Review of the Vauxhall Vivaro-e

by: Alex Bradley

Alex Bradley is a skilled writer and digital content specialist focusing on automotive and sports. He has a degree in Multimedia Journalism and previously worked for The Northern Quota as Head Sports Editor.

Vauxhall Vivaro-e Review 2023

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is a compact electric van that combines zero-emission motoring with versatile cargo space, making it perfect for businesses seeking a sustainable transport solution.

Rivals to the Vauxhall Vivaro-e include the Citroen e-Dispatch, Toyota ProAce Electric, Peugeot e-Expert, and Mercedes-Benz e-Vito.

Our Vauxhall Vivaro-e review covers:

• Key Features
• Vauxhall Vivaro-e Pros and Cons:
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Vauxhall Vivaro-e Key Features

• Slick exterior with dominating front
• Decent cabin with three seats
• Load volume of 5.3m3 to 6.1m3
• 100kW electric motor with a 50kWh or 75kWh battery
• Three trim levels: Prime, Pro, GS

Vauxhall Vivaro-e Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Decent electric range
• Good to drive
• Cost-effective to run

Cons:

• The cabin is a bit small
• Way more expensive than the diesel
• Only three seats

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e looks pretty much the same as its diesel counterpart. It has a slick front grille complemented by large air intakes underneath, chrome-detail headlights, and smooth lines from front to back.

There's enough room inside the Vivaro-e to fit two passengers up front. They'll have plenty of leg and headroom, so should have no issues getting comfortable. Upgrade to the GS trim, and an extra seat gets added, which is handy for your crew, but does mean it's a bit more cramped. Access to the cargo space is a breeze thanks to the side sliding doors and big rear doors.

Payload and load space of the Vivaro-e depends on three factors: length, height, and what battery you choose. Load space ranges from 5.3m3 to 6.1m3, and payload varies from 1,000kg to 1,392kg.

Interior and Trims

The inside of the Vivaro-e will fit the bill for you and your crew, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. The dashboard is well-built and features some nice materials, and the cabin has a leather trim on the range-topping GS. It's nice, but not as premium as rivals like the Mercedes-Benz e-Vito.

For technology, you get a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 3.5-inch digital instrument display. The infotainment system displays sharp and responsive graphics and has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Vauxhall Connect, and Bluetooth connectivity. If you want a built-in sat-nav, you'll need to upgrade to the mid-range Pro trim.

Three trim levels are available: Prime, Pro, and GS. 

Prime kicks off the trims with 16-inch steel wheels, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, a remote-control security alarm system, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, and cruise control with a speed limiter.

Pro adds to this with 17-inch steel wheels, a chrome-effect front grille, LED daytime running lights, a multimedia Navi Pro satellite navigation system, and a panoramic rear-view camera.

GS completes the line-up with 18-inch black spoke alloy wheels, a sports-style exterior, a full eco-leather seat trim, a leather-covered steering wheel, electronic climate control, keyless open and start, lane-departure warning, forward collision alert, blind spot detection, and front parking sensors.

Power and Performance

The Vivaro-e shares the same drivetrain as the Citroen e-Dispatch, Toyota ProAce Electric, and Peugeot e-Expert. You have a choice of a 50kWh or 75kWh battery, which is powered by a 100kW electric motor.

The electric motor comes with 136bhp and a top speed of 81mph. The 50kWh battery comes with an all-electric range of 143 miles, and the 75kWh unit returns a range of 205 miles.

Quick charging technology is standard, meaning you should be able to charge the Vivaro-e from 20-80% in 30 minutes on the entry-level 50kWh battery and 45 minutes on the 75kWh unit.

The Vivaro-e is one of the best electric vans on the market in terms of on-the-road performance. Around town, it's nippy and accelerates with a good enough kick when stationary. As you up the speed, handling remains well-weighted, and you can really trust where it's going. The ride is also comfortable, no matter how much cargo you're carrying.

A bit plus for the Vivaro-e is that three driving modes are available: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

Eco cuts power to about 60% of its maximum capacity, meaning it's perfect for long journeys if you want the best range possible.

Normal does what it says on the tin. It provides a balanced drive that's a compromise between performance and energy efficiency.

Power is reserved for those who want a bit of fun. It returns the highest top speed and torque, making it feel more powerful than 134bhp.  

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Vauxhall Vivaro-e start from £54,636.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Vivaro-e? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest van leasing brokers and offers various business leasing deals to help suit your every need.

For more information, check out our business leasing guides.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.