Vauxhall Vivaro-e – A zero-emissions LCV for Britain’s businesses

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e was one of the first fully electric commercial models in the British car maker’s lineup when it came out last year. Stellantis (the parent company of Vauxhall) announced its strategy of having a battery-powered version of its entire range by 2030, along with its vans, and the Vivaro-e is part of the vision.

Also, with the launch of the electric versions of Movano and Combo, the entire commercial vehicle lineup of Vauxhall has been electrified, a plan which was initiated with the launch of Vivaro-e in 2020.

Last year the fully electric Vivaro-e was crowned as the 2021 International Van of the Year, one of the highest accolades in the LCV segment. This year it bagged the ‘Van of the Year’ prize at the 2021 VAN Fleet World Awards. Let’s take a close look at the award-winning electric van:

Vauxhall Vivaro-e variants

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e comes with two wheelbase options – L1H1 and L2H1, with the latter being the long-wheelbase version of the former. Both these wheelbase options feature a common height and are offered with two different variants, Dynamic and Elite.

Again, both the Dynamic and Elite variants too are offered in two different body styles – panel van and double cab, with the latter having an extra row of seats for additional passenger carrying capacity.

Lastly, all the variants of the Vivaro-e can be had either with a 50 kWh or a 75 kWh battery. All in all, a user can opt for one of the various possible combinations of wheelbase, variant, body style and battery specification available on offer.

Vauxhall Vivaro-e features

Both the Dynamic and Elite variants of the Vauxhall Vivaro-e differ on the basis of equipment they have on offer. The lower-spec Dynamic variant comes equipped with features like 16-inch steel wheels, front fog lamps, reverse parking sensors, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, cruise control and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The more premium Elite variant comes equipped with few extras like alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, front parking sensors, electrically folding rearview mirrors, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and satellite navigation system.

The double cab version of the Elite variant adds in one touch power windows, heated outside rear view mirrors, traction control and electronic stability program. Also on offer here is the Vauxhall Connect, which has features like e-Call, b-Call, trip planner and charging information. The driver can also monitor the driving conditions, range and key operating systems of the van on the touchscreen system.

Specifications

Based on a very flexible EMP2 platform from Stellantis, the Vauxhall Vivaro-e comes with two lithium-ion battery options across its entire range, both of which are paired to a 100 kW (136 PS) motor. The smaller 50 kWh battery returns a maximum driving range of 143 miles (230 km), while the bigger 75 kWh battery promises 205 miles (330 km) of driving range (as per WLTP).

While the 50 kWh battery takes 30 minutes to charge up to 80 per cent with a 100 kW public fast charger, the bigger 75 kWh battery takes 45 minutes for the same. The electric van is offered with a 7.4 kW charger as standard, with the option of an 11 kW charger on offer as well. As DrivingElectric.com points out, it takes 7-11 hours depending on the battery to charge at home.

Vauxhall extends free home charger & green miles offer to more electric vehicles

In an effort to lure in more customers towards its EVs, Vauxhall is extending its free home charger and 30,000 free green miles to its other all-electric models, the Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life. The offer, in partnership with British Gas, was initially available only on UK’s best-selling electric supermini, the Vauxhall Corsa-e.

A press release dated August 12, 2021, by Vauxhall announced that customers will be given an exclusive British Gas tariff. This tariff would be fixed for the next three years until August 2024. This also includes an off-peak rate as well as lower charging prices between midnight and 5:00 am. The equivalent of 30,000 miles will be credited to the customer’s accounts by Vauxhall to cover the cost of charging.

Additionally, customers with private off-street parking will be given a free Home Charging Unit called a Wallbox “Pulsar Plus” installed by a qualified British Gas engineer. The offer will be available on all orders placed by October 5, 2021. This includes purchases made via Personal Contract Purchase, Personal Contract Hire as well as Conditional Sale.

Vauxhall Vivaro-e is UK’s best-selling electric LCV

In a press release issued on August 5, 2021, Vauxhall said that according to the latest sales and registrations numbers published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the company is now the best-selling e-LCV (electric Light Commercial Vehicle) manufacturer in the UK.

With 1,560 e-LCVs sold year-to-date, Vauxhall has managed to provide an electric variant of its entire lineup. The latest in this was the launch of the Movano-e large van and the Combo-e compact van. According to the release, the Vivaro-e continues to be the best-selling product within Vauxhall’s lineup as well as the overall e-LCV segment in the UK on a year-to-date basis.

Vauxhall Vivaro-e FAQs

Featured image: Vauxhall