Guide to EV Minivans

The electric car industry is evolving at an incredible rate, with more EVs (electric vehicles) hitting the market all the time. Their traction is also on the increase as more people look to reduce their carbon footprint and go hybrid or electric.

The popularity of EVs means that more car brands are jumping on the electric bandwagon, giving drivers plenty more to choose from. You’re more likely to find your favorite style and functionality in an EV than ever before. Those with families might choose an electric minivan that allows them to do the school run, get to soccer practice and take part in carpools – all while being more energy efficient.

Read on to learn more about some of the best electric minivans on the market and how they perform.

What is a minivan?

A minivan is a large passenger vehicle designed for carrying more people than standard cars. It will usually have modular seats that can add an extra row for reconfiguration, increasing seating capacity to up to three rows. Minivans can often seat up to eight or nine people and have large sliding or hinged rear side doors for access.

The first electric minivan was released in the US market by Chrysler in 1993. The TEVan model was based on the already successful Dodge Caravan and became a huge hit with consumers. Decades later, the Nissan e-NV200 became the first electric seven-passenger minivan in 2015, following the introduction of the smaller compact EV van in the same range in 2013.

The key attributes of a minivan or MPV include:

• Large rear doors
• Additional rows of seating
• More space and legroom
• Higher roof
• Large trunk space

Minivans can be useful alternatives to an SUV or pickup truck, ideal for larger families or storing large items such as work or sports equipment. However, sedans or compact SUVs might be more suitable for those who do most of their driving in the city.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Based on the iconic VW Bus, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be released in 2024 with five seats – though Volkswagen promises a seven-seater model in the future. Here’s what it has to offer:

• Five or seven seats
• 86kWh battery
• 282 horsepower (base model)
• 330 horsepower (dual-motor all-wheel-drive model)
• Up to 260 miles per charge

If you’re looking for a reliable car brand with iconic style, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a great choice. The all-electric minivan is expected to sell at a starting price of $40,000.

Citroen e-SpaceTourer

The Citroen e-SpaceTourer is a versatile vehicle that’s easily reconfigurable to create plenty of space in the trunk if you don’t need the maximum passenger capacity. Here’s what it offers:

• Seats up to nine passengers
• 100kWh rapid charging
• Up to 136 miles of range

This EV minivan is a practical vehicle for work, family life and hobbies. Although it delivers less mileage on a single charge than some of its competitors, you can fully charge it in just seven and a half hours.

Toyota Sienna Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Sienna is a reliable hybrid minivan with great fuel economy and a comfortable interior. The hybrid powertrain helps to deliver excellent gas mileage up to 36 miles per gallon in the city. Here’s what to expect:

• Seats up to eight passengers
• 245 horsepower hybrid powertrain
• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
• Towing capacity of 3,500 pounds

Boasting a premium interior and smooth handling, the Toyota Sienna is a great option for families. It’s available in six trims which vary in price and extra features. The base trim is built with a nine-inch touch screen, driver assistance features and power sliding doors.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica is a spacious and fuel-efficient hybrid minivan with plenty of tech and safety features. As a plug-in hybrid with all-electric driving, fuel economy is one of its best advantages. The Pacifica offers:

• Seats up to seven passengers
• V6 engine with two electric motors (84kW and 63kW)
• 260 horsepower powertrain
• Front-wheel drive only

Delivering fantastic gas mileage, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid returns the equivalent of 82 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Gas mileage returns 30 miles per gallon. You can also expect an all-electric driving range of 32 miles – ideal for local commuting.

If you think an electric minivan might be the best option for your family, you’ll need to consider what features you need for your lifestyle. Do you value passenger and cargo space or fuel economy? Does the make and model matter?

Not sure if a minivan is the way to go? Check out these other EVs you might want to consider too:

• Hatchbacks
• Sedans
• Sports cars
• Grand Tourers
• Supercars
• Micro/City cars
• SUVs
• Pickups
• Crossovers
• Coupes
• Vans