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New Ducato is the largest of the new LCV range from Fiat Professional and is offered with a wheelbase of up to 4.04m and total length of 6.36m. Customers can choose from three different lengths, two wheelbases, three heights and a variety of body styles.
Fiat’s reputation as the campervan chassis of choice is well-founded as the large van has the best size and carrying capacity in its class. With load capacity of up to 17 m3 and massive payloads of up to 1,695kg, the E-Ducato (and its Citroen E-Relay and Peugeot E-Boxer siblings) is the undisputed king of cargo.
It’s not just the sheer size of the van but its use of the space with 210mm loadspace within the same external length than its rivals. The largest versions can transport a massive 4070mm length.
Like the rear, the cabin makes clever use of the space, fitting a lot of storage into its dash, deep door pockets and overhead shelf. The new “Eat&Work” middle seat doubles as a useable table top either a laptop or your lunch with cupholders and storage for pens and other bits. There’s a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation and voice recognition, as well as smart phone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a spacious interior with good visibility, but many of the materials feel cheap and its appearance is rather drab.
Running costs
Operating a large van is never cheap but as an electric van it can be surprisingly cost-effective. The E-Ducato has a large 110kWh battery which has a claimed range of up to 261 miles. The downside of that is that it will cost a good deal to charge, particularly using a third party rapid charging network. On the plus side an 0-80% charge can take just 55 minutes. It’s also not a cheap van to buy. For the entry-level van at £50,235 (ex VAT) for the entry-level panel van you’re also getting a lot of van for the money.
The Ducato has enjoyed a brilliant reputation over the years and has regularly topped the sales charts in Europe for the large van segment. Despite Fiat’s somewhat patchy reputation for reliability, the Ducato has been a well put together vehicle for much of its 40-plus years on sale, sharing that reputation with its long-standing counterparts the Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer. While it has only been available as an electric van for a short while, the E-Ducato seems to have maintained that solid reliability.
Performance
Big vans need plenty of power and the E-Ducato doesn’t disappoint with a 200kW (272hp) motor producing 410Nm of torque. The new 110kWh battery’s 261 mile range is a 30% improvement on the previous model and rapid charging of up to 150kW ensures it can stay on the road for longer. The new battery is joined by a revised electric motor that provides a more rapid response which very evident from the moment you press the pedal. Even under a heft load, it springs to life and shows no sign of slowing.
Overtime the Ducato has morphed into a quietly capable van, winning a lot of its fans with the way it drives. Although the electric model had removed many of the attributes that have seen it become so well regarded like its punchy automatic gearbox, what remains is a well balance and comfortable chassis with neat handling and given its size, surprisingly good body control. The big batteries under the floor lower the van’s centre of gravity and improve the dynamism of even further.
Safety has taken a huge step forward, most notably on what is now fitted as standard. A rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and speed sign recognition with intelligent speed assist are all now on the base model. Other options mean that the E-Ducato is now also a level two autonomous vehicle when specified with an auto ‘box. It gets adaptive cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ function, as well as lane positioning assist to allow the Ducato to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph. There’s also drowsiness detection and emergency braking systems designed to detect pedestrains and cyclists.
There are two options of trim available with a base-level Ducato and top-spec Primo. The 10-inch screen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster and both standard on the electric van, along with keyless entry and start. Electric heated mirrors, cruise control and automatic air condition round-off the standard package. Primo spec adds all of the autonomous driving functionality (see safety).
An electric van wouldn’t be complete without some sort of power tool charging function, which is why there’s now an optional 230V socket in the dash to help charge electoral items like laptops or tool batteries up to 150 Watts.
It’s one of the most celebrated large vans in Europe and while Brits often prefer a Transit, the Ducato has plenty to offer. As an electric van the E-Ducato is has an impressive payload, big volumes and a decent range. There’s also a good deal of choice with three wheelbase lengths and two heights – choice that many competitors don’t yet offer.
The E-Ducato is powered by an electric motor producing 272PS and 410Nm of torque. Thanks to a new 110kWh battery, E-Ducato can cover up to 261 miles (WLTP) on a single charge and is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11kW onboard charger. It is capable of charging at 150kW from a DC rapid charger, enabling a 0-80% charge in just 55 minutes.
Additional practicality is provided by a new, optional 230V socket, positioned conveniently in the centre of the dashboard. This helps to easily charge electrical devices such as laptops, electric tool batteries, tablets and other low power appliances that require electricity up to 150 Watts.
The New Ducato is also available with a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine producing 140PS and paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. A 180PS version can also be specified with the automatic gearbox.
An extensive array of safety systems is included as standard on the New Ducato, including a rear-view parking camera, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed assist. The Ducato is also capable of level two autonomous driving (available on automatic models in conjunction with specific option packs). The combination of adaptive cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ function, lane positioning assist and traffic jam assist enables the Ducato to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph - for example in slow traffic – provided that the driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel.
Inside, New E-Ducato is fitted with a 10-inch touchscreen featuring fully integrated satellite navigation, voice recognition and Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™. Meanwhile, the diesel versions feature a five-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth® and DAB radio, combined with a 3.5-inch driver information display.
For greater comfort and convenience, E-Ducato benefits from keyless entry and go, an electronic parking brake and automatic air conditioning.
Pricing for New Ducato begins at £30,315 (exc. VAT), whilst E-Ducato list price starts at £44,485 (exc. VAT and incl. Plug-in Van Grant).
Fiat has made some important updates to the E-Ducato with more range and an improved interior. It’s a great van to drive, comfortable to be in and at the more affordable end of the large van spectrum. Its line-up is also amongst the best in the market with a wide selection of sizes.
