2025 BYD ETP3 Electric Van - Everything You Need To Know
If you’ve not come across upcoming EV car and van brand BYD already, then you might be interested to know it recently overtook Tesla to become the world’s largest producer of pure electric vehicles.
In short, BYD is kind of a big deal among the growing wave of zero-emission offerings emerging across the automotive market right now. This is no more apparent than in the van sector, where the BYD ETP3 was recently added to Vansdirect.co.uk electric van fleet.
With an increasing number of electric van options hitting the market promising minimal running costs without compromising load capability and practicality, this is why we think the BYD ETP3 should be included on any new van shortlist.
Who Are BYD?
Currently one of the UK’s fastest-growing brands, BYD has been quick to capitalise on the growing trend for electric vehicles on these shores by launching multiple passenger car options to warm acclaim.
However, it is in the commercial and business sector – in particular, buses – where BYD’s success story began long before it turned its attention to passenger cars.
Key to BYD’s rapid growth is the fact it designs, builds and engineers its own ‘Blade LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, which significantly drives down production costs for savings which are then passed on to the consumer.
BYD ETP3 Dimensions & Payload
What helps the BYD ETP3 stand out among the competition is its alternative positioning in terms of dimensions.
At 4460mm in length, the ETP3 might be shorter than the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, but its 2725mm wheelbase is longer. Couple that to a height of 1875mm and the ETP3 boasts a cavernous 3500 litres of load space – greater than the equivalent Kangoo E-Tech and Citroen e-Berlingo.
It also has a generous 780kg payload, which places it on a par with other similarly-sized commercial vehicles.
One notable difference over rivals, however, is the slender 1720mm width. Narrower than the Kangoo E-Tech (1860mm) and e-Berlingo (1848mm), it makes the ETP3 a boon to manoeuvre in urban environments, while it doesn’t obstruct so easily when parked on a kerb to be un/loaded.
Performance, Range & Charging
Power comes courtesy of a 44.9kWh battery generating 134hp and 180Nm of torque.
With the ETP3 designed primarily for being driven on short urban jaunts, the 145-miles combined range is some way down on its main rivals.
However, the flip side of this means it takes only an hour to achieve a full 100 per cent charge from zero when using a DC fast charger. It also only takes 30mins to achieve a full charge from 20 per cent.
Features
As well as a wide aperture from the top hinged tailgate door, the ETP3 benefits from sliding doors on both sides to allow for more convenient access and fewer dilemmas when parking to load or unload.
In addition, it features regenerative braking, which allows the battery to charge when braking or lifting the accelerator to coast.
You Might Also Want To Consider
Renault Kangoo E-Tech
The award-winning all-electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech impresses with its sophisticated technology and connectivity capability, including its eight-inch EasyLink touchscreen and Google compatibility.
Featuring a 45kWh battery generating 120hp, the Kangoo E-Tech can achieve up to 186 miles of range in MCV configuration, can achieve 608kg in payload and offers a 3300-litre load bay.
Citroen e-Berlingo
The recently updated Citroen e-Berlingo benefits from all the latest technology filtering across Stellantis’ lightweight platform, which also includes the Vauxhall Combo, Peugeot Partner, Fiat Doblo and Toyota ProAce City.
That means in Medium configuration, the e-Berlingo can go up to 213 miles on a single charge from its 52kWh battery and can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent in 30mins.
While there are only minor differences between the five Stellantis models, the Citroen’s patented Advanced Comfort memory-foam upholstery and three-seat capability makes the e-Berlingo a tempting proposition.
Ford Transit Connect PHEV
Though not a pure EV, the Ford Transit Connect PHEV represents an excellent frugal solution for those who cover shorter distances on a daily basis.
Indeed, the PHEV can be driven on zero-emission battery power for up to 73 miles, while peace of mind comes from the 1.5-litre petrol engine being on hand for when you’re travelling further afield.
Maxus eDeliver3
The pure electric Maxus eDeliver3 offers a whopping 4800 litres of load space thanks to its extended length of 4555mm and a height dimension of 1900mm, while the payload is 1045kg
However, like the BYD ETP3, it is narrower than most rivals at 1780mm, giving it an advantage when nipping between traffic in congested city lanes.