Vauxhall has released the first pictures of the Vivaro-e, its first factory-built, fully-electric van, set to arrive in the market as more and more UK cities welcome emissions-free vehicles. Built on the same line as the diesel-engined Vivaro, and available to order from June in two lengths and two body variants, the Vivaro-e has a range of up to 188 miles on the WLTP cycle. Vauxhall says that multi-drop deliveries around large town and cities on a single charge will become a reality for British business users.

Vauxhall says that the Vivaro-e’s payload of up to 1,226kgs is also comparable to that of similar LCVs with internal combustion engines. In fact, the load it can carry is only 130kgs less than a Vivaro fitted with a diesel engine. The Vivaro-e is also the only electrified vehicle in its segment that has the ability to pull trailers (with a maximum towing capacity of 1.0 tonne).

Vivaro-e customers can choose between two sizes of lithium-ion battery, depending on their needs. A 75kWh unit provides up to 188 miles of range, while business users with smaller areas to cover in the working day can opt for a 50kWh battery with a range of up to 125 miles (both WLTP test cycle).

The batteries comprise 18 and 27 modules respectively, and the system is cooled via the cabin’s coolant circuit for optimised range and an increased lifetime. Since a battery electric version was planned from the beginning of Vivaro’s development, the batteries are packaged under the loading space in such a way that they do not compromise its usage. A regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.

With 100kW (134 bhp) and 192 ft lb of torque from the electric propulsion system, the Vivaro‑e is claimed to offer better performance than most electric commercial vehicles. The electronically controlled maximum speed is 81mph. The battery located under the load compartment also lowers the centre of gravity, which Vauxhall says benefits the cornering and stability of the Vivaro-e, even when it is fully laden.

Using a 100kW DC public charging station, charging of the 50kWh battery to 80 per cent only takes 30 minutes – and 45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery. Depending on the distances a user drives on a daily basis and on the time left between usage phases to charge the battery, they will find the standard, single-phase 7.4kW on-board charger sufficient, or opt for the optional three-phase 11kW on-board charger. Both on-board chargers ensure that charging times are as fast as possible and that the battery (covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile guarantee) has a long life.

With the VauxhallConnect e-remote control functions, customers can use their smartphones to check the battery’s state-of-charge or programme air conditioning and charging times.

Vauxhall has tailored the Vivaro-e to cater for a variety of customer needs, with a panel van and double-cab being available for commercial applications, and a passenger vehicle to follow. The panel van has payloads of up to 1,226kg, with gross vehicle weights ranging up to 3,100kg.

The next electric Vauxhall LCV, the Combo-e, will arrive in 2021. Vauxhall will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.