The competition, organized by Auto Expert Media in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests and supported by Arval Romania as the main partner, reached its fourth edition, which registered a record number of participants.
The electric van segment is in a constant stage of development, in all segments, and the manufacturers’ offer is becoming more and more diversified and adapted to the requirements of Romanian companies. Best Electric Van, the only competition in Romania dedicated to light electric commercial vehicles (eLCV, Electric Light Commercial Vehicle), has recently designated its winners.
Also, as a result of the emergence of electric motorization in the pickup segment, the organizers started this year the Best Electric Pickup section at this event.
Ford Transit Curier, KIA PV5 Cargo and Iveco Daily received the title of Best Electric Van 2026 in Romania, each in its own category, during the fourth edition of the event. Toyota Hilux BEV became Best Electric Pickup 2026 in Romania.
Before the winners were designated, a jury made up of experienced fleet managers, coming from companies with a relevant car fleet, tested each model entered in the competition, applying objective criteria, inspired by daily use.
This year’s event had 14 participating models at the start, which reflects the variety, dynamics of the local market and the interest of manufacturers in introducing new generations of electric commercial vehicles in Romania. The event, organized by Auto Expert Media in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, supported by Arval Romania as main partner, Eldrive charging partner, took place between November 10 and 11, the first day being reserved for testing in real conditions of use, and the second for judging and awarding of prizes, during a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests.
The start, from the Arval headquarters, on a 200-kilometer route
The competition started on November 10, starting from the headquarters of Arval Romania, the main partner of Best Electric Van since the first edition, in 2023. The tests included traveling on a route of about 200 kilometres, in different road conditions, from urban traffic to national road and highway, also having a battery charging test.
At the time of judging, the criteria considered for awarding the marks were the dimensions, cargo space and payload, ease of loading with cargo, ergonomics for the driver, real autonomy, energy consumption, ease of charging with energy and price.
In addition to the three big winners of the Best Electric Van 2026, the following prizes were also awarded at the event:
Small Class Fuel Efficiency Award: Ford Transit CurierMiddle Class Consumption Efficiency Award: Cavan C1High Class Fuel Efficiency Award: Iveco DailyConsumption Efficiency Award in the Pickup Category: KGM Musso EVJury’s Special Award: Farizon Romania
“Electric vans respond to a concrete need: deliveries and services in densely populated areas, where the reduction of emissions and noise pollution has an immediate impact. We support initiatives that provide companies with objective information before investing in a fleet, because well-documented decisions are the ones that turn into real adoption. Collaboration between authorities and the private sector remains essential for the development of the necessary infrastructure,” said Natalia Intotero, Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests of Romania.
“Arval has been supporting Best Electric Van since the first edition, and after four years of testing in the same format, it is clear how much the segment has evolved. Data from the Fleet and Mobility Barometer 2026, conducted by the Arval Mobility Observatory, show that 74% of companies in Romania that have light commercial vehicles mention charging among the constraints of switching to electric. For a company that electrifies its commercial fleet, the difference between the models is not seen in the data sheet, but in the payload remaining after the battery is installed, in the actual consumption on the loaded route and in the actual charging time between two trips. These are the data that this competition provides, and at Arval we complement them with solutions adapted to each company, from the integration of eLCVs to the optimization of operating costs. More broadly, this reflects Arval’s commitment to supporting its clients throughout their energy transition, helping them make electrification both practical and sustainable for their business,” said Roxana Lupescu, General Manager of Arval Romania.
“We built Best Electric Van around a simple choice: the vehicles are evaluated by the people who use them. The fleet managers on the jury know exactly what a poorly positioned side door or a payload 200 kilograms less than the diesel variant means. The results of the competition reflect this type of experience, not the data sheet,” said Florin Micu, project coordinator and CEO of Auto Expert Media.
The light electric commercial vehicle (eLCV) segment is in a stage of development, supported by requirements for low-emission urban deliveries, regulations on access to central areas and the emergence of more affordable financial solutions. The adoption of these models is particularly visible in areas such as courier, distribution and utilities, where companies are looking to optimize operating costs and reduce maintenance, supported by their own charging infrastructures and, in some cases, solutions such as photovoltaic panels and fast stations. The market has growth potential, as infrastructure and supporting policies develop.
Leave a Reply