec
Just like combustion vehicles can drive so many miles on a full tank of fuel, the case is the same with electric vehicles, only they run on electric charge, instead. There are multiple factors that can affect this maximum distance that they can manage on a full charge, one of which being the battery size that they are fitted with.
Both the E-Ducato and the e-Boxer come with the option for two different battery sizes to configure your van with. Looking first at the E-Ducato, this offers a 47kWh battery, which allows for a generous range of up to 142 miles, or a 79kWh battery, which offers an even more impressive 230 miles of driving range. This makes it an ideal van for travelling in rural areas or along motorways, even with heavy payloads. This can be especially useful for those working in construction and often carry out newbuild projects in remote areas that are accessed by dual carriageways or motorways.
As for the e-Boxer, this is somewhat more limited. The smaller battery provides 37kWh of power, which equates to a mere 73 miles in range, whilst the larger 75kWh battery offers a more reasonable 154 miles. Though these are notably lower than that of the E-Ducato, this isn’t necessarily a negative thing; for example, if you predominantly drive your tipper van in busy urban areas where traffic is very stop-start or exclusively drive it on-site at your place of work, then these ranges are more than suitable for your driving requirements, especially helped by battery recuperation.
When it comes to charging these vehicles, there are multiple charging options that you could utilise. The most convenient daily option is to use a home installed 7.4kW AC wallbox charger, which will charge the E-Ducato in eight hours and the e-Boxer in six (for the smaller batteries of each), although there is also the option for a 22kW AC charger, which will charge the E-Ducato in eight hours and the e-Boxer in five (for the larger batteries).
As for charging in public, then both vans can be charged by DC rapid charging. Though more expensive, this does as the name suggests and will charge the batteries much faster, which is especially convenient when you’re caught in a pinch when driving and in need of a quick power boost. For the E-Ducato, this will be charged up to 80% in between 50 minutes to an hour and 25 minutes, depending on the battery size, while both batteries in the e-Boxer can reach 80% charge in an hour.
Interior
In terms of loading space, both these vans offer sufficient space for all your loading and unloading needs. With the e-Boxer Tipper, there are two wheelbases available and the tipper body itself is highly functional, with dual locking on the tailboard for either through or over tipping and a high tensile steel platform to resist damage or denting from loads such as aggregates.
The E-Ducato Tipper offers even more loading options, being available with four different wheelbases, which we discuss in more depth in our E-Ducato Tipper review. Though the payload of this van depends on the configuration you opt for, the chassis cab itself has a maximum permitted payload of 2,100kg on the front axle and 2,400kg on the rear, which are certainly generous figures to be working with.
Looking next at the interiors of these vans, as much as their practicality as tipper vans is important, so, too, is their practicality and comfort to drive. The E-Ducato should certainly be one of your considerations if you’re looking for a cabin that offers this in abundance; there are plenty of storage solutions throughout and an integrated 5” touchscreen infotainment system in the centre console as standard, though this increases to 7” if you go for the eTechno trim of this van, which then includes additional connectivity features.
In comparison, the E-Boxer is also practical, though it does come with its quirks being a third-party conversion (as we discuss in our more in-depth e-Boxer Tipper review). Its digital infotainment system is somewhat fiddly to use, however does include bluetooth and navigation as standard, and there is plenty of space for two passengers thanks to the dual passenger bench and the removal of a gear stick that has instead been replaced with button controls.
The Verdict
If you’re on the market for a tipper van that can manage loads with ease, is quiet and practical to drive and is environmentally friendly, then both of these vans could be ideal for you. If you require your tipper to make longer journeys and carry excessively large loads for bigger construction jobs, then our personal recommendation to you would be the E-Ducato Tipper, whilst we’d recommend the e-Boxer Tipper for those in urban areas carrying out slightly smaller jobs and often exclusively use their tipper van on-site.
If either sounds right for you, then visit Van Sale UK to avoid the large expense of purchasing them outright. We offer both vans brand new and on low rate, zero deposit finance.
Get in touch with us today for more information regarding the finance options we can offer you.
