What is an electric combispace?
Ludospaces, also known as combispaces or Leisure Activity Vehicles (LAVs), are family vehicles family vehicles of compact to medium size, frequently derived from light commercial vehicles.
Also read: Top 5 best electric family cars
The term comes from the fusion of "playful" and "minivan", emphasizing the practicality andadaptability of utility vehicles transformed into family cars for a variety of recreational activities. A ludospace is characterized by its cubic shape and large glass surfaces, giving it a robust, spacious appearance.
Designed to provide flexible, comfortable interiorThese electric minivans often offer flexible seating options to accommodate different configurations. These electric minivans often offer flexible seating options to accommodate different configurations, favoring a modular layout for carrying passengers or a variety of loads.
What's more, ludospaces offer an economical alternative to compact MPVs, being largely derived from existing utility vehicles. Their design is less expensive than that of MPVs, but they adopt a more utilitarian style, sometimes criticized for its aesthetics.
Although this type of electric vehicle is affordable, don't forget that there are a number of government and regional subsidies available to help you go green, not to mention subsidies for recharging 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, this minivan stands out for its particularly spacious interior and substantial load capacity, all at an affordable price.
MPV, SUV, station wagon: what are the differences?
As previously stated, electric minivans offer much more than just an alternative powertrain: they embody the perfect balance between functionality 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 trips.
The monospace
Family needs find their best echo in the MPV, guaranteeing comfort and conviviality at the wheel. Designed for family use, its unibody shape gives priority to space, sometimes to the neglect of design. Opting for an MPV means guaranteeing space for rear passengers, trunk space and modularity that surpasses that of conventional cars.
In fact, they offer sliding seats, a flat floor and even two extra seats, at more affordable prices than SUVs. For all these reasons, minivans are popular with families with young children.
Alas, since the rise of the aforementioned SUVs, MPVs have been gradually declining in manufacturers' catalogs. As an MPV, the Mercedes EQV could win you over with its 351 km range.
The SUV
This type of vehicle is very popular, currently accounting for one in three sales. However, structurally, these models are not the most suitable for family needs, as is the case with minivans, which are more concerned with aesthetics than seating 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 to city cars, they are more spacious, and offer easier access thanks to their higher ground clearance, albeit at a higher price. This SUV category is better suited to families.
- 7-seater SUVs The perfect choice for large families, they offer more space in the rear and greater modularity. They combine the versatility of a 4×4 with the comfort of a sedan, hence their generally high power levels.
If you're interested in this class of SUV, our article on which 7-seater electric car to choose in 2023 may help you in your choice.
The station wagon
Station wagons, often neglected in favor of other cars, deserve special consideration. These elongated sedans are economically less attractive than minivans. In fact, these sedan derivatives require a slight financial premium, averaging around €1,000.
This expense opens up access to a spacious load area, rivaling that of an MPV, but with less height. What's more, unlike SUVs or MPVs, station wagons benefit from superior aerodynamics, helping to optimize range.
For more information on battery life, see the article on electric car battery autonomy may be of interest to you.
Which electric combispace to choose in 2024?
Deciding on the ideal electric minivan in 2024 can be a real challenge in the emerging world of electric mobility. To help you navigate this 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
The 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 rechargeable in 26 minutes for rapid recharging, it's perfect for everyday driving. Its all-electric motor generates up to 100 kW and 260 Nm of torque, offering agility and ease of driving.
The range includes more than 10 finishes, with two body styles, Standard and Long, offering 5 or 7 seats.
Citroën ë-Berlingo
The Citroën Ludospace is spacious, user-friendly and incorporates 19 safety technologies. It's a reassuring way for parents to take their children on family outings.
Like other Stellantis vehicles, such as the Peugeot e-208 or theOpel Corsa-ethe Citroën ë-Berlingo is equipped :
- an 100 kW electric motor (136 hp) electric motor, like the e-Rifter
- 50 kWh battery (280 km range), rechargeable in just 30 minutes at a CCS-type charging station.
Citroën's electric minivan is available in two versions. In other words, it can be adapted to 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 constant options, as are the distinctive details of this electric version: monograms, a specific grille and blue accents on its fascias and Airbumps.
Toyota Proace City Electric
The Japanese automaker is also getting into electric minivans. Introducing the Toyota Proace Cityalso featuring :
- an engine of 136 horsepower
- 330 km range
- a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery
- a range of 280 km
- fast recharging in 30 minutes
Its styling is similar to that of its French counterparts, but more refined than Citroën's ë-Berlingo.
Depending on version, 5 or 7 seats are available with load capacity to accommodate all types of luggage. Although the Proace City is the most expensive minivan 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
The Peugeot e-Traveller is a combispace with a capacity capacity of 5 to 8 passengers. It can also be acquired in a shuttle version, suitable for professional transport such as cabs or hotels, and seating 5 to 9 passengers.
The engine delivers 136 hp 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 the Combo-e Life to its electrified range. Combo-e Lifeits electric minivan. With a 136 hp 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 in available with 5 or 7 seatsmaking it the ideal choice for daily commutes or family leisure activities. The spacious interior, with plenty of storage space in the trunk and sliding rear doors, facilitates access.
In terms of technology, it offers :
- a digital dashboard,
- a large central touchscreen
- driving aids (assisted parking, automatic emergency braking, etc.)
In short, don't worry if you want a comfortable, safe trip.
Summary table of the 5 minivans
Here is a summary table of the different combispaces and their main characteristics:
| Models | Catalog price | Autonomy | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 for city commutes, family getaways, 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 to our next articles for the latest innovations and practical advice on choosing the perfect electric minivan for your family. At Beevwe're here to help you find the perfect family vehicle that combines practicality, comfort and respect for the environment.
