Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric

The Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric: A Versatile Electric Minivan for the European Market

The Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric represents a significant stride for Toyota into the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) segment, particularly within the commercial and passenger minivan sectors in Europe. Launched in April 2021, this second-generation Proace Verso, in its short-wheelbase (SWB) electric guise, is a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) designed to offer zero-emission mobility for families, shuttle services, and businesses requiring substantial passenger and cargo capacity. While not sold in the United States, the Proace Verso Electric plays a crucial role in Toyota’s European electrification strategy, providing a practical, spacious, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vans and minivans.

As part of a strategic collaboration with Stellantis (formerly PSA Group), the Proace Verso shares its platform and electric powertrain technology with several European siblings, including the Peugeot e-Traveller, Citroën ë-Spacetourer, and Opel Zafira-e Life. This partnership allows Toyota to efficiently expand its EV offerings in markets where such multi-purpose vehicles are highly valued for their versatility and utility. The 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric variant emphasizes efficiency and urban-friendly performance, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions across the continent.

Powertrain and Performance of the Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric

At the heart of the Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric is a robust and efficient battery-electric powertrain. The vehicle is propelled by a single electric motor, located on the front axle and mounted transversely, driving the front wheels. This synchronous electric motor delivers a system power output of 136 horsepower (Hp), providing ample motivation for a vehicle of its size and intended purpose. Complementing the horsepower is a substantial 260 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, equivalent to approximately 191.77 pound-feet (lb.-ft.). This immediate and strong torque delivery, characteristic of electric vehicles, ensures responsive acceleration and confident maneuvering, particularly in urban environments and when carrying heavy loads or multiple passengers.

The electric motor is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission, simplifying the driving experience and contributing to the smooth, linear power delivery that EVs are known for. While top speed is electronically limited to 130 kilometers per hour (approximately 80.78 mph), this is more than sufficient for the Proace Verso Electric’s typical usage patterns, which often involve city driving, suburban commutes, and regional routes. The power-to-weight ratio stands at 15.2 kg/Hp (or 65.9 Hp/tonne), reflecting a balanced approach to performance and efficiency for a practical minivan.

Energy storage is managed by a substantial 75 kWh gross battery capacity, utilizing advanced Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) technology. The battery pack is strategically placed below the floor, a common design choice for BEVs that helps maintain a low center of gravity, improving handling stability, and maximizing interior space. This battery configuration allows the Proace Verso Electric to achieve a respectable all-electric range (WLTP) of up to 314 kilometers (approximately 195.11 miles) on a single charge. Energy consumption is rated at an average of 26.9-28 kWh per 100 kilometers (43.29-45.06 kWh per 100 miles), translating to an impressive 78-75 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent), underscoring its efficiency for an eight-to-nine-seater minivan.

Design and Features

The Toyota Proace Verso II SWB adopts a classic minivan body type, prioritizing practicality, space, and passenger comfort. With five doors and seating for eight to nine occupants, it is designed for maximum utility, whether for large families, ride-sharing services, or corporate shuttles. The short-wheelbase variant, while compact for its class, still offers generous interior volume, making it maneuverable in congested city streets while retaining significant passenger and cargo capacity.

In terms of dimensions, the Proace Verso II SWB measures 4,959 millimeters (approximately 195.24 inches) in length, 1,920 millimeters (75.59 inches) in width, and 1,890 millimeters (74.41 inches) in height. Its substantial wheelbase of 3,275 millimeters (128.94 inches) contributes to a stable ride and expansive interior space. The front track measures 1,627 millimeters (64.06 inches) and the rear track is 1,600 millimeters (62.99 inches), providing a solid stance on the road.

The interior is highly adaptable, boasting a minimum trunk space of 603 liters (21.29 cubic feet) with all seats in place, which can expand dramatically to an cavernous 3,968 liters (140.13 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded or removed, transforming it into a capacious cargo hauler. This flexibility is a key selling point for the Proace Verso. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 2,065 kilograms (approximately 4,552.55 lbs.), with a maximum permissible weight of 2,965 kilograms (6,536.71 lbs.) and a maximum payload capacity of 900 kilograms (1,984.16 lbs.). Furthermore, it has a permitted trailer load with brakes of 1,000 kilograms (2,204.62 lbs.), demonstrating its capability for light towing duties.

Underneath, the Proace Verso features an independent McPherson type front suspension and a wishbone rear suspension, designed to provide a comfortable ride quality, even when fully loaded. Braking is handled by disc brakes on both the front and rear axles, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup with electric power steering, offering light and precise control, particularly beneficial in urban parking scenarios. The vehicle rides on 225/55 R17 tires mounted on 17-inch wheel rims, providing a good balance of comfort and road holding.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric

The Toyota Proace Verso II SWB 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric holds a significant position in the European automotive landscape, particularly within the growing segment of electric multi-purpose vehicles. Its introduction underscores Toyota’s commitment to offering a diverse range of electrified options, even in vehicle categories traditionally dominated by diesel engines. While Toyota is renowned globally for its pioneering hybrid technology, the Proace Verso Electric demonstrates the brand’s adaptability and willingness to embrace full battery-electric solutions where market demands and regulatory pressures are strongest, such as in Europe’s increasingly stringent emissions zones.

In its primary market, the Proace Verso Electric competes directly with its platform siblings from Stellantis, including the Peugeot e-Traveller, Citroën ë-Spacetourer, and Opel Zafira-e Life, all of which share the same electric powertrain and battery options. Other competitors in the electric minivan/van segment include vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz EQV and, to some extent, smaller electric vans like the Nissan e-NV200 Combi, though the Proace Verso often targets a slightly larger and more versatile niche. Its reputation is built on Toyota’s well-established reliability and the practical, spacious design inherited from its ICE counterparts.

The historical significance of the Proace Verso Electric lies in its contribution to normalizing electric mobility in commercial and family transport. By offering a familiar, proven platform with an electric heart, Toyota and its partners make the transition to EVs less daunting for businesses and large families. Its capability to operate emission-free in urban centers, combined with a respectable range for regional travel, makes it an attractive proposition for taxi companies, shuttle services, and active families looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on space or utility. The Proace Verso Electric exemplifies a pragmatic approach to electrification, proving that even large, highly functional vehicles can successfully adopt battery-electric powertrains for a sustainable future.