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This is an extra article of the five-part series of articles where I look at the best affordable EVs in each size category (you can check the others here: part one: A segment/city cars, part two: B segment/subcompacts, part three: C segment/compacts, part four: D segment/midsizers, and part five:E segment/fullsize). See the background for this series in the first two articles if you missed them.
MPVs
For this category, I have created two sub-categories: big MPVs, limited to 80,000 euros, and compact MPVs, limited to 45,000 euros.
In the first sub-category, the VW ID.BUZZ LWB Pro is the representative of the European automotive industry, while the Maxus MIFA 9 is the first (but won’t be the last) of the big Made-in-China MPVs coming our way.
As for the second sub-category, it is basically a competition between the Stellantis (+ Toyota) twins and the Renault (+Nissan & Mercedes) twins.
VW ID. BUZZ LWB Pro
The iconic design is an immediate plus point, as is the lack of meaningful competition from the remaining European OEMs. After all, the Mercedes EQV/eVito is not only significantly more expensive than the Volkswagen model, starting at 85,000 euros, but its specs (355 range, 110 kW DC charging) are a letdown. The passenger versions of the Stellantis medium-sized vans also have modest specs (351 km range, 100 kW DC charging), but they at least start at a more reasonable price (58,000 euros in the case of the Opel Zafira 75 kWh).
But even then, the Stellantis offerings are more expensive than the LWB (long wheelbase) version of the ID. BUZZ, which starts at 55,000 euros. For that price you get a 86 kWh NMC usable battery allowing a 487 km range (370 real world), a powerful 286 hp electric motor allowing a highway-comfortable maximum speed of 160 km/h, and a 0–100 km/h score of 7.9 seconds, which is quite fast for a model that has comfort and practicality as its #1 reason for existence.
When it comes to charging, it is miles ahead of the aforementioned competition, with 200 kW DC charging (and 11 kW AC charging). On the warranty side, there are no surprises, with a 3-year general warranty and 8-year battery warranty. When it comes to space, despite easily seating 7 people, with space to spare for luggage, its relatively compact size (4.96 meters total length, 3.24 meters in wheelbase) means it is not as humongous as the extended versions of some of the competition.
On the other hand, this allows it to be more car-like to drive, and with a small (relatively speaking) turning radius of 11.8 meters, it can be considered the driver’s choice for this kind of vehicle.
Maxus Mifa 9
As for the big Maxus MPV, it is more expensive than the ID. BUZZ, starting at 70,000 euros, and while it defends itself pretty well when it comes to range, with a 84 kWh usable battery and 440 km of range (365 km real world), as well as on speed (245 hp electric motor, 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds), it loses significantly when it comes to charging (114 kW DC charging).
Where it does shine, though, is in the interior — not because of the quality of the materials, something that the ID. BUZZ could also improve, but thanks to its superior length (5.27 meters). It offers more space (it even has a frunk — 55 liters). It also has better technology than the German MPV, making the Maxus EV look more luxurious.
So, if space, luxury, and comfort are on top of your list, and good range+charging rates are not too important, this could be a strong contender.
Citroen Berlingo EV XL / Peugeot Rifter EV XL / Opel Combo-e Life XL / Toyota Proace City Verso EV L2
These quadruplets are basically the same vehicle, with just minor design changes. They priced about the same, with the cheapest being the Citroen model, at 43,200 euros, and the most expensive being the Toyota, at 45,200 euros.
What all do have in common is the 50 kWh usable LFP battery, allowing 339 km of range or 265 km real-world range, and while the 136 hp electric motor allows a respectable 11.7 seconds from 0–100 km/h, the top speed (132 km/h) could be a bit higher in order to increase the comfort at highway speeds.
Charging is okay (100 kW DC charging, 7.4 kW AC charging), but the vehicle could profit from having vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, especially considering that it benefits from an LFP battery and is therefore less prone to degradation.
A big plus point over the competition is the XL body, including an increased length (4.75 meters) that allows 7 seats without losing space for luggage.
Renault Kangoo EV / Nissan Townstar EV / Mercedes EQT
Unlike the Stellantis quadruplets, where prices were quite uniform, here the differences are more significant. The Nissan costs 42,800 euros while the Mercedes jumps to 52,000 euros. So, unless one really wants a Mercedes … it is better to stick with the other two options, which are basically the same vehicle without the fancier interior of the Mercedes.
All three share the same 45 kWh NMC battery, allowing a 265 km range (215 km real world), which is less than the Stellantis MPVs offer, while the electric motor has 122 hp, enough for a 0–100 km/h time of 12.6 seconds and a 130 km/h maximum speed.
When it comes to charging, while the DC rate is not something to brag about, just 80 kW, it compensates on the AC side, with a class-best 22 kW charging rate.
When it comes to space, the 7-seat versions are even longer than the Stellantis models, with 4.91 meters in length and a 3.1-meter wheelbase, a bit more than the 2.98-meter wheelbase of their competitors.
Long story short, if space is the priority, then the Renault triplets are a better choice, but if on the other hand, range is the #1 priority, then the Stellantis quadruplets have the upper hand, especially considering that they have LFP batteries and can have top-ups regularly without fear of degradation.
Are any of these affordable EVs available in the USA?
Mostly, no.
The city cars are excluded because A) they are Made-in-China and B) they are too small for that market. Regarding subcompacts, neither the Citroen C3 EV nor the Renault 5 are expected to be sold in the USA since neither brand is present there, and as for the Hyundai Inster … at least there are rumours. So there is hope!
As for compacts, neither the Lynk & Co nor the MG are expected to land soon in the USA, because China. The Cupra Born might have a chance in the future, as the Spanish brand is present in Mexico. Maybe if US Volkswagen management becomes ambitious enough to bring Cupra to the USA? If so, then the Born could fit pretty well in the lineup.
In the midsize category, the Tesla Model 3 is of course present in the USA, as the modern day Toyota Camry. The other two choices, the Xpeng and the BYD, are of course not available — once again … because China.
Looking at the full size category, the Mercedes EQE is present, the Audi A6 e-tron is confirmed for the USA in 2025, while the Zeekr will continue to be forbidden fruit for the next few years.
As for MPVs, the only one with a confirmed presence is the VW ID. BUZZ, which is starting its US career at the moment. The remaining vehicles will surely stay outside the USA in the foreseeable future, the Maxus because it is made in China and the others because they are considered too small for US families.
Long story short:
- On sale now: Tesla Model 3, Mercedes EQE, VW ID. BUZZ
- Confirmed for the near future: Audi A6 e-tron
- Rumoured to land next year: Hyundai Inster
- Possibly? Maybe?: Cupra Born
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