November 28, 2025
Comparison of ARI 458 & ARI 458 Pro: Which e-transporter is better suited to your application?
Anyone looking for a compact electric van for urban logistics, trade or delivery services will quickly come across the ARI 458. With the new ARI 458 Pro, ARI Motors has further developed the popular model and now offers even more space and a higher payload. But which vehicle is the right choice? We compare the two e-transporters in detail.
Dimensions and loading area: compact vs. spacious
The classic ARI 458 is particularly maneuverable and is perfect for narrow city centers. With its compact length of 3.15 meters, it can fit anywhere and still impresses with its flexible body. Customers can choose between box bodies in three sizes (1.45 m³ to 2.77 m³) or a platform version with a loading area of around 1.53 m².
The ARI 458 Pro has grown considerably: at 3.82 meters long and almost 2 meters high, it offers more space for transport. Its box body has a load volume of 3.47 m³, while the flatbed has a load area of around 2.82 m². This makes it ideal for companies that need more transport capacity.
Comparison of payload and range
The models also differ clearly in terms of payload:
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ARI 458: 531 to 648 kg, depending on the body
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ARI 458 Pro: up to 850 kg
The little brother is ahead in terms of range. Thanks to optional LiFePO₄ batteries, the ARI 458 can travel up to 495 km. With its two battery options, the Pro offers a practical range of 120 to 230 km, but is optimized for heavier loads.
Motor power and ride comfort
The ARI 458 is equipped with a 7.5 kW motor and reaches a top speed of up to 78 km/h. The ARI 458 Pro goes one step further: its 15 kW engine delivers twice as much power, giving the vehicle a confident and powerful ride, especially when fully loaded. The top speed is 71 km/h - a value that is more than sufficient for urban use. In city traffic, average speeds are significantly lower anyway, so that the ARI 458 Pro remains swift and safe at all times.
The models have different priorities when it comes to suspension tuning: While the ARI 458 is equipped with McPherson suspension all round, the ARI 458 Pro combines McPherson at the front and robust leaf springs at the rear - designed for heavy loads.
Technical data in direct comparison
| Characteristics | ARI 458 | ARI 458 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle dimensions | 3150 × 1300 × 1685 mm | 3820 × 1490 × 1925 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm | 2630 mm |
| Payload | 531–648 kg | 850 kg |
| Box body | 1.45–2.77 m³ (S, L, XL) | 3.47 m³ |
| Platform | 1320 × 1160 mm (≈1.53 m²) | 2015 × 1400 mm (≈2.82 m²) |
| Engine power | 7.5 kW | 15 kW |
| Top speed | 78 km/h | 71 km/h |
| Range | 120–495 km | 120–230 km |
| Battery variants | SLA / LiFePO₄, up to 40.8 kWh | LiFePO₄, 15 or 23.5 kWh |
| Consumption/100 km | approx. 7.1 kWh | approx. 13.2 kWh |
| Suspension | McPherson f/h | McPherson front, leaf springs rear |
| Brakes (f/h) | Discs / discs | Discs / drum |
Standard equipment: comfort on both sides
Both models are already well equipped in the basic version. The standard equipment includes
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Electric windows
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MP4 player with Bluetooth and reversing camera
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Central locking with radio
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Interior heating & fresh air blower
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12 V socket
The ARI 458 also scores points with a panoramic glass roof and leatherette seats. The ARI 458 Pro, on the other hand, features robust fabric seats and a lower loading sill height of 60 cm for easier loading and unloading.
Conclusion: Which ARI is right for you?
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The ARI 458 is the right choice for anyone looking for a compact electric van with a long range for narrow routes. Ideal for courier services, delivery services and tradespeople who travel a lot in urban areas.
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The ARI 458 Pro is recommended for companies that need more payload and loading volume - for example for construction sites, furniture transportation or municipal tasks.
With both models, you get a cost-effective, fully electric commercial vehicle that is quiet, emission-free and inexpensive to maintain.
