Citroen E-Relay Dropside vs Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside

Vanaways
Vanaways
16th Mar 2023
Citroen E-Relay Dropside vs Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside

Dropside vans are great for businesses that are looking to carry large payloads from place to place, then easily load and unload at their destination. This is made easier by the sides of the van, which as the name suggests, simply drop away when you need them to, allowing you to access the bed of the truck from all directions. This makes loading and loading fast and efficient.

Electric vans are also great for your business. They are just as efficient as diesel alternatives, with powerful battery motors that do not pollute the environment as you go about your day. They also improve your business image and allow you to access clean air zones with no fear of getting charged.

Here at Vanaways, we believe that electric vans are the future, so have a great selection on sale. It can be hard to pick which van is best for you or your business, so we have put together a series of guides to help you pick between certain electric vehicles.

In this review, we are going to look at the Citroen E-Relay Dropside and the Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside.

Engines and Spec

First launching onto the scene in 1994, the Citroen Relay has long been a reliable light commercial vehicle that many businesses have relied on. Throughout the year we have seen numerous generations and facelifts but in 2020 the battery electric E-Relay became available.

It has two battery options, a 35kWh or 74kWh battery pack. If you go for the larger option, you can expect an impressive range of just over 150 miles. However, like all vehicles, this range is dependent on a series of factors such as driving skills, weather conditions and the payload. Speaking of weather conditions, the steel components are either powder-coated or zinc plated to resist corrosion, enabling your vehicle to remain in great condition for a long period of time without deterioration.

Your cargo will remain safe in the body, which has a generous payload of 1.4 tonnes and consists of a non-slip deck and lashing rails which will keep everything secure. Find out more about the Citroen E-Relay Dropside in our full review.

The Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside is quite a new addition to the market, with the diesel version only released in 2019 to replace the previous Maxus V80. Soon after the eDeliver 9 hit the streets, offering an all-electric light commercial vehicle alternative. The electric van is available in a range of battery size options: 51.5, 72 and 88.5kWh. This makes it an incredibly powerful vehicle, capable of a maximum driving range of over 200 miles on a full charge! And with a maximum payload of 1200kg, you can both go the distance and carry plenty while doing it.

Interior

The interior of the Maxus eDeliver 9 is sleek and modern, with a large touchscreen that covers the dashboard and provides you access to music, maps and more! It is built for comfort, with a relaxing driver’s seat that features a built-in armrest. Perfect for long journeys or if you need to do work from the seat of your van. Find out more about what we think of the eDeliver 9 in general here.

The Citroen E-Relay Dropside has a very comfortable interior, with plenty of space for the driver as well as two additional passengers. This extra room is from the fact there is no central column with a gear stick, freeing up room for extra leg space. Instead of the gearbox, there is a simple three-button system that will quickly allow you to switch between drive, neutral and reverse. Necessary battery information you might need is shown in the rearview mirror, which can take some getting used to at first.

The Verdict

Shop for both great vans today by working with Vanaways. We have hundreds of diesel and electric vans in stock, including the Citroen E-Relay Dropside and the Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside. As well as the dropsides, check out the rest of our E-Relay and eDeliver ranges, as we have a number of electric options available to suit your business or personal needs.

Why work with Vanaways? Well, we offer great prices on all of our vehicles and are also able to offer a range of methods for you to obtain them, such as leasing, part exchange and finance. We also offer free fast delivery nationwide from our headquarters in Bristol, so you can get the vehicle you want at a time that suits you.

And with free breakdown cover and great warranties, why would you want to shop for a new van anywhere else? Contact us today to find out more about our vehicles.

Vanaways Reviews

   
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04 March 2026

"First time using Vansaway! I was in a bit of a panic as my van broke down and I was unable to fix it. My van is my livihood, so I looked into leasing and contract. I wish I done it sooner. I spoke to Jonathan as my first point of contact. I couldn't have got any luckier having him as my support. He was absolutely fantastic, he went above and beyond to help me. He was easy to contact and would always reply when I had any concerns or questions. His knowledge on all vehicles was impeccable, which made things easier. He listened to what I wanted and needed and explained everything thoroughly help me making the right choice in plan and kept in touch throughout the entire process! He knew I was in desperate need of a van and he did not disappoint and kept his word and I was able to get my new van delivered as soon as possible. Enjoying the drive. Its great about the perks involved in having a contract hire as well! Thank you so much for everything! Highly recommend, vans are just not how they use to be, so its great to have a brand new van along with the support of any engine faults things like that. A huge stress off my shoulders being sole trader."

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18 February 2026

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John Owens

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01 September 2025

"We have used Vanaways on two occasions now and the customer service has always been great. I contacted them as our team grew and withing 2 weeks we had the vans in our yard. Quick and efficient service all round. Tyler in the delivery department kept me up to date throughout the process. Would certainly recommend."

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