Toyota’s Verso people-carrier range goes all-electric

Toyota has announced that the Verso people carrier versions of its Proace and Proace City will be all-electric from September.

The two van-based MPVs both get technical upgrades to improve their driving range and new equipment ranging from safety tech to improved infotainment systems.

The Proace Verso, which is available in seven-, eight- or nine-seat configurations, benefits from a new 75kWh battery and changes to its motor, which bring more than 70 additional miles of range. The new model offers up to 214 miles per charge, compared with 143 miles from the previous 50kWh battery. DC charging at 100kW should allow a 10-80% charge in around 45 minutes.

The larger of the two Verso vehicles, which shares its platform with the Vauxhall Vivaro, is offered in two body lengths – measuring 4,983mm (L1) and 5,333mm (L2). The L1 version comes with eight seats and is available in Icon and Design trims, with prices starting at £45,769. The L2 is available in nine-seat configuration with the Icon trim or eight-seat setup in Design and Design Premium spec. Range-topping Excel models cost from £55,866 and feature seven seats, replacing the middle bench seat with two individual captain’s chairs and a table.

All versions of the Proace Verso feature a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated driver’s seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors and auto-retracting door mirrors.

Design grade adds keyless entry and push-button start, fully carpeted floor, automatic air conditioning, wireless phone charger, panoramic roof, front parking sensors, side sensors, seatback folding tables and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The top-spec Excel model gets power sliding side doors with kick-sensor, leather upholstery, a heated front passenger seat, power driver’s seat adjustment and a massage function for both front seats, plus a 180-degree camera and 10-speaker audio system.

The smaller Proace City Verso – based the Peugeot Partner/Vauxhall Combo underpinnings – retains a 50kWh battery but technical upgrades means this now returns 213 miles on a single charge compared with 173 in the previous version.

Like the larger Proace Verso, there are two body lengths on offer – L1 at 4,401mm and L2 at 4,751mm – and two trim levels – Icon and Design.

Prices start at £31,849 for the five-seat L1 Icon, which features 10-inch multimedia display, sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, removable third row seats, automatic headlights, and an electronic parking brake. The upgrade to the seven-seat L2 Icon is £1,280.

Design grade costs £36,464 and only comes in five-seat L1 configuration. It adds 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, smart entry, automatic windscreen wipers, retracting door mirrors, body-colour bumpers and trim, a reversing camera and an energy-saving heat pump.

The new models are available to order now, with deliveries beginning in September. Retail customers who order before the end of September will also be offered a free Toyota HomeCharge wallbox and free standard installation.