Vauxhall /Vivaro-e – perfect timing on electric vans

Vauxhall has made a bold play in the electric van market, launching the Vivaro-e in 2020 followed by the Movano-e and Combo-e this summer, giving it a full battery-electric option across its light commercial range.

Its timing has been impeccable, as major corporates clamour to secure volume to meet their ambitious transition plans, none more so than British Gas whose initial order for 1,000 soaked up Vauxhall’s initial supply. It has since ordered an additional 2,000.

With range of up to 205 miles from the larger 75kWh battery (143 miles from the 50kWh), the Vivaro-e has caught the imagination in the medium panel van sector, helping to push range sales up by almost 50% year-to-August.

“We’re the first mainstream manufacturer to have a full EV range,” says Brad Miller, brand manager, commercial vehicles. “And all three models are very competitive on wholelife costs.”

Q&A session

Fleet News: We’ve seen some big fleet orders placed for the Vivaro-e; what’s driving take-up?

Brad Miller: We are seeing clean air zones across the country with zero emission zones to follow. Fleets with a national footprint don’t like to site vehicles geographically; many want to swap by 2025 to ensure they are prepared for the zones and to meet their sustainability targets.

FN: What share of Vivaro registrations does electric account for?

BM: Electric penetration this year in the model line-up is 14%, but the future order bank is 28%. We expect it to be 50% by the end of next year. It’s helping to bring new conquests as well as existing customers and has a 27% share of the electric van market. We are also bullish about the opportunity with Combo-e, especially as there is a lack of competition in that segment right now.

There is no reason why its appeal won’t follow a similar trend. And with production moving to Ellesmere Port next year, it will also reduce the logistics for customers.

FN: Are fleets choosing large or small batteries?

BM: We believe 78% of our customer base would be OK with the 143-mile range [of the smaller battery] and 87% would be OK with the 205-mile range. For 13%, the current range is not suitable for their operations. We are seeing 78% of customers going for the larger battery option. People are prioritising range.

FN: Tell us about the new Vivaro-e platform cab.

BM: The idea came from a supermarket that was concerned by online grocery sales from its rivals. They wanted to improve their business model with more local deliveries. It’s insulated, not refrigerated, but we are working with our converter partners to come up with new opportunities – there are a few variants we can add to the body.

FN: Are you seeing any changes to operating models as fleets transition to electric?

BM: Companies that are bringing electric onto their fleets quickest are adapting their business model to get the best from the vehicle, such as journey times and distances. Most fleets have gone for a four-year lifecycle.

FN: Fleets are eager for electric large panel vans – does the Movano-e answer their prayers?

BM: Usage is very different on a large van and we are less bullish about the penetration in the model mix.

Orders are open now and production starts in September for first deliveries at the end of this year or early 2022.

It will be available only with the large battery (offering range of up to 139 miles) because we don’t think the small battery is competitive enough. We will also offer a Movano-e chassis cab, chassis crew cab and platform cab.

FN: Does hydrogen offer a better solution for larger vehicles? Your hydrogen Vivaro offers 249 miles of range and three-minute refuelling.

BM: The Government sees it as a mainstream solution for HGVs because electric vehicles take too long to charge, and you also have the reduced payload. With our Vivaro-e Hydrogen, we are offering the customer choice.

We expect most to go for electric because it suits their capability – while the 205-mile range comes down for motorway driving, it is 30-40% higher on the city cycle, so ideal for urban work. But if you are doing high mileage and high-speed mileage in areas where the EV charging infrastructure isn’t fantastic, then hydrogen is another option.

Right hand drive version in 2023

Miller adds several Vauxhall customers believe hydrogen is the solution for their fleet and some are starting to commission their own on-site fuelling systems. The van is already available in Germany; the next step is to bring some right-hand drive models to the UK – likely to be early 2023 – before starting full scale production.

“The total cost of ownership can work on specific usage patterns – it’s equitable,” Miller says.

Sponsors’ comments

FMG is proud to sponsor the Alternate Fuel categories at the Fleet News Awards 2021. We believe in the importance of cleaner fleets, and we are delighted for the Vauxhall Vivaro-e to be announced the winner in this category. Winning commentary included recognition for its excellent range and payload capability, impressive torque in Eco mode and regenerative braking system. We were impressed with the high levels of technology the van is able to demonstrate, and congratulate Vauxhall on leading the way over its PSA siblings.