Already one of the best-selling electric vans on the market, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric GS adds a touch of class to the EV options.
It is certainly true that an electric vehicle will require a certain adjustment in how you use it. It inevitably entails a different mindset to running a diesel but that doesn’t necessarily equate to inferior. Indeed, in a number of respects the end user experience is actually enhanced, and that’s certainly the case when you’re behind the wheel.
There’s no gears, of course, whilst there’s minimal noise, and maximum torque from a standing start will deliver very satisfying levels of acceleration – even in a van. You can merrily move in out of congestion and low emission zones with impunity and maintenance costs should be much reduced. Advertising to existing and prospective clients that you’re doing your bit for the environment and local air quality is hardly like to do your company image any harm either.
Vauxhall is already committed to transforming its entire portfolio to electric by 2028, seven years ahead of the government deadline and can already boast an electric variant with every model of LCV. With that kind of timetable van operators might need to make the decision on EV sooner than they think.
This is one manufacturer that’s committed to making the transition a much simpler proposition, with what is already an extensive range. That line-up now features the Vivaro Electric GS – what the company proudly describes as the first battery-powered Sport model on the market – and we recently road tested this high spec, zero emissions solution.
When it comes to vans Sport does, of course, mean premium and first impressions are of a vehicle with all the necessary styling to convey that image. At the same time, it’s also blessed with a number of connectivity and safety features. Example of the latter include lane departure warning, blind spot detection and driver drowsiness alert, whilst your window into a connected world is through a 7in. colour touchscreen. It is here that you can access a fully integrated European sat nav system, and an AM/FM/DAB digital radio, and more.
Added to that is a road presence that screams quality. There’s a lip spoiler at the front end, side skirts and integrated front mud guards, but the real head turner is the 18in. black alloy wheels. Working your way around the vehicle, a rear spoiler – and new rear bumper – provides a harmoniously sporty persona from whatever angle you care to look. At the wheel what’s most apparent is the satisfyingly high driving position that sitting in your eco-leather seat affords, whilst gripping your leather covered steering wheel and taking advantage of the steering wheel mounted audio and phone controls. A rear parking camera offers an all-round view, and there’s a dual front passengers’ bench seat with underseat storage.
Electric power
When it comes to that all-important range, the 75kWh battery in the Vivaro Electric GS provides a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figure of up to 189 miles. As we reported in last month’s overview of Vauxhall’s EV products, the company is supporting its customers with an online range calculator tool. Here, you can change the conditions under which the van is being used – with a greater payload, for instance, or higher ambient temperature – and obtain a more accurate real-world figure.
The vehicle supports up to 100kW rapid charging, with an 80% charge taking just 45 minutes, as well as boasting a maximum load volume of 5.8m3 and a payload of 1,000kg. The FlexCargo concept includes a load through compartment in the bulkhead that allows for longer items to be carried, and in terms of its characteristics as a tool and materials carrying workhorse, a jobbing builder should notice precious little discernible difference between diesel and electric.
On that note it should be added that – in addition to the electric model – Vauxhall offers GS trim on panel van and doublecab versions of the internal combustion engine Vivaro, powered by a new version of its 2.0-litre Turbo D diesel engine. Unique to the GS, this now produces 180PS – an increase of 35PS – and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. In panel van guise, the Vivaro GS produces just 145g/km of CO2 and can achieve up to 51.3mpg.
For further information on the Vauxhall Vivaro range visit Vivaro | Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles | Vauxhall.
