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The Vauxhall Vivaro-e van has a 188 mile WLTP electric range and will be available to order from June in two lengths and two body variants, a panel van and double-cab, with a passenger vehicle to follow. First deliveries will be in the autumn.
The Vivaro-e panel van has a payload of up to 1,226kg which is comparable to that of similar LCVs with internal combustion engines. In fact, the load it can carry is only 130kg less than a Vivaro fitted with a diesel engine. The Vivaro-e is also the only electrified vehicle in its segment that has the ability to pull trailers (with a maximum towing capacity of 1.0 tonne). Gross vehicle weights range up to 3,100kg.
Vivaro-e customers can choose between two sizes of lithium-ion battery, depending on their needs. A 75kWh unit provides up to 188 miles of range, while business users with smaller areas to cover in the working day can opt for a 50kWh battery with a range of up to 125 miles (both WLTP test cycle).
The battery modules are cooled via the cabin’s coolant circuit for optimised range and an increased lifetime. A battery electric version was planned from the beginning of the Vivaro’s development, so the batteries are packaged under the loading space so they don’t compromise its usage. A regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.
With 100kW (136PS) and 260Nm of torque from the electric propulsion system, the Vivaro-e offers better performance than most electric commercial vehicles. The electronically controlled maximum speed is 81mph. The battery located under the load compartment also lowers the centre of gravity, which benefits the cornering and stability of the Vivaro-e, even when it is fully laden.
The Vivaro-e can be charged via a wall box, fast charging or even a cable for charging from a domestic plug socket if necessary.
Using a 100kW DC public charging station, charging of the 50kWh battery to 80 per cent only takes 30 minutes – and 45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery. Depending on the distances a user drives on a daily basis and on the time left between usage phases to charge the battery, they will find the standard, single-phase 7.4kW on-board charger sufficient, or opt for the optional three-phase 11kW on-board charger. Both on-board chargers ensure that charging times are as fast as possible and that the battery (covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile guarantee) has a long life.
With the VauxhallConnect e-remote control functions, customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or programme air conditioning and charging times.
The next electric Vauxhall LCV, the Combo-e, will arrive in 2021. Vauxhall will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.
