Nearly two years after Toyota first announced its plans to expand its Proace City lineup with electric versions and just months after releasing the larger Proace Verso EV, the Japanese automaker has unveiled the zero-emission versions of its compact light commercial vehicle (LCV) and people carrier. As with the Proace Verso, the smaller Proace City model is built by the former PSA Group (now incorporated into the Stellantis group), being based on its compact van series that includes the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, and Opel/Vauxhall Combo.
Set to arrive at European dealers in the
fourth quarter of the year, the two Proace City models will launch in different
configurations, including a panel van, five- and seven-seat versions with
standard and long wheelbase, and a crew cab. The load and towing capacities of
the ICE-powered models are matched by the electric versions, with up to 800 kg and 750 kg respectively.
The 2021 Proace City uses the same
electric powertrain as the Proace Verso. It comprises of an electric motor that
drives the front wheels and generates 136 PS and 260 Nm of torque, and a 50 kWh battery. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes between 11.2 and 11.7 seconds, depending on the
configuration, and top speed is limited to 135 km/h. The targeted
range on the WLTP test cycle is between 260 and 280 km.
Recharging the battery using the standard
single-phase on-board charger is basically an over-night operation, as it takes
7.5 hours. With the optional three-phase 11 kW charger, the time to fill up the
batteries drops to 5 hours. The battery also supports 100 kW DC fast charging,
and it can be charged to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
Much like its bigger sibling, the 2021
Proace City has a switch that allows drivers to choose between Eco, Normal and
Power modes. Each of them adjusts output and torque, with the peak achieved in
the latter setting only. The equipment range will mirror the ICE-powered
versions. Thus, the Proace City Electric compact van will launch in the Base
and Comfort specifications, while the Verso minivan will be offered in the
Combi, Shuttle, Family and Family+ versions.