Luton: Ford E-Transit vs Vauxhall Movano-e
Why choose a Luton van? Well, if you’re looking for a commercial van that has the capacity of a lorry but the agility of a smaller vehicle, look no further than the Luton. Favoured by removal specialists, delivery drivers, logistics firms and small business owners, this practical transportation has ensured that goods and services are delivered on time since the mid-20th century.
Of course, now we’ve moved firmly into the 21st century, things have changed up a gear. Due to increased environmental concerns and the prevalence of low emission zones across the country, electric vehicles are firmly on trend. And consequently, this rise and rise of the electric vehicle in recent years has meant that any major car manufacturer has had to add a serious electric offering into their repertoire.
Both Ford and Vauxhall are household names with quality electric van offerings. Ford has been supplying the Ford Transit to customers around the world since 1965. They went electric in 2020 the E-Transit, a battery-powered electric cargo van, and recently released a new model in 2023. Vauxhall began offering fully electric vans across its range in 2021 and aims to move to fully electric vehicles by 2028.
Engines and Spec
When we put these two vehicles side by side, the numbers really do the talking. Clean and powerful, the Ford E-Transit has a 68kWh battery which has a driving range of nearly 200 miles on a full charge. Compare this with the 90kWh electric motor of the Vauxhall Movano-e which has a slightly lower range of 154 miles per charge but can reach speeds of up to 75 mph. Distance or speed, it’s up to you.
Another key point of comparison when choosing an electric Luton van is payload. The Vauxhall Movano-e has three sizes of panel van available as well as a chassis cab for different body variants so can be tailored to suit your specific needs. The smallest panel has an average payload of 710 kg, which makes it suitable for urban areas but less so for long distance transportation.
The Ford E-Transit has a gross payload of 1758kg as well as 15.1 cubic metres of cargo storage: numbers that surely won’t disappoint. Using a unibody chassis design instead of a separate frame, the payload capacity is increased by up to 600 pounds. The Luton overhang is accessible from the back of the van and can be used to store smaller goods, with the main body great for larger loads. Electric vans have traditionally been somewhat inferior in terms of payload, due to the increased weight of the corresponding lithium batteries, though this certainly isn’t an issue with the Ford E-Transit.
Interior
Innovative and modern, the Ford E-Transit has a notable amount of tech and gadgets.
The digital information display on the E-Transit’s dashboard is easy to read and also features an electronic screen to offer you key insights into your vehicle, allowing the driver to alter their driving style accordingly. Drivers can even stay connected with an integrated 12” touchscreen infotainment system, with Ford being quite advanced in terms of modern vehicle connectivity features, such as compatibility with Apple CarPlay. Read more about the finer details of the Ford E-Transit in our full review here.
In contrast to the Ford, the Vauxhall Movano-e is a more simple yet practical design. With plenty of storage for tools and valuable items, the vehicle is well adapted for the realities of most day to day van usage, which often entails moving items in and out of the chassis on a regular basis. With fewer flashy features, there is less risk of smashing or breakage, and so the Movano-e is a good option for those who just want a van to be a van, rather than a roadside office.
That’s not to say that the Vauxhall Movano-e is lacking. It has buttons for gears and a 5 inch touchscreen infotainment display and in-built navigation system. The vehicle also comes with Vauxhall Connect that features e-Call and b-Call emergency and breakdown technology. For further information about this van and its interior, read our full review here.
The Verdict
If you need a van that performs well in urban environments, then the Vauxhall Movano-e Luton is the commercial vehicle for you. It’s ideal for delivery drivers and tradesmen who need to make regular stops and require a large loading space for goods, tools and materials. On the other hand, if you are looking for a van with more of a wow factor along with the impressive cargo space and payload, perhaps you’d prefer the Ford E-Transit Luton.
Van Sales UK has the brand new Ford E-Transit Luton available with low rate, zero deposit finance, starting from £499 plus VAT. Significantly cheaper, the Vauxhall Movano-e Luton is also available at the starting point of £309 plus VAT.
We know that purchasing electric vans can be expensive, so we have a range of options available to help shoulder the cost. If you are interested in what you’ve read but want to know more about our purchasing, leasing and financing options or want to find out more about other electric vans that we have in stock, then get in contact with Van Sales UK today!
