EV Vans: Who’s Built From Scratch vs. Who’s Just Converting Old Diesels

Clean-Sheet EV Vans (true EV-first)

Clean-sheet builds = full EV optimization (battery placement, range, payload, serviceability).

•	Workhorse W56 (Class 5/6) – Only purpose-built EV step van in this segment. Built for regional + longer routes. 

Score: 10/10 (only true clean-sheet in Class 5/6, optimized for FedEx/UPS duty cycles)

•	Rivian EDV 500/700/900 (Class 2–3) – Amazon-exclusive clean-sheet van, optimized for last mile. 

Score: 9/10 (clean-sheet, but Amazon exclusive so limited impact)

•	BrightDrop Zevo 400/600 (Class 2–3) – GM’s Ultium-based vans, already in FedEx fleets. 

Score: 9/10 (clean-sheet, but built on Ultium passenger EV platform)

•	Arrival Van (Class 2–3) – Modular clean-sheet design, but company struggling financially. 

Score: 7/10 (great design)

⸻———-

Retrofits / ICE Platform Adaptations Retrofits = faster to market, but carry compromises from ICE roots.

•	Ford e-Transit (Class 2–3) – Transit van chassis with EV powertrain. 

Score: 5/10 (ICE chassis repurposed, not EV-first)

•	Mercedes eSprinter (Class 2–3) – ICE Sprinter adapted to EV. 

Score: 5/10 (same as above, just electrified existing model)

•	Blue Arc (Class 3–5) – Based on Shyft’s step-van ICE chassis. 

Score: 6/10 (retrofit of proven ICE body, decent EV conversion but not ground-up)

•	Motiv (Class 4–6) – Flexible EV chassis integrations with Ford/GM platforms. 

Score: 6/10 (great modular IP, but built around existing platforms)

•	Xos MDXT / Stepvan (Class 4–6) – Adapted step vans and trucks, not EV-first. 

Score: 6/10 (modernized conversion, not fully new design)

•	Bollinger B4 (Class 4) – Cab-forward design but still heavily ICE-style architecture. 

Score: 6/10 (some innovation, but not a clean-sheet EV platform)

So in light classes (2–4), Rivian & BrightDrop are leading the way. In Class 5/6, the Workhorse W56 is the only true clean-sheet EV step van.

That’s why org like FedEx and UPS are even entertaining them — the alternatives are mostly conversions.