The Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo electric vans (the same vehicle) have been around for a while now. But so far they’ve only been available in the shorter L1 wheelbase offered by the firm’s on its diesel models.

The companies say that in response to customer demand, the Berlingo/Partner electric van will now be available in a choice of L1 and L2 wheelbases. Choosing the L2 option will enable van operators to extend available load length from 1,800mm to 2,050mm and load volume from 3.3 cubic metres to 3.7 cubic metres.

The Citroen Berlingo electric van in L2 (long) wheelbase.

The battery packs are fitted beneath the floor in this model, meaning that loadspace is the same as in the diesel models.

Faster charging

Both models will also benefit from being supplied with a 16A charging cable as standard. This enables the vans to be hooked up to fast charging points for more rapid recharging.

The 22.5kWh litihium-ion battery backs fitted to these models provide a range of up to 106 miles. They can be charged to 80% of capacity in 30 minutes from a dedicated rapid charge point.

Under the bonnet of the Citroen Berlingo electric van.

The Partner/Berlingo is eligible for the Plug in Van Grant (PiVG) from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). Prices for both vans start from £22,180 +VAT. All vans are exempt from road tax and will continue to be so under new tax VED rules from April 2017.

A new Berlingo Electric L2 550 LX will be displayed on the Citroën stand at the CV Show in April. I’m heading to the show so I’ll try and get a photo.