MOVING UP? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Vauxhall's Movano Electric has improved, but is still a work in progress, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Reviewword count: 58

The improved version of Vauxhall's third generation Movano shares everything with its Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat Stellantis Group large LCV cousins, so it's natural that it also shares their recently much enhanced full-battery drivetrain too. Which is what has brought us the first really credible Movano Electric model, an alternative to the ordinary diesel variant for forward-thinking businesses.

Backgroundword count: 153

In the industry's race to develop and normalise full-electric vans, the biggest potential environmental gains are to be made in the switch away from combustion power for the largest LCVs. But big vans need big operating ranges and to date, EV technology simply hasn't been able to provide that. Things though, are gradually changing. To get a feel for that, take a look at the model we feature here, the improved version of Vauxhall's Movano Electric. It was originally launched back in 2020 (then called the 'Movano-e') when the Griffin brand's biggest van switched over to the shared design already used by Peugeot, Citroen and (in a slightly different form) by Fiat. At original launch, the all-electric Movano had a 70kWh battery, then graduated to a 75kWh unit. In late 2023 though, a more far-reaching upgrade saw it gain a much bigger 110kWh battery - which is the version we look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 231

This Movano Electric uses a big Stellantis-derived 110kWh battery which now takes this LCV 260 miles between charges (105 miles further than the previous 75kWh model). It powers an electric motor putting out 270bhp and 400Nm of torque - though you only get that with the fastest of the three available drive settings ('Power'). The default 'Normal' mode restricts this Vauxhall to 217bhp, while the 'Eco' setting you'll need to get anywhere near the quoted driving range figure restricts you to just 163bhp. There are four selectable levels of brake regeneration, which are operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. Bear in mind that as usual with EV vans, the range figure will drop off quite a bit if you've a full load out back. This EV model's under-floor battery positioning results in a low centre of gravity, improving cornering and stability even when fully loaded. The electric power steering now automatically adjusts the assistance to the speed of the vehicle. This increases driving comfort at higher speeds and makes manoeuvring in the city more comfortable. There's now an electric parking brake, activated via a switch on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Those who want to travel long distances locally emissions-free and also need to refuel quickly can talk to their dealer about a Hydrogen version which will offer a range of up to 311 miles.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227