Living with the Toyota Proace Electric:
The Green Thumb Edit. 

In a bid to explore more sustainable business practices and reduce his environmental footprint, Glasgow-based gardening and landscaping company, Montgomery Gardens, reached out to us to learn more about switching to electric vehicles. Conscious of the impact his older diesel Proace van was having on the environment, the owner was keen to assess if an electric alternative could meet his business needs without compromise.

Our Western Toyota Business Centre recognised this as the perfect opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the electric Toyota Proace EV. We offered Montgomery Gardens the chance to trial the vehicle for a week, allowing him to fully experience what it’s like to live with an electric van while handling his busy day-to-day operations. The company travels extensively across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, and the surrounding areas, so range anxiety and reliability were key concerns for him.

“Having a vehicle that can make longer journeys without me having to worry about range is critical to how I operate,” said the owner of Montgomery Gardens. “I cover a lot of ground, and I can’t afford to stop and charge frequently during a busy workday.”

With a plug-in charger available at his home base, Montgomery Gardens found it easy to integrate the Proace Electric into his daily routine. “Charging the van overnight was straightforward, and it gave me a full charge to start each day,” he noted. “I was impressed by how far I could travel on a single charge, and the savings compared to my usual diesel fuel costs were noticeable.”

During the trial week, the business made several trips across his regular routes, from Glasgow to Edinburgh, only needing to stop for an additional charge once. “The Proace EV’s range and payload capacity met my needs perfectly, and I didn’t have to compromise on space or performance,” he said.

At the end of the trial, Montgomery Gardens was left impressed by the Proace Electric's smooth drive, its cost-effectiveness, and the environmental benefits of switching from diesel. As the owner remarked, “I’m definitely more confident in making the switch to electric now. The van exceeded my expectations.”

We had the pleasure of chatting with Mr Montgomery as he carried out some work. Read what he had to say below. 

Q: How did the Proace Electric drive compared to your usual diesel van?

A: The Proace Electric was a very pleasant surprise. It’s so much smoother than my older diesel Proace, especially when navigating around town. The instant torque from the electric motor meant it had great pickup, even when carrying heavy equipment, which is a must for us in landscaping. And it’s incredibly quiet—I didn’t realise just how loud my diesel engine was until I drove the EV!

Q: How did the cost of charging compare to what you usually spend on diesel?

A: Honestly, charging the Proace Electric was a lot cheaper than filling up the diesel. I charged it overnight at home using an 11 kW Wall Charger and the savings were clear from the first charge. On average, I spend quite a bit each week on fuel, but charging the electric version cut that cost by more than half. For any business, cutting down on fuel costs like that could add up to significant savings over time.

Q: Did driving the electric Proace squash any hesitancy you had about switching to an EV?

A: Absolutely. Initially, I did had concerns—range anxiety mostly, the cost of the switch, and how it would handle my workload. But after driving it for a week, I'm much more open to the idea. I believe the maximum range is around 205 miles but found I was getting around 190 miles with the 75 kWh battery which was more than enough for my daily routes. However, I do run the AC a lot throughout the day and believe I could have increased the range of the van if I wasn't. Plus, knowing I was producing zero emissions while driving felt like a real step forward for the business. It’s a change I’d seriously consider now.

Q: Were you able to do any longer trips without needing to stop for a charge?

A: Yes, I actually took the Proace Electric on a longer trip to a job outside the city, about an 80 miles round-trip. I didn’t need to stop for a charge at all. In fact, with the larger battery option, I found that I had plenty of range left when I got back. I found if I planned my route smartly, there was really no need to worry about charging, as long as I as within that 190-205 mile range. I did do some research before I collected the van as I was apprehensive about needing to charge regularly with how on the move I usually am. I was curious to how quick the fast chargers actually are so I stopped at a local charge point. 30 minutes later I had a full range again and it cost less than the lunch I bought whilst I waited! It's good to know that with fast charging options available, even if I had needed a top-up, it would’ve been quick and easy.

Q: How did the Proace Electric compare in terms of storage space? Did it meet your needs as a gardening and landscaping business?

A: Storage is crucial for me, and I was happy to see that the Proace Electric didn’t compromise on that. The load volume is the same as our diesel Proace, offering up to 6.6 cubic meters, which meant I could still carry all our tools, plants, and landscaping materials without any issue. It also handled our heavier equipment with ease, thanks to the payload of up to 1,000 kg. There was no difference in terms of practicality—it was just as capable as our diesel van, which was a big plus.

Q: How did you find the Proace Electric’s overall practicality for your day-to-day operations?

A: Overall, it was highly practical for what I do. I had no issues fitting it into my workflow, and the convenience of not having to worry about emissions zones in the city was a huge advantage given new ULEZ rules. Also, knowing that I could charge it overnight or top up with rapid charging throughout the day if needed made it feel just as flexible as my diesel van.

Q: Would you recommend the Proace Electric to other service industry professionals?

A: Absolutely. If you’re looking to reduce your running costs and your environmental impact without sacrificing the practical aspects of a work van, the Proace Electric is worth a serious look. It’s spacious, reliable, and cheaper to run than a diesel, which is everything you need from a service vehicle. It’s been a great experience for me, and I would definitely recommend it to others in similar industries. 

Ready to make the switch from diesel to electric? Contact Western and Barnetts Toyota today to discover how easy it is to transition to an electric vehicle like the Toyota Proace Electric. Our dedicated Fleet team, known for being the best in the business, is here to guide you every step of the way. With their expert knowledge and professional service, they’ll ensure you find the right solution for your business needs. Plus, with Toyota Business Centres conveniently located in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Stirling, you’ll have access to the support you need, no matter where your business takes you. Get in touch today to start your journey towards a cleaner, more efficient fleet.​