Toyota Proace City Verso Electric L1 50 kWh

Overview

The Toyota Proace City L1 50 kWh was a compact electric van, ideal for businesses and eco-conscious families seeking zero-emission practicality in Europe. Discontinued in 2024 after its production run from 2021, this L1 trim, manufactured in Spain, offered a sensible balance of utility and electric efficiency. Its key appeal lay in its functional design and Toyota's reputation for reliability. On the used market in the EU, this versatile workhorse or family mover can be found for around €27,990. It represented an accessible electric option within Toyota's commercial vehicle range, leveraging a shared platform for a straightforward EV experience.

What's New for 2024?

The 2024 model year marked the conclusion of production for the Toyota Proace City L1 50 kWh, as the model was discontinued. Consequently, there were no significant new features, updates, or revamps introduced for its final year. The 2024 iteration largely carried over the specifications and equipment from the previous model years, representing the established package of this generation. Buyers considering a 2024 model were essentially acquiring the final version of this electric van before Toyota transitioned its focus towards newer or updated models within its European professional and electric vehicle lineup, making it a run-out model.

Design & Exterior

The Proace City L1 50 kWh boasts a purposeful, function-first van aesthetic – it’s unashamedly boxy to maximise practicality! Its exterior is designed for utility, featuring durable bumpers and often 16-inch steel wheels on the L1 trim. Key dimensions include a length of 4403 mm, a width (excluding mirrors) of 1848 mm, and a height of 1880 mm, built on a 2785 mm wheelbase, making it nimble enough for city streets. Sliding side doors enhance accessibility, especially in tight spots. While not a fashion statement, its clean lines lend it a smart, professional appearance suitable for various duties.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Proace City L1, the focus is squarely on practicality and durability, with robust materials designed for hard work. It accommodates five occupants. The real star is its cargo capability: a generous 597 litres of boot space with all seats in place, which expands to an impressive 2126 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra storage. For infotainment, an 8-inch touchscreen system is typically present, usually offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, keeping you linked up on the go. It's more utilitarian than plush, but thoughtfully laid out.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Proace City L1 50 kWh is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering 100 kW and 260 Nm of torque to the front wheels. This setup allows for a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 135 km/h – perfectly adequate for urban commuting and light hauling. The front-wheel-drive configuration ensures predictable handling. The driving experience is generally smooth and quiet, characteristic of EVs, with a comfortable ride, especially for a commercial-derived vehicle. Regenerative braking helps to recover energy, enhancing its city-driving credentials.

Range, Battery & Charging

Equipped with a 50 kWh nominal battery pack (46.3 kWh usable), the Proace City L1 50 kWh offers a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 242 km. Its energy efficiency is rated at 5.23 km/kWh. For charging, it features a CCS Type 2 port. Standard AC charging is handled by a 7.4 kW on-board charger (full charge in approx. 6.5 hours), with an 11 kW optional upgrade available (approx. 4.5 hours). DC fast charging is impressive, with a maximum input of 100 kW on its 400V architecture, allowing for a quick top-up (e.g., 0-80%) in around 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific Euro NCAP ratings for the Proace City EV van might vary, its passenger car counterparts on the same platform achieved respectable scores. Toyota typically equips its vehicles with a good level of safety. The Proace City often came with key driver-assistance systems like pre-collision system (PCS) with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and road sign assist. However, the standard fitment on the L1 trim could differ by market, with more advanced features like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring potentially being optional extras or part of specific safety packs.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Toyota typically offered a 3-year/100,000 km general vehicle warranty for the Proace City, potentially extendable up to 10 years through the "Toyota Relax" program with regular dealer servicing. The crucial high-voltage battery was usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its usable capacity. Powertrain warranty often aligned with the battery terms. As an EV, maintenance requirements are lower than ICE counterparts, mainly involving checks on brakes, tyres, and cabin filters, contributing to Toyota's strong reliability reputation and potentially reduced running costs.