Our top five electric 8-16 seat minibuses, in size order.
As more schools, charities, businesses, and community transport providers look to reduce costs and their carbon footprint, electric minibuses are becoming an increasingly attractive option. Improvements in battery technology, extended mileage ranges, and the UK’s growing charging infrastructure mean that many organisations are now looking to make the switch from diesel to electric.
However, choosing the right electric minibus isn’t simply about buying the vehicle with the biggest battery. Passenger capacity, payload, charging times, operating costs, dwell time, and how the vehicle will be used all need careful consideration.
Here are five of Rivervale’s electric minibus recommendations currently available in the UK, in seat size order.
The Ford Tourneo Custom All-Electric 8-seater (7 passengers + driver)
The Ford Tourneo Custom All-Electric is our smallest recommendation at 8 seats in total. It is Ford’s flagship all-electric MPV and offers a premium option for organisations that don’t need more than eight seats.
While the Tourneo Custom is also available as a 9-seater with diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the fully electric version is only available as an 8-seater to accommodate the vehicle’s battery architecture and motor layout.
Ideal for executive travel, schools, care providers, and community organisations, the Tourneo combines the practicality of a minibus with the refinement and technology of a modern passenger car.
It is powered by a 64kWh battery and a 160kW electric motor, providing smooth, quiet performance with an official WLTP driving range of up to 202 miles.
In everyday operation, organisations can expect a real-world mileage range of around 150–180 miles, depending on the weight of passengers and cargo, weather conditions, use of heating/air conditioning, and driving style.
The Tourneo Custom supports 125kW DC rapid charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 39 minutes, around 6.5 hours with a three-phase11kW AC wall box or 9 hours for a 0-100% overnight charge with a single-phase 7kW charger.
This makes it well suited for schools and organisations that have a 8-12 hour dwell time, where the vehicle is not being used, so it can be charged overnight.
As standard, the Tourneo Custom All-Electric comes exceptionally well equipped with Ford SYNC 4 and a 13-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, automatic climate control, heated front seats, keyless start, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, blind spot monitoring, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Twin power-operated sliding side doors and a low floor height also make passenger access quick and easy.
Our recommendation?
If budget is less of a concern and you’re looking for a refined small electric people carrier the Ford Tourneo Custom All-Electric is an excellent choice. Its premium interior, outstanding driving experience, and advanced technology make it particularly popular with independent schools and organisations where passenger comfort and driver satisfaction are top priorities.
Top choices for 9-seater (8 passengers + driver) all-electric minibuses:
Citroën ë-SpaceTourer
Toyota Proace Verso Electric
Both are perfect for smaller groups with seating for up to nine people, and both can be driven on car licences making them ideal for
- Nurseries that want smaller minibuses for smaller people
- Schools transporting smaller sports teams,
- Schools or charities transporting people with sensory issues who prefer a car-like environment
- Organisations or businesses for executive travel
The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer has a motor size of 136kW with a 75 kW battery and has an official WLTP range of 216 miles.
By comparison, the Proace has a slightly smaller 100kW electric motor but the same size 75kw battery with a similar official WLTP range of up to 214 miles. All mileage estimated depend on the wheel base and trim level of the vehicle.
Real-world mileage is estimated as between 160-190 miles depending on several factors including the weight of passengers and luggage, the outside temperatures, use of heating or air conditioning and the driving styles i.e. urban, rural or motorway.
Charging times are also very similar the quickest being 45 minutes to go from 5 – 80% with a fast DC charger of 100kW. A three-phase 11kW wall box will achieve (0-100%) in around 7½ hours, making overnight charging simple for most operators. For more information on charging times, see table below.
In terms of size, there is very little to separate them. Both are available in medium and long wheelbase versions, with varying options and trim levels. They can comfortably accommodate eight passengers plus the driver, with generous luggage space behind the third row.
Typical features* of Toyota Proace Verso Electric and Citroën ë-SpaceTourer:
- Twin sliding side doors
- A low step height
- ISOFIX points
- Flexible seating configurations
- Automatic climate control
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing cameras
- Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- A comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems including lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.
*Features vary depending on trim level
The Toyota Proace Verso Electric is a popular option, offering great value for money comfortable seats and Toyota’s renowned reputation for reliability. It is often the preferred choice for executive transport, schools looking for a high-quality passenger experience in a vehicle that will withstand the test of time.
The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer is another attractive option when budget is a consideration. It offers value for money while still delivering a spacious and comfortable cabin. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, giving it a particularly smooth ride over uneven roads, making it an excellent choice for community transport, charities and organisations carrying passengers who may have mobility needs or sensory sensitivities.
Our recommendation?
Both of these vehicles are a great choice, so it’s hard to recommend one over the other. If you’re looking for the combination of comfort, practicality and value you can’t go wrong with either the Citroën ë-Space Tourer or the Toyota Proace Verso Electric.
Top choices for 16-seater (15 passengers + driver) electric minibuses
Ford eTransit 16 seat electric minibus
Our top choice for a larger electric minibus is the Ford Transit 15-seat electric minibus (15 passengers + driver). For organisations already running Ford Transits, switching to the electric version offers familiar driving characteristics with significantly lower running costs. The Ford eTransit is the best option for schools and organisations:
- Looking for a larger capacity minibus that can be driven on a car licence
- Looking to reduce their carbon footprint and running costs
- Wanting to add a larger capacity minibus to their existing electric fleet
- Who have high annual mileage and want to retain more trade-in or resale value.
Available as a professionally converted 16-seat minibus (15 passengers plus the driver), the Ford E-Transit is available with two different battery options, the ‘standard’ 68kWh or or ‘extended’ 89kWh.
Your choice of battery size can be paired with either a 135kW or 198kW electric motor, delivering instant torque for smooth acceleration even when fully loaded. The Ford eTransit feels more refined and “car-like” behind the wheel.
The WLTP mileage range for the standard (68KWh) battery is up to 196 miles, with a real-world estimate of between 120-150 miles.
The extended range for the 89kWh battery is up to 249 miles, with a real-world range of around 150-190 miles.
Charging times also depend on the size of the battery and the speed of the charger. A DC rapid charger (115kW) would get you from 10-80% in 37 minutes for the standard 68kW battery and 28 minutes for the extended battery (89kWh) using a 180kw DC charger.
Charging times on an 11kW charger from 0-100% for the standard and extended are 8 and 9.5 hours respectively. For more information on mileage range and charging times see table below.
As standard, the Ford E-Transit Minibus is exceptionally well equipped.
Features typically include*
- Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen,
- Wireless Apple carplay and Android Auto,
- Automatic air conditioning,
- Keyless start
- Heated windscreen
- Front and rear parking sensors
- A reversing camera
- LED daytime running lights
- Electrically adjustable heated mirrors.
*features included depend on specification and trim
Ford’s comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems comes as standard or within option packs, helping to make every journey safer and less stressful.
Depending on specification, these include:
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control,
- Lane keeping aid
- Blind spot information system
- Pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Cross traffic alert
- A 360-degree camera
- Reverse brake assist
The Ford E-Transit is a great choice as it has familiar driving dynamics to its diesel counterpart, high perceived build quality, better infotainment with the SYNC 4, sophisticated driver assistance systems and it will retain residual value.
MAXUS eDeliver9 16-seat (15 passengers + driver) electric minibus
As an alternative to the Ford Transit, the only other 16-seat electric minibus on the market is the MAXUS eDeliver9. This 16-seat electric minibus is increasing in popularity with schools, local authorities and community transport providers because of it’s seating capacity, robust design and the fact it can be driven on a car licence.
With the MAXUS eDeliver9 you have three choices of battery size 88kWh, 72kWh and 51kWh all with a 150kW motor. Battery size affects the time it takes to charge, along with the speed of the charger.
The 88kWh can be charged from 20-80% with a 90kW DC charger in 45 mins, but with a AC 11kw charger you will need 8.5 hours of charging time to get from 0 – 100%. You can expect a real-world mileage range between 120-150 miles, it’s official WLTP range being 191-212 miles.
You can see the charging times and mileage ranges for the 72kWh and 51kWh options in the table below.
As with all electric vehicles, real-world range will vary depending on the weight of the passengers and luggage you’re carrying, use of electrics inside the vehicle, terrain and use of heating or air conditioning.
The Maxus has a comprehensive range of features*, including:
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Multiple airbags
- Large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
- 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with arm rest
- Air conditioning
- Reversing camera
Best value electric minibus with lower cost per seat
Our recommendation?
Our top pick is the Ford eTransit. It is the obvious choice for a well-known, trusted and reliable electric minibus that is built on an award-winning platform and that will retain more value over the years. If you are looking for value for money, and more choices in the size of battery, then the Maxus eDeliver9 could be the option for you, although you will be sacrificing some of the comfort, refinement and technology that you’ll find in the Ford eTransit.
Electric Minibus Comparison Table
Which electric minibus offers the best value?
The answer depends entirely on how you use your vehicle and whether you are looking for value for money or something more premium with higher specifications.
What you do need to consider when choosing an electric minibus is
- Where will you charge it?
- How long will it take to charge?
- What’s the vehicle’s typical dwell time (when it’s not being used)
- What is your average day like in terms of mileage?
- How many passengers are you transporting at anyone time?
- What kind of roads you will be driving most of the time?
- Who will drive it, and what licences they hold?
You can read more in our Quick Guide to Electric Minibuses.
Speak to Rivervale Minibus to help
Every organisation uses its minibuses differently, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
At Rivervale Minibus, we help schools, charities, businesses and community organisations compare electric and diesel options based on how they operate. We’ll discuss your typical routes, passenger numbers, charging opportunities and budget before recommending the most suitable vehicle.
Whether you’re considering leasing or purchasing, our specialists can help you understand the real-world costs and practicalities of running an electric minibus, so you can make an informed decision with confidence. Get in touch with our friendly team on 01869 253744 or email minibus@rivervale.co.uk