Overview
Vauxhall Motors is part of the Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). You may not be familiar with these names, but the automotive brands in the portfolio would be well known to most consumers. These include: Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Apart from electric cars, Vauxhall also manufacturers and sells electric vans. These include:
- Vauxhall Vivaro Electric
- Vauxhall Combo Electric
- Vauxhall Movano Electric
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following blog categories:
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Vauxhall Combo-e Panel Van
The Combo panel van has been available since 1993 under the Opel brand. The second generation was introduced in 2001. The commercial van is currently in its fourth generation, which was introduced in 2018.
The pure electric Combo Electric panel van is available only in one EV battery size: 50 kWh. The e-van has a claimed emission-free electric range up to 175 miles (WLTP) on a fully charged battery. Of course, the real-world electric range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: payload, driving profile, weather conditions, temperature, onboard services used etc. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 150 miles. Nevertheless, a decent electric range, in particular, for last mile deliveries!
It is also worth noting that the electric range is further impacted by the increased weight of the electric van due to the onboard EV battery. The gross vehicle weight of the EV is 2,411 kgs. The manufacturer offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Charging the electric van at 100 kW DC, the EV battery can achieve 80% charge in 30 minutes. Just enough time for a quick coffee and rest!
Vauxhall has incorporated, as standard, a single-phase (7 kW) onboard AC charger. However, there is an option to upgrade to a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger, at an additional cost. We would encourage upgrading to the 11 kW AC onboard charger, as most commercial premises in the UK are powered by three-phase power supply.
At 11 kW AC 3 phase EV charging, the electric van can be fully charged in 5 hours. Single-phase (7 kW) will take longer (7 hours and 30 minutes). Though the e-van can be charged using a standard 3-PIN domestic plug, we at e-zoomed discourage using a domestic plug to charge an electric vehicle. It will take up to 21 hours and 45 minutes to charge the EV.
In any case, we at e-zoomed encourage a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric vehicle. This is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery and of course, EV charging times are shorter. Vauxhall offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty. We also recommend charging overnight, when electricity tariff prices are lower.
In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive (FWD) Combo-e electric van delivers a maximum power up to 136 PS and 260 Nm torque. The EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 11.7 seconds. The top speed is 81 mph. The Vauxhall electric van also incorporates regenerative braking to improve the efficiency of the EV and increase the electric range.
The e-van has three driving modes: Power, Normal and Eco. For maximum range and energy efficiency, the ECO mode deactivates all unnecessary energy-consuming features and reduces the top speed, torque and performance. The Power mode is for the highest performance (speed/ torque). Of course, the Power mode impacts negatively the electric range.
The electric van is available in two lengths, L1 (4403 mm) and L2 (4753 mm), and offers cargo volume up to 3.9 m3. The payload of the electric commercial van is up to 803 kgs. The EV offers 2 seats. The e-van offers a number of safety features as standard, to include: anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability programme, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, hill start assist and more. Also included is a 8-inch colour touchscreen.
The Vauxhall Combo-e electric van is eligible for the UK government plug-in van grant for the ‘small vans’ category. These vehicles are less than 2,500 kilograms (kg) gross vehicle weight, have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 96km (60 miles) zero-emissions. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price for small vans, up to a maximum of £2,500.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! You can lease electric vans via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Practical electric range | Available in only one battery size |
100 kW DC charging | 11 kW AC onboard charger not standard |
Available in two lengths | Competition increasing in this segment |
The All-Electric Vauxhall Combo-e Panel Van (credit: Vauxhall)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Panel Van |
Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG): | Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (4 Options) |
---|
Vauxhall Combo-e L1 Prime Panel Van (from £32,000 + VAT) |
Vauxhall Combo-e L1 Pro Panel Van (from £33,600 + VAT) |
Vauxhall Combo-e L2 Prime Panel Van (from £32,855 + VAT) |
Vauxhall Combo-e L2 Pro Panel Van (from £34,455 + VAT) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery sizes: 50 kWh |
Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 7.4 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions (L1/L2) | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1796 – 1860 |
Width (mm): | 2107 |
Length (mm): | 4403 – 4753 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2785 – 2975 |
Turning Radius (m): | N/A |
Cargo Volume (m3): | 3.3 – 3.9 |
Payload (kg): | 751 – 803 |
Combo Electric | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 171 – 175 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km): | 19.5 – 23.0 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 7.4 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 81 mph |
0-62 mph: | 11.7 seconds |
Drive: | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
Max Power (PS): | 136 |
Torque (Nm): | 260 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 2 |
Towing Capacity/ Braked (kg): | 750 |
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): | 2,400 – 2,411 |
Colours: | 16 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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