Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric

Vauxhall has revealed a facelifted version of its electric Vivaro people-mover with a welcome increase in range, thanks to a new 75kW battery.This gives the Vivaro Life Electric, as it is now called, a much more practical 217 miles of electric range (WLTP) on a full charge.

This is an increase of 62% on the original Vivaro-e Life, and greater than other key rival electric 7-seater MPVs such as the Ford Toureo Custom and MercedesBenz EQV. A lower-capacity 50kWh battery is also available with a range of 139 miles (WLTP).

The Vivaro Life Electric can seat up to nine people, comes in two lengths: standard (4.96m) or XL (5.3m). Load volume is up to 1,500 litres with all three rows of seats installed. With two rows, up to 3,000 litres can be transported depending on the length of model specified. It is available with a choice of Combi, Design and Ultimate trims. There is also a 6-seat VIP configuration with individual rear seats and a foldable sliding table. The second row of seats can be fitted so that passengers sit face-to-face. The VIP pack is only available in Ultimate trim.

To increase energy efficiency, the Vivaro Life Electric has three levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted using paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. The Vivaro Life Electric features a 7.4kW on-board charger as standard, with an 11kW charger available as an option. At a 100kW DC rapid charging station, the 50kWh battery can be charged to 80% of its capacity in around 38 minutes, while the 75kWh battery takes 45 minutes.

The updated people carriers feature Vauxhall’s Vizor front-end design for the first time, with the Vauxhall Griffin logo in the centre. Inside, there’s a digital cockpit with 10in colour touchscreens.

The most basic Combi version (short wheelbase, bench seats, 50kW battery) costs £39,190, while the entry level XL Combi with 75kW battery costs £44,590. The XL Ultimate 75kW version costs £56,330, plus £1,490 for the VIP pack.

The new Vivaro Life Electric is available with Vauxhall’s Plug & Go offer, which includes a free Octopus Energy Ohme Pro wallbox and installation. Customers can instead of the wallbox choose one year’s free charging credit at Tesco stores, or a £675 roaming charging credit with Octopus Electroverse.

Improved range and comfort for Combo

Upgrades have also been made to Vauxhall's smaller electric van. The Combo Life Electric has gained new connectivity and comfort features.

Like the Vivaro, the Combo Life Electric is available in two lengths. The standard version offers space for five people with three individual seats in the second row.

The Combo Life Electric XL can accommodate up to seven passengers across three rows, with two individual split-folding and removable third-row seats, and a sliding facility for its third-row seats.

The Combo Life Electric now comes with a 52kWh battery, located under the floor. It can travel up to 199 miles (WLTP) on a single charge – approximately 25 miles (14%) more than the previous model, thanks to an improved drivetrain and an optional heat pump, which improves battery range in low temperatures. With 100kW DC rapid charging capability, the battery can be recharged to 80% of its capacity in around 30 minutes.

The facelifted Combo gains the same family look as the Vivaro, including LED lights in place of halogen lights.The Vauxhall Combo Life Electric is available in two trim levels, Design and Ultimate.

Design includes a multimedia audio system with a 10in HD touchscreen, while Ultimate adds the Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system, a panoramic rear-view camera, a heated leather steering wheel and dual-zone electronic climate control.

Pricing starts at £32,180 for the 5-seater Design version, rising to £33,080 for the 7-seater Design model. Ultimate trim only comes in 5-seater guise; it costs £34,695.