What is an electric combispace?
Ludospaces, also known as combispaces or Leisure Activity Vehicles (LAVs), are a range of leisure vehicles with a wide range of uses. family cars of compact to medium size, frequently derived from light commercial vehicles.
Read also: Top 5 best electric family cars
The term comes from the fusion of 'playful' and 'minivan', underlining the practical and theadaptability vans transformed into family cars for a variety of recreational activities. A minivan is characterised by its cubic shape and large glazed surfaces, giving it a robust and spacious appearance.
Designed to offer flexible, comfortable interiorThe aim is to combine practicality with energy efficiency. These electric minivans often offer flexible seating options to accommodate different configurations, favouring a modular layout for transporting passengers or loads of all kinds.
What's more, MPVs offer an economical alternative to compact MPVs, as they are largely derived from existing vans. They cost less to build than MPVs, but have a more utilitarian style that is sometimes criticised for its aesthetics.
Although this type of electric vehicle is affordable, don't forget that there are a number of government and regional grants available to help you go green, not forgetting the aid allocated to charging stations.
In view of the changes for 2024, we invite you to read our article on everything you need to know about the 2024 environmental bonus.
All in all, the LDV stands out for its particularly spacious cabin and substantial load capacity, all at an affordable price.
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MPVs, minivans, SUVs and estate cars: what are the differences?
As we said earlier, electric minivans offer much more than just an alternative powertrain: they embody the perfect balance between practicality and space without breaking the bank. However, other similar electric vehicles can also offer these advantages.
Let's take a look at how it differs from other similar types of vehicle designed for family journeys.
The minivan
Family needs are best met by MPVs, which guarantee comfort and conviviality at the wheel. Designed for family use, its unibody shape gives priority to space, while sometimes neglecting design. Opting for an MPV means guaranteeing space for rear passengers, boot space and modularity that surpasses that of conventional cars.
They offer sliding seats, a flat floor and even two extra seats, at more affordable prices than SUVs. For all these reasons, MPVs are popular with families with young children.
Unfortunately, since the rise of the SUVs mentioned above, MPVs have been gradually declining in manufacturers' catalogues. As an MPV, the Mercedes EQV could seduce you with its autonomy of 351 km.
The SUV
This type of vehicle is very popular, accounting for one in three sales at present. However, from a structural point of view, these models are not the best suited to family needs, as is the case with MPVs, where the emphasis is more on aesthetics than capacity.
You can find them in 3 different categories:
- Urban SUVs Popular with city-dwellers, these SUVs are also suitable for smaller families. They even outstrip traditional city cars in terms of purchase intent. However, they do offer a price advantage over larger SUVs.
- Compact SUVs SUVs: Compared with city cars, they are more spacious and offer easier access thanks to their higher ground clearance, although they are more expensive. This category of SUV is better suited to families.
- 7-seater SUVs The perfect choice for large families, they offer more space in the back and greater modularity. They combine the versatility of a 4×4 with the comfort of a saloon, hence their generally high power levels.
If you are interested in this category of SUV, our article on which 7-seater electric car to choose in 2023 could help you make the right choice.
The break
Station wagons, often neglected in favour of other cars, deserve special consideration. These elongated saloons are, in economic terms, less attractive than MPVs. In fact, these saloon derivatives require a slight financial premium, averaging around €1,000.
This expense gives access to a spacious load area, rivalling that of an MPV, but with less headroom. What's more, unlike SUVs or MPVs, estate cars benefit from a aerodynamics to optimise its autonomy.
For more information on battery life, see the article on the range of electric car batteries may be of interest to you.
Which electric combispace to choose in 2024?
Deciding on the ideal electric MPV in 2024 can be a real challenge in the emerging world of electric mobility. To help you navigate the multitude of choices, we've put together an exclusive ranking of the ten best electric minivans.
Our in-depth analysis will guide you towards the best-performing models, combining practicality, energy efficiency and technological innovation to meet your needs and potentially those of your family.
Peugeot e-Rifter
Le e-Rifter from Peugeot, a top-quality electric combispace offering performance, safety, storage space and advanced connectivity.
Offering a maximum range of 280 km and recharges in 26 minutes for rapid recharging, it's perfect for everyday journeys. Its all-electric motor generates up to 100 kW and 260 Nm of torque, making it agile and easy to drive.
The range includes more than 10 finishes, with two body styles, Standard and Long, offering 5 or 7 seats.
Citroën ë-Berlingo
Citroën's minivan is spacious, user-friendly and incorporates 19 safety technologies. All of which means parents can take their children on family outings with confidence.
Like other vehicles in the Stellantis Group, such as the Peugeot e-208 or theOpel Corsa-ethe Citroën ë-Berlingo is equipped with :
- a 100 kW electric motor (136 hp), like the e-Rifter
- a battery 50 kWh (offering a range of 280 km), rechargeable in just 30 minutes on a CCS-type terminal.
Citroën's electric minivan is available in two versions. In other words, it can be adapted to suit different space and load requirements. What's more, the ë-Berlingo can seat up to 7 people, with an optional third row of seats.
The Modutop roof and opening rear window are standard options, as are the distinctive details of this electric version: monograms, a specific radiator grille and blue accents on its fascias and Airbumps.
Toyota Proace City Electric
The Japanese carmaker is also launching electric MPVs. Introducing the Toyota Proace Cityalso proposing :
- an engine 136 horses
- 330 km range
- a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery
- a 280 km range
- fast recharge in 30 minutes
Its styling is similar to that of its French counterparts, but more refined than Citroën's Berlingo.
Depending on the version, 5 or 7 seats available with a load capacity suitable for all types of luggage. Although the Proace City is the most expensive MPV on the market, with a price starting at €53,040 it remains one of the best electric vehicles available on the automotive market.
Peugeot e-Traveller
Le Peugeot e-Traveller is a combispace with a capacity for 5 to 8 passengers. It can also be purchased as a shuttle, suitable for professional transport such as taxis or hotels, with 5 to 9 seats.
The engine delivers a power of 136 ea like the other models mentioned above. This model is the perfect ally for long family trips, especially as it recharges quickly in just 22 minutes.
Opel Combo e-Life
Opel has added to its electrified range the Combo-e Lifeits electric minivan. With a 136 bhp electric motor and a 50 kWh battery, it offers a range of 249 km, slightly less than its French equivalents.
Like its rivals, the Combo-e Life is available with 5 or 7 seatsThis makes it the ideal choice for daily commutes or family outings. The spacious interior with plenty of storage space in the boot and sliding rear doors makes access easy.
In terms of technology, it offers :
- a digital dashboard,
- a large central touch screen
- driving aids (assisted parking, automatic emergency braking, etc.)
In short, don't worry if you want a comfortable and safe journey.
Summary table of the 5 minivans
Here is a summary table of the different combispaces and their main characteristics:
| Modèles | Prix catalogue | Autonomie | Batterie |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peugeot e-Traveller
|
42 560 €
|
230 km
|
50 kWh
|
|
Opel Combo-e Life
|
35 300 €
|
249 km
|
50 kWh
|
|
Peugeot e-Rifter
|
37 850 €
|
280 km
|
50 kWh
|
|
Citroën ë-Berlingo
|
39 500 €
|
280 km
|
50 kWh
|
|
Toyota Proace City Electric
|
53 040 €
|
330 km
|
50 kWh
|
Conclusion
For families looking for versatility, fuel efficiency and comfort, electric minivans in 2024 are an excellent option. With models like the Peugeot e-Rifter, Citroën ë-Berlingo and others, there's a wide choice to suit different needs.
These ludospaces offer modular interiors and features focused on passenger safety and comfort. Whether it's for commuting in the city, family outings or even leisure activities, these electric vehicles offer an answer that's both versatile and eco-responsible. Rest assured that electric minivans will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of modern families.
Stay tuned for our next articles to discover the latest innovations and practical advice on choosing the perfect electric minivan for your family. At BeevWe are here to support you in your search for the right solution. family car ideal, combining practicality, comfort and respect for the environment.
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