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Fiat E-Ducato review

August 20, 2025 Phil Huff

The large electric van market is a packed on, so we try to find out if the Fiat E-Ducato does anything to stand out

The Fiat E-Ducato finds itself mixed up in a crowded and competitive market segment, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its near-identical Stellantis siblings: the Vauxhall Movano Electric, Citroen E-Relay, and Peugeot E-Boxer, as well as the badge-engineered Toyota Proace Max Electric.

Built on ageing foundations dating back to 2006, this large electric van has received incremental updates designed to maintain its relevance amid fresher rivals like the Ford E-Transit and Renault Master E-Tech, the latter of which has won awards left right and centre in the last year.

While Fiat’s latest refresh enhances battery capacity, range, and power and gives the van a bold new look, has it done enough for the E-Ducato to stand out?

Fiat E-Ducato design, interior, and technology

Externally, the latest E-Ducato sees minor cosmetic updates, which mainly involve sticking a prominent ‘FIAT’ badge on the front surrounded by large air intake grilles, although they’re largely decorative due to the electric powertrain. Beyond this superficial facelift, its appearance remains unchanged and unmistakably aged.

The cabin layout also feels outdated compared to rivals like the E-Transit or Master. There are hard plastics, awkward ergonomics, and an old-fashioned dashboard design, although it’s a step forward from the interior of the pre-facelift model. Despite these drawbacks, it’s surprisingly spacious and practical, comfortably accommodating two passengers on the bench seat without feeling cramped, and there’s plenty of sensible storage.

Equipment varies notably by trim: the entry-level and oddly nameless trim level is rather modestly equipped, although there is a small seven-inch multimedia screen with DAB radio, climate control, rear parking sensors, and two (count them!) cupholders.

The E-Ducato’s interior has been updated but still feels old-fashioned

The higher-spec Ducato Primo trim brings more attractive enhancements, including a larger and far nicer 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, a digital rear-view mirror, and a convenient 230-volt power socket. The addition of advanced driver assistance tech, like 360-degree parking sensors and blind spot assist, improves usability.

The Primo spec is undoubtedly the best choice for drivers who spend extended periods behind the wheel, though even this top-end variant lacks some conveniences found in competitors — heated seats, for instance — and still leans towards utilitarian rather than luxurious.

Battery, motor, and performance

Powering the E-Ducato is a 275bhp electric motor, delivering a useful 302lb ft of torque — enough to make easy work of heavy loads. Its substantial 110kWh battery pack is very nearly the largest battery in the sector — it’s beaten by the 113kWh battery in the Mercedes eSprinter. However, that’s enough to provide just 235 miles of range, which is 20 miles less than the aerodynamic and efficient Master E-Tech and its smaller 87kWh battery.

Opt for the 4.25-tonne model, which is limited to 56mph, and the range extends to 263 miles but comes with far more onerous conditions for the operator as it’s effectively considered an HGV.

Charging capabilities are strong, with a 150kW DC rapid charger replenishing the battery from 5% to 80% in under an hour. However, a full charge via a typical 7.4kW home wallbox can stretch beyond 16 hours, making rapid charging essential for daily operations.

Three driving modes try to claw back energy where possible: Eco limits power to 165bhp and maximises efficiency. Normal allows access to 220bhp, while Power opens up the full 275bhp for maximum performance at the expense of range. Regenerative braking with adjustable intensity levels allows drivers to optimise range and efficiency, but there’s no full one-pedal driving mode.

On the road, the E-Ducato feels notably dated. Its ride quality is unsettled and bouncy over rough surfaces, with vague steering and pronounced body roll, marking it distinctly less refined than the smooth-handling E-Transit. However, acceleration is brisk — even fully loaded — thanks to substantial torque.

Payload and practicality

Payload and practicality depend significantly on the variant chosen. The standard 3.5-tonne (L3H2) E-Ducato offers a respectable 13 cubic metres of load space but suffers a payload limited to around 710kg due to the heavy battery pack. This trails significantly behind the E-Transit’s payload of up to 1,000kg at the same gross vehicle weight. It’s also miles behind the 1,125kg of the Master E-Tech.

The Fiat E-Ducato’s payload is some way behind the class leaders

For heavier loads, the 4.25-tonne variants provide payloads up to 1,460kg and a more generous cargo volume of 17 cubic metres, although that still lags behind newer rivals. However, this model introduces complications such as mandatory driver training, tachograph installation, annual MOT tests from the first year, and a restrictive 56mph speed limit. Proposed legislation might soon alleviate these constraints, but they remain considerations operators must navigate.

The cargo bay itself features practical touches, including LED lighting, a steel bulkhead, and robust load-lashing points, although the payload and cargo flexibility remain somewhat compromised compared to class-leading competitors.

Fiat E-Ducato price and specification

The Fiat E-Ducato sits competitively priced at around £49,485, plus VAT and charges, for the popular L3H2 variant, closely matching its Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall counterparts, and undercutting the likes of the E-Transit and eSprinter. However, the best-in-class Renault Master E-Tech is significantly cheaper. As with its rivals, all models benefit from the government’s plug-in van grant, which trims another £5,000 off the asking price.

Servicing intervals are reasonably generous at two years or 32,000 miles, accompanied by Fiat’s standard three-year, 100,000-mile vehicle warranty.

Verdict

The Fiat E-Ducato makes a decent case for itself on paper. There’s a good electric range, solid performance, and a competitively equipped interior, at least in Primo trim. However, its dated chassis, compromised payload at lower weights, and inferior driving dynamics significantly limit its real-world appeal.

Operators prioritising practicality and competitive pricing might still find it compelling, but even then, the Renault Master E-Tech undercuts and outperforms it. If you’re seeking comfort, refinement, and flexibility as well, then you’ll find better alternatives among more modern, more sophisticated rivals.