- Further 4.25t electric van rule changes under consideration
- Arval research uncovers van fleet optimism
- Effects of ZEV mandate among subjects for industry conference
- Pre-orders open for new Nissan Interstar
- More than half of UK van drivers now believe EVs more cost effective than ICE, VW finds
- Public EV charging costs preventing adoption for some fleets, AFP says
- Ford Ranger Tremor review
- Inseego awarded Crown Commercial Service framework status
- ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: Electrify and optimise: Digital solutions at the forefront of decarbonisation
- Fleets being pushed to take electric vans due to ZEV mandate, AFP reports
The What Van? Road Test: Vauxhall Vivaro Electric
Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Operating
Service intervals are set at 25,000 miles/two years, although the first service comes at 12,500 miles/one year. A three-year/100,000-mile warranty protects the vehicle, with the battery covered for eight years/100,000 miles.
The daytime running lights use LEDs, which last a remarkably long time, and the provision of a proper spare wheel – albeit at additional cost – is another reason to be cheerful. Two-coat metallic paint was the only other option on our demonstrator – and should really be included in its steep price – and side protection mouldings should help defend it against minor damage.
Vauxhall Vivaro Electric L1 GS
Price (ex VAT) £57,050 **
Price range (ex VAT) £40,355–57,050 **
Gross payload 1,000kg
Load length 2,512mm
Load width (min/max) 1,258mm/1,636mm
Load bay height 1,397mm
Load volume 5.3m3
Loading height 613mm
Rear door aperture 1,282mm xn1,220mm
Side door aperture 935mm x 1,241mm
Gross vehicle weight 3,025kg
Braked trailer towing weight 1,000kg
Residual value 24.2%*
Cost per mile 81.3p*
Engine size/power 100kW (136hp) electric motor
Torque 260Nm
Gearbox 1sp
Warranty 3yrs/100,000mls
Service intervals 2yrs/25,000mls
Insurance group 35E
Price as tested £57,800
* After 48 months/20,000mls
p.a - source – KWIKcarcost
** Basic price before VAT,
On The Road Costs, and government Plug-in Van Grant
Options
Two-coat metallic paint £650
Spare wheel £100
Rivals
Ford E-Transit Custom
Price range (ex VAT ) TBA**
Load volume 5.8-9.0m3
Gross payload 1,100kg
Electric motor 101kW (137hp), 162kW (220hp)
Verdict: Usually we would not highlight a van that was not available at the time of writing as a competitor to a vehicle that is already on sale. However in this case we believe it is justified given Ford Transit Custom’s soaraway success in the UK market. E-Transit Custom should hopefully be appearing in Ford dealerships about now, and with a claimed range of up to 236 miles it will bear close investigation.
Mercedes-Benz eVito
Price range (ex VAT) £48,260-£51,915**
Load volume 6.0-6.6m3
Gross payload 749-807kg
Electric motor 85kW (116hp)
Verdict: Safety and equipment standards are high, so is build quality, we’ve no quarrels with the ride or the handling, and the latest eVito offers considerably more range than its predecessor; but at 162 miles, it could stand to be better. Payload capacity could be better too, and you cannot use eVito for towing. Eccentric parking brake needs scrapping in favour of an electric parking brake.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Price range (ex VAT) £39,625-£43,875**
Load volume 3.9m3
Gross payload 650kg
Electric motor 152kW (207hp)
Verdict: ID. Buzz Cargo is smaller than Vivaro Electric, but certainly worth considering if you’re after a van that will turn heads in your local high street. Claimed range is a creditable 258 miles, and VW’s newcomer scores highly when it comes to performance, refinement and equipment. On the downside payload capacity is unimpressive, although towing is permitted.
The Final Verdict
Design 8/10 – A stylish but practical package. The stress on safety can only be applauded
Cabin 7/10 – A comfortable working environment but needs a bigger touchscreen
Ride 8/10 – Copes well with the UK’s dilapidated highways, no matter if it is laden or unladen
Refinement 8/10 – In-cab noise isn’t an issue, and it is without doubt a well-put-together vehicle
Load area 8/10 – Easy to access, but needs better protection against minor damage
Handling/performance 7/10 – Performance is impressive in Normal or Power mode – but Eco slows you down
Engine/transmission 8/10 – Well-matched and user-friendly, able to pump energy that would otherwise be lost
Standard equipment 8/10 – Plenty of goodies including SatNav and a reversing camera with a bird’s-eye view
Operating costs 8/10 – Decent warranty package and sensible service intervals help keep costs down
What Van? subjective rating 7/10 – An attractive zero-emission van for local work, but painfully expensive
Overall Rating = 77/100
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