Fiat Ducato Van vs Fiat E-Ducato Electric Van
Electric or Diesel?
With the rise in clean air zones and a push towards aiding the environment, there has been plenty of debate about what type of van is best for use, electric or diesel. A lot of vehicle manufacturers now offer a range of vehicles in both of these categories, so when looking at a new van to buy it is essential to compare whether the electric or diesel option will be great for you.
The Fiat Ducato is a light commercial vehicle that has been on the market since 1981 in its original iteration. The first generation of the van was only available in diesel or petrol variations and was an extremely popular vehicle. It has gone through numerous generations and facelifts over the years, with the most recent being a 2014 facelift and numerous new features added since then.
Along with the diesel vehicle, Fiat announced an electric version of the van in July 2019, the Fiat e-Ducato. It then launched in April 2021, offering the great features people had come to expect from the Ducato but in a modern, electric version.
Read on to find out more about both models of the van, and make up your mind which version is best suited for you and your business.
Engines and Spec
First off, let’s cover what you can expect from the diesel Fiat Ducato in terms of engine and spec. We’ve previously mentioned the numerous facelifts the van has undergone, and this stretches to the engine as well. The all-new Ducato features an innovative 2.2-litre engine, replacing the 2.3-litre that was previously installed. While this may seem like a reduction, the slightly smaller engine offers the exact same torque and horsepower as the larger model, using cutting-edge technology to make it smaller and more efficient.
As mentioned in our review of the Fiat Ducato, it can produce either 120, 140 or 160 bhp depending on what precise model you go for, and comes with an added option of a 9-speed gearbox on some models. 9 speeds allow for a far smoother ride and will help with your fuel consumption. In terms of fuel consumption, the Ducato can return between 34-38 mpg depending on the mode.
Moving onto the e-Ducato, which is powered by either a 47 or 79 kW-hr battery. With these battery sizes, you can expect a range of up to 235 miles and 370 miles respectively, which is a great range for an electric vehicle. Three driving modes allow you to control the way you drive your van. The Normal setting is best for everyday use while slipping into Eco will limit how much power you use, increasing the range of the vehicle. Finally, there’s the Power mode, most suitable if you’re carrying a heavy load.
