Toyota Proace Max Electric Review 2024

One of the major benefits for Toyota in forming an LCV alliance with Stellantis was ready access to a range of electric vans, helping the company in its Zero-Emission Vehicle targets while at the same time expanding its fleet appeal – but how does the new Toyota Proace Max electric measure up, and does it makes sense for you? Read our comprehensive Toyota Proace Max road test to find out.

Launched in 2024, the Toyota Proace Max Electric is the Japanese company’s large electric van – a beneficiary of Toyota’s shared van venture with the owner of Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Vauxhall.

In essence, the Toyota Proace Max Electric is the same van as the Peugeot e-Boxer, Citroen e-Relay, Fiat e-Ducato and Vauxhall Movano Electric, and is based on the 3.5t large panel van body that was introduced way back in 2006.

It’s a spacious and competent van, but was never originally designed to be electric – the plug-in battery pack and motor having been developed by Stellantis Group to be integrated beneath the body. The next generation of large electric van from Stellantis will have a more integral, multi-brand approach as per the group’s smaller models, but for now the existing large van soldiers on, albeit extensively revised inside and out as well as benefitting from a viable electric power option and, for the first time in its life, Toyota branding – and there are quality criteria that mean that name isn’t given out lightly.

The Toyota Proace Max Electric is powered by an electric motor producing 272PS and 400Nm of torque with a 110kWh battery, meaning it can cover up to 261 miles (WLTP) on a single charge and is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11kW onboard charger.

It can also be charged at 150kW from a DC rapid charger, enabling a 0-80% charge in 55 minutes.

Just one wheelbase is available at 4.04m, but with two body lengths (named L3 and L4, the latter with a larger rear overhang). A chassis cab version is also available along with a platform cab for motorhome and minibus conversions.

The panel vans models are offered as standard or high-roof versions, with a maximum load volume of 17 cubic metres.

Visually, the Toyota Proace Max Electric differs from its sister models with a distinct bumper and grille arrangement, but is otherwise little different to the Stellantis-branded models, with full LED front headlights and redesigned rear lights.

Inside, there’s a new multifunction steering wheel, dashboard, seat fabrics, and door panels, along with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 3D TomTom Connected Navigation. Automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger and keyless entry and start provide further comfort and convenience. Additional practicality is provided by an optional 230V socket in the centre of the dashboard for powering electrical devices such as laptops, batteries and tablets up to 150 Watts.

Also of great appeal to small business and SME users will be Toyota’s class-leading 10-year/120,000 mile warranty, as well as those looking for an electric van to turn into a camper.

There’s only one battery option on the Toyota Proace Max Electric, but it’s a good one.

The 110kWh battery pack feeds a 272PS electric motor giving 410Nm of instant torque, so the van feels lively even when fully laden. It has a WLTP-tested range of 261 miles, which is pretty impressive for a large electric van and this will further boost its appeal to some users.

There are three driving modes: “Normal” (limited to 160 kW power output), “Eco” for range optimisation (120 kW) and “Power” for full performance (200 kW). Whichever mode you’re in, the kick-down function of the throttle will automatically select Power if you’re joining a slip road, for example, so the third setting is largely redundant.

There are also four different levels of regenerative braking, selectable using paddles behind the steering wheel. The most powerful of these will slow the van to walking pace and can feed a fair chunk of boost back to the battery, though it does make for slightly jerky progress until you get used to it.

There are also multiple driver assistance systems including traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with emergency braking and side blind-spot alert, drowsiness alert, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking sensors, parking assist and Stellantis Group’s new ‘Dynamic Surround View’ digital rear view mirror, which projects two camera images from the rear of the van to the driver’s eyeline. It’s clever stuff, but more useful in dynamic driving rather than for parking and manoeuvring, where the lens curvature of the cameras makes distances deceptive.

The new tech is welcome and on paper makes the Toyota Proace Max Electric look cutting edge, but the reality is that it’s still based on an old van and it’s hard to hide the age of the basic vehicle from which it derived - the bouncy ride, overly-firm rear end when unladen and somewhat vague steering mean that the dynamic package can’t match the technological one. Rivals such as the Mercedes e-Sprinter are sharper and more modern to drive, but if you want a hugely spacious electric van with a decent range and payload, you might not mind that at all.

With a heavy-duty battery and powerful electric motor, the Toyota Proace Max Electric has a commendable payload of 1500kg. That’s still 612kg behind the maximum payload found in the diesel Toyota Proace Max but is nevertheless excellent for an electric van.

It is offered in two lengths and two roof heights, all of which are spacious. Its maximum capacity is 17 cubic metres (L3 H3), while load lengths range from 2.58 metres in medium double cab layout to 4.38m in long wheelbase format.

Inside, the cabin is smart and well-finished, with some excellent features including a folding passenger seat that doubles as a drop-down desk unit, a huge glovebox, document clip and multiple lidded compartments on the dash.

There’s an easy-to-read digital display showing range and battery percentage and a central 10-inch touchscreen covering all major infotainment controls and settings, as well as inductive smartphone charging and sat nav. In addition, an optional mains socket in the dash can be used to powering items such as laptops and battery chargers, with up to 150w charging requirements. All of these feature disguise the base vans age and give it plenty of user appeal, from a tech perspective at least. Keyless entry and remote start functions are further benefits

Just the one trim level is offered, known as ‘Icon’, but it’s well-equipped with electronic climate control, cruise control and a touchscreen as standard.