New Vauxhall LCV range: charging less for EV models 

Vauxhall are revamping their Combo, Vivaro, and Movano LCVs; fresh faces, cut prices, and electric powertrains all round.

It’s not Groundhog day, but you could be forgiven thinking that as there’s another update in the Stellantis LCV portfolio. This time it’s the Vauxhall Combo, Vivaro, and Movano that have received a refresh for 2024.

Across the range, the customary facelift has updated the sweeping, horizontal full-face Vauxhall ‘Vizor’, first seen on the Mokka SUV, and scaled it up to van size. Clean and contemporary looking, this frontal arrangement tastefully modernises the 70s’ Vauxhall Firenzas’ integrated grille and headlight module. Although, we do see this as a missed opportunity to carry over the ‘Droopsnoot’ title into the LCV world.

Fully-electric variants appear centre stage throughout Vauxhall’s van range revamp, with the British subsidiary likely aiming to remain at the front of the battery powered LCV charge. Currently leading the UK’s electric van charts, more than one in four e-LCVs sold last year was a Vauxhall. So, it seems the griffin branded company knows where its bread is buttered, but let’s take a closer look.

Combo

Starting with the smallest refurbished van, the new Combo comes in two lengths, with either two or three seats up front, or a five-seater crew-cab layout.

Pop the bonnet and there’s the option for a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox, or a new 50 kwh electric battery powertrain. With a handy range of up to 205-miles, the EV variant goes 30-miles further than its predecessor, before soaking up an 80% recharge in 30 minutes from a 100 kw public charge point (if you can find one, but we won’t get into that).

The Combo offers up to a roomy 4.4m³ of storage space, as well as a “best-in-class” 780 kg payload. Inside, you can choose from two trim levels. The entry level ‘Prime’ trim comes with a smartphone station featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto as standard, and the plethora of safety features we’d expect from Vauxhall.

Upgrade to ‘Pro’ trim and you can add a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice recognition, and a ‘Dynamic Surround View’ system, displaying two external cameras onto the digital rear-view mirror to eliminate blind spots.

Standing out in a world of what seems like never ending price increases, although the diesel Combo starts from a pretty standard £21,920, you can get your hands on the electric variant for £4,750 less than the outgoing equivalent, now priced at £26,800.

Vivaro

Next up, the UK’s second best-selling non- Transit van last year, and the best-selling electric van overall, the Vivaro. Now available in 4.98 m or 5.33 m lengths, and panel, crew, or platform van format, the versatile mid-sized LCV has maintained a capable cargo volume of up to 6.6m³, and whopping 1.4-tonne payload.

The new electric powertrain can pull up to 217-miles of range from its 75 kwh battery, adding 12 miles onto that of the outgoing model. This EV setup can be charged from 5-80% in 45 minutes using a 100 kw public charger, and provides access to an in-van power supply for tools, fridges, and any other little gadgets. On the combustion side, there is a 1.5-litre turbo diesel option with six-speed manual, or a 2.0-litre turbo diesel which adds the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Vivaro follows the same trim layout as the Combo, though the entry level here offers access to the 10-inch voice recognition toting touchscreen.

The diesel Vivaro starts from £28,625, and the EV variant starts from £37,805, offering a smaller, but still substantial saving of £2,580 over the outgoing equivalent.

Movano

Vauxhaul’s largest LCV is available in three lengths, two wheelbases, and three heights, as well as panel, window, platform, doublecab, and even back-to-back formats. If you do opt for a cargo area, you’ll get up to 17m³ of storage space, and up to 2-tonnes of payload capacity.

Bigger van, bigger motor; the electric Movano’s new 110 kwh battery not only provides a greatly extended range of up to 261 miles, but also hooks up to a 268 hp electric powertrain — an impressive 148 hp increase over its predecessor. This larger battery also side-steps greatly extended charge times, being the first Vauxhall compatible with a 150 kw rapid charger for a 0-80% charge in 55 minutes. As a bonus, a 230V dashboard socket can be installed to keep your gizmos charged on the move.

Keeping an eye on the future, a hydrogen powertrain Movano will also be available from 2025. Boasting a range of up to 311 miles, and refueling times of around five minutes — the new  Renault Master aerovan may be looking over its shoulder.

ICE options are kept nice and simple, available with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, which can be partnered with a six-speed manual, or eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Buyers are limited to ‘Prime’ trim only here, and again we have the 10-inch infotainment screen as you’d expect. However, unique to the range, are the ‘level two’ autonomous driving capabilities, a first for the Movano. Combining cruise control, stop and go, and lane assist, the large LCV can “steer, brake, and accelerate itself” up to 18 mph. Hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel throughout though!

The diesel Movano starts at £32,285, whilst the electric can be picked up from £46,135, reflecting a chunky £12,350 saving over the previous iteration.

So, there is a lot going on behind the new Vauxhall facemask, but is the van world ready for electrification? And are these price cuts enough to spark a change away from trusty ICEs?

Hero image credit: Stellantis