At the wheel of the Combo and VivaroNew Combo-e, Movano-e, Vivaro-e and Zafira-e.
With the recent arrival of the Combo-e and Movano-e vans, Opel now has electric variants across its commercial range . The German manufacturer has organized a presentation so that we know the details of its new vehicles intended for both work and leisure: The Opel Movano-e, Vivaro-e Cargo and Combi-e Cargo for professionals and Zafira e-Life, Vivaro-e Combo and Combo-e Life for passengers .
Opel has announced that by 2028 all of its models will be electric. Focusing on commercials, electrification is nothing new. Already in 1979, 100 units of the Bedford Blitz Luxus-Pullman electric van were sold, in 1995 we also saw the Combo Plus but it did not go beyond its prototype phase, the same thing happened with the Vivaro-e Concept that was presented in 2010 with autonomies up to of 400 kilometers. According to the brand, in 2022 Opel has become the youngest commercial vehicle brand with the recent additions of the Combo-e and Movano-e. In this presentation we have only been able to see in static the first unit of the Movano-e and the Combo-e Cargo that have arrived in Spain.
Let’s take a look at the highlights of each of Opel’s electric commercials.
Opel Movano-e, large tonnage
The Opel Movano-e is the German manufacturer’s first fully electric vehicle in the heavy-duty van segment . Available in four body lengths, three roof heights, a 90 kW (122 hp) motor and with two battery options, with 37 kWh or 70 kWh, depending on the one you choose, the autonomy reaches 117 or 224 kilometers . In both cases, its maximum speed is limited to 110 km/h. The electric Movano admits a maximum charging power of 22 kW (optional) in alternating current or 7.4 kW as standard and 50 kW in direct current (it takes 1 hour for 80% of the battery).
As for its maximum authorized weight, it reaches up to 4.5 tons, while the cargo volume varies between 8 and 17 cubic meters (up to five euro-pallets).
Inside, its connectivity system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto stands out, it has a 7-inch central touch screen and different driving aids such as the rear view camera, blind spot alert and involuntary lane change alert.
Opel Vivaro-e, mid-size van
The electric Opel Vivaro can be chosen between a paneled cargo van, a chassis cab and a Combi for transporting people , and for the first time it offers three body lengths (4.60, 4.95 and 5.30 m) . It is important to point out that this medium-sized van does not exceed 1.90 meters in height, so it can access most urban underground parking lots. It loses a little in cargo weight compared to the thermal Vivaro and stays at 1,275 kilos, on the other hand it is capable of towing up to 1,000 kilos. The cargo volume is not affected and remains between 5.3 and 6.6 m3.
It mounts a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor with two battery capacities of 50 kWh and 230 km of autonomy and 75 kWh and 330 km . It reaches a maximum speed of 130 km/h and supports a maximum battery charging power of 7.4 kW (or 11 kW optional with on-board charger) and 100 kW in direct current.
To highlight its extensive safety equipment with lane maintenance assistant, information on the speed limit of the road, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, frontal collision warning, emergency braking, cruise control and limiter speed, head-up display, blind spot alert or 180-degree rear view camera.
It is interesting to mention that Opel has already presented the first model in this segment with a fuel cell, it is the Vivaro-e Hydrogen and it will arrive in Spain in 2024 with more than 400 kilometers of autonomy and a refueling time that does not exceed three minutes.
Mid-size passenger van
For those looking for the size of the Vivaro but to transport passengers, Opel offers the Zafira-e Life , with better finishes, for families and hotel service (Business version), and the Vivaro-e Combi , also for hotel service and for the transport of workers (mini bus type), in this case, with a simpler interior.
In both cases, the three body lengths are maintained without affecting volumes or dimensions of the thermal variants and they have up to nine seats (with various configurations in the Zafira-e Life). Its propulsion system is made up of a 100 kW (136 CV) electric motor , autonomy of 230 kilometers (50 kWh battery) or 330 kilometers (75 kWh battery), with three driving modes (normal, eco and sport) and regenerative braking ‘B’ button.
Opel Combo-e, ‘made in Spain’
It is Opel’s light commercial now also in an electric version and manufactured exclusively in the Stellantis group factory located in Vigo (Galicia). There are two variants, the one for passengers, Opel Combo-e Life, and the one for freight and professional transport, the Combo-e Cargo, whose first unit has just landed in Spain.
Among its key points, its two lengths stand out (4.40 meters Standard and 4.75 meters for the XL), up to 4.4 m3 of load capacity (2 europallets) and 800 kilos of load, towing capacity of 750 kilos, available with 5 or 7 seats , up to 280 kilometers of autonomy, up to 2,693 liters of trunk and equipped with advanced ADAS (driving assistance) systems. It also has single or double sliding doors , the possibility of three individual rear seats with Isofix anchor points for child seats.and you can choose between double door or tailgate. The charging capacity of its battery reaches 11 kW in alternating current, charging in a time of 5 hours (it is 7.4 kW as standard) and up to 100 kW in direct current, which means half an hour to recharge the 80% battery.
At the wheel of the Combo-e y of the Vivaro-e
In this presentation of the Opel commercial range I have been able to drive two of its models, the Combo-e Life and the Vivaro-e Cargo. The route barely reached 36 kilometers combining motorway and secondary road but enough to get a first impression.
In the case of the Combo-e Life , its driving is very similar to that of a car, especially that of an SUV. The suspension has seemed quite balanced, the steering quite precise, it directs well to where you want to go and at the performance level it is in Sport mode where you get maximum power and torque, 100 kW and 260 Nm, in Normal mode it is reduced to 80 kW and 210 Nm and in Eco mode at 60 kW and 190 Nm. For a more balanced driving in terms of consumption and performance, it is recommended to choose Normal mode. Eco mode is designed for urban use (or with low battery charge) because its performance is greatly limited and the maximum speed only reaches 100 km/h.
It has the regenerative braking function (Brake or B mode) with a single level that is not very aggressive, that is, it applies a slight braking force when you lift your foot off the accelerator but it does not brake completely. Its use is recommended especially when driving in the city. In this 35-kilometre journey, driving normally, without looking for consumption and using the three driving modes, it has marked a consumption of 25 kWh/100 km. You have to think that with the car loaded this figure rises.
As for the Opel Vivaro-e Cargo , in this case the consumption on the same route was 28.5 kWh/100 km, somewhat higher because we are dealing with a larger vehicle. It is equipped with the same engine as the Combo-e and it is also noticeable in performance, since it has to move a greater weight . More roll and pitch is noticeable from a softer suspension, though the fact that the battery is located under the floor of the vehicle and lowers the center of gravity translates into good poise, especially in a straight line. I have also noticed more aerodynamic noise than with the Combo-e.
Inside both models, comment on its large space, a predominance of plastic materials, better finishes and more modern design in the Combo-e, with a 10-inch central screen, and a smaller central screen with an analog instrument panel in the case of the Vivaro-e.
Opel commercial range prices
Opel announces rental prices with free charging point from €200/month for the Combo-e Life, €350/month for the Zafira, from €399/month for the Combo-e Cargo, from €486 for the Vivaro-e and from €1,642 € the Movano-e.
The Opel Combo-e Life has a starting PVP price of 36,900 euros with the L-length Edition version. For those who want the Combo-e Cargo variant, the access price is 32,946 euros.
The Opel Vivaro-e has an access price of 44,837 euros with S battle, Select finish and 50 kW battery.
You can buy an Opel Zafira-e Life from 57,953 euros with M battle, Edition finish and 50 kWh battery.
The Opel Movano-e Edition with a 37 kWh battery has a starting price of 73,081 euros.
