Opel releases details of all-new 100% electric Vivaro-e

Published on 28 April, 2020

Opel’s first fully electric light commercial vehicle, is due to arrive in Irish showrooms in late 2020.

Overview

The all new Vivaro-e, Opel’s first fully electric light commercial vehicle, is due to arrive in Irish showrooms in late 2020. The latest Opel model to be electrified, the Vivaro-e will play a key role in Opel’s rapidly evolving e-mobility range, arriving on the market in time to meet growing needs for emission-free delivery of goods and services in cities across Europe. Available in a variety of lengths and body variants, the Vivaro-e is produced in the same plant and is as versatile and flexible as its diesel counterpart.“As the first all-electric light commercial vehicle to enter the Van-D market segment of medium-sized vans, and featuring a range of up to 330 kilometres in the WLTP cycle, the new Opel Vivaro-e sets the standards for ease of use, dependability and professionalism,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.The new electrified version of the successful Vivaro offers no compromises. Customers can still expect outstanding practicality, synonymous with diesel variants. With a payload of up to 1,275kg (diesel versions have a max payload of 1,405kg), the Vivaro-e is now the first electrified vehicle in its segment that has the ability to pull trailers, returning a maximum towing capacity of 1 tonne. Gross vehicle weight ranges from 2,800 to 3,100kg.Cleverly positioned under the load cabin so as not to compromise essential load-space, the Vivaro-e is on offer with two sizes of lithium ion battery, ensuring customers have a choice based on their business needs. The 75kWh battery boasts a range of up to 330 kilometres, or for less intense usage needs, the 50kWh battery has a range of up to 230km (WLTP). A sophisticated regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.The Vivaro-e’s powerful motor generates 136hp and 260Nm of torque, surpassing most electric commercial vehicles currently on the market. With an electronically controlled maximum speed of 130km/h, to preserve electric range, the Vivaro-e is perfectly suited for inner-city driving, unleashing ample performance for motorway driving. The battery’s positioning under the load cabin lowers the vehicle’s centre of gravity, delivering enhanced cornering and wind stability, even when fully loaded with cargo.With a 100 kW DC public charging station, the 50kWh battery charges to 80% in only 30 minutes, whilst the 75kW battery takes 45 minutes. The battery is covered by an eight year / 160,000km guarantee for up to 70% retention, certifiable by the Opel Dealer Network. Thanks to an OpelConnect e-remote control function, customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or pre-programme air conditioning and charging times.The Vivaro-e will be available in an assortment of body styles with up to three lengths on offer, and most variants measure 1.9m tall, to best service ever-expanding business needs. In its most compact length, the turn circle is as little as 11.3m, to ensure maximum agility in tight spaces. At 1.9m in height, the Vivaro-e easily accesses shopping centre or basement parking lots.Fitted with the practical FlexCargo load-through option on the front passenger side, the Vivaro-e’s load capacity can be increased from 4.6m3 to 5.1m 3 even in its most compact length, allowing transportation of objects up to 3.32m in length. In its longest length, with FlexCargo, the volume increases up to 6,6m3, swallowing ladders or panels up to 4.02m long. A multitude of storage areas in the cockpit, which features an electric parking brake, comfortably accommodates numerous smaller items.The Vivaro-e’s wide rear and sliding side doors give unrestricted access to the cargo area or passenger compartment, whilst optional electric side sliding doors deliver even more practicality, operated by a mere movement of foot. Like its internal combustion engine siblings, the Vivaro-e offers a wide range of driver assistance systems to enhance professionals’ safety. In addition to a large 7” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and a Head Up Display, equipment dependent on trim includes Lane Keep Assist, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Drowsiness Alert, Semi-Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking and 3D navigation. Ultrasonic sensors in the Vivaro-e’s front and rear aprons, warn the driver of obstacles when parking and monitor the side blind spot. Depending on the equipment level, a 180 degrees rear-view camera image appears on the 7” touchscreen.The Vivaro-e continues not only Opel’s electrification offensive, taking its place beside the new electric Corsa-e and the new Grandland X PHEV ranges, but also the Vivaro’s success story that began with the first generation in 2001. The next electric Opel LCV, the Combo Cargo-e will arrive in 2021. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

Anthony Murphy

I just kept turning up and eventually they let me drive some shiny new cars.