Citroen E-Relay Tipper vs Volkswagen E-Crafter Tipper

If you’re in the market for a new light commercial vehicle, an electric van can make for an excellent choice. Compared to diesel, electric vans can be more cost-effective, economical, and environmentally friendly. This has led to many manufacturers “electrifying” popular models into sustainable e-vans.

Citroen and Volkswagen are two exemplary examples of this. Citroen’s E-Relay is an electric version of their popular Relay van and Volkswagen’s E-Crafter is an electric version of their widely-praised Crafter. By being electric vehicles, both conversions offer benefits for commercial users one might struggle to find with diesel van models.

For those who need a van to transport heavy, large, and awkward materials, a tipper could be the variant for you. Consisting of the traditional cab up front, the rear of the van has a trailer which lifts upwards and downwards, making the loading and unloading of contents easier and more efficient. Tipper variants are popular in the construction, agriculture, and waste management industries, as they are versatile vehicles which can effortlessly carry heavy, loose loads.

We’ve pitted together two excellent electric tipper vans, the Citroen E-Relay and Volkswagen E-Crafter, to learn more about each vehicle and find out which suits you and your commercial needs most effectively.

Engines and Spec

Beginning with the Citroen E-Relay Tipper, the French manufacturer’s e-van has a 90kW power output, making it zippy for intercity travelling and comfortable with higher-speed motorway driving. With a battery capacity of 44kWh, the E-Relay has an impressive driving range of 154 miles, perfectly adequate for most commercial vehicle needs. Not only this, the battery can be charged up to 80% within an hour, helping keep you on the road for longer and ensuring as little time as possible is wasted within the day.

The Volkswagen E-Crafter, on the other hand, whilst having a larger power output of 100kW, is fitted with a smaller 35kW lithium-ion battery. This results in a smaller driving range compared to the Citroen, managing 107 miles from 100% charge. Whilst only two-thirds of the Citroen, the Volkswagen’s 107-mile range nonetheless fits the requirements for many commercial uses. Furthermore, the E-Crafter’s battery can be charged up to 80% in a mere 45 minutes, somewhat compensating for the lesser overall driving range.

Payload capacity is an essential factor for successful tipper variants, something both the Citroen E-Relay Tipper and Volkswagen E-Crafter Tipper excel in. However, the Citroen’s payload of 1,150kg is trumped by the Volkswagen’s mighty 1,327kg. Even though both demonstrate great payload figures, the Volkswagen E-Crafter holds a greater versatility in the weight and type of materials that can be carried.

Both vans boast thoughtful build quality and a strong focus on driver comfort, with sturdy cargo beds and smooth rides from a low centre of gravity. This is especially important for tipper variants, as it makes the vehicle feel stable and planted onto the road, ensuring the safety of you, your vehicle, and the materials that you’re transporting – even in changeable conditions.

Interior

The Citroen E-Relay’s build quality persists when moving inside the vehicle’s cabin. With comprehensive soundproofing and attention to detail in the dashboard’s design, the E-Relay provides a comfortable driving experience over long distances.

The E-Relay’s interior is spacious for both driver and passengers, also providing convenient storage compartments with a large glovebox and door pockets. There are also no fewer than 11 driving assistance systems pre-installed with the van, also including features such as reversing cameras, automatic windscreen wipers, and reinforced suspension.

The Volkswagen E-Crafter’s interior is equally as spacious as the Citroen’s, but the German manufacturer supplies a little more class and prestige in its design. Storage is plentiful, with three-open top compartments and a central storage compartment in the split-level dashboard. The dashboard itself balances futurist quality with functionality, featuring an infotainment system and simple-to-operate analogue dials.

The Volkswagen’s driver safety features include post-collision braking and crosswind assistance, as well as LED headlights, automatic air-conditioning, and seat heating – the seats themselves being of luxurious quality.

The Verdict

Overall, both the Citroen E-Relay Tipper and Volkswagen E-Crafter Tipper represent excellent choices for an electric commercial vehicle. Comparing the two is a difficult proposition. The E-Relay has a great driving range, sturdy build quality, and a smooth and comfortable ride. The E-Crafter, whilst it lacks the driving range, has a superior payload to the E-Relay and features a more luxurious interior and more comprehensive driver safety features.

If you’re interested in either of these electric vans, they are available from Van Sales UK in a range of variants, including tippers. Van Sales UK also stocks an array of new, used, electric, and diesel vehicles that can meet any commercial requirement.

Feel free to take a look through our online showroom to find out more about the vehicles available from Van Sales UK. If you have any questions or queries, you can get in touch with us today by calling 0117 205 2980.