Opel Vivaro-e Expected Later In 2020
The Opel Vivaro-e is the brand's first fully electric light commercial vehicle (LCV). It will be available in a variety of lengths and body variants to suit the needs of Irish businesses when it arrives in Ireland in late 2020.
According to Opel, the new Vivaro-e electric van will have the same practicality as the diesel model. In fact, they will be built together at the same plant. The Vivaro-e will have a decent payload of up to 1,275kg, considering 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, which is an advantage for commercial buyers. The maximum towing capacity is 1 tonne, while we are told gross vehicle weight ranges from 2,800 to 3,100kg.
How far will the Vivaro-e travel on electric range?
Two batteries will be available. The Opel Vivaro-e 75kWh has a range of up to 330 kilometres. There will also be a Vivaro-e 50kWh with range of up to 230km (WLTP). The battery is positioned under the load cabin so as not to compromise essential load-space. A regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.
The Vivaro-e’s motor generates 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque, which Opel says surpasses most electric commercial vehicles currently on the market.
Charging the Opel Vivaro-e
With a 100 kW DC public charging station, the 50 kWh battery charges to 80% in only 30 minutes, whilst the 75 kW battery takes 45 minutes. The battery is covered by an eight year / 160,000km guarantee for up to 70% retention. Customers will be able to 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. Most variants measure 1.9 m tall, to best service ever-expanding business needs. In its most compact length, the turn circle is as little as 11.3 m, to ensure maximum agility in tight spaces. At 1.9 m in height, the Vivaro-e easily accesses shopping centre or basement car parks.
The Vivaro-e’s wide rear and sliding side doors give unrestricted access to the cargo area or passenger compartment. Optional electric side sliding doors deliver even more practicality, operated by a movement of foot.
Anything else?
Inside there's a 7” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and a Head Up Display. Other features depending on trim include 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 latest Opel model to be electrified, the Vivaro-e will play a key role in Opel’s rapidly evolving e-mobility range. According to the brand, it will meet growing needs for emission-free delivery of goods and services in cities across Europe. The brand is speeding up their electric offensive with the arrival of the new Opel Corsa-e, all electric supermini. The Opel Grandland X PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is also in dealers now.
The next electric Opel LCV, the Combo Cargo-e will arrive in 2021. Opel has already confirmed that the brand will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.
