New batteries being added to the sister Vauxhall Movano-e, Citroën ë-Relay and Peugeot e-Boxer vans will provide a useful boost in range for the three electric vehicles.
The larger 75kWh battery replaces the previous 70kWh unit, which coupled to an electric motor equivalent to 120hp. The manufacturers say that the two vehicles can complete a journey of 154 miles between charges – 15 miles further than they managed previously.
Major improvements in battery charging time have also been added – connected to a 22kW AC charger a 0-80% recharge will now take four hours, halved from eight hours. The upgraded vans also offer 50kW DC rapid charging capability, which replenishes the battery to 80% in one hour.
Vauxhall is offering the Movano-e in two lengths, and at prices unchanged from the 70kWh version – the L3 variant costs just under £58,000 excluding VAT and with the £5,000 Government plug-in grant taken into account, while just over £800 more buys the L4 variant with a cargo bay extended by 365mm.
Citroën and Peugeot will be selling the 75kWh variants alongside existing 37kWh entry-level versions, which have a range between charges of up to 73 miles.
The two French manufacturers have also cut the price of the four-tonne versions of their vans. The starting price of £61,535 for the four-tonne ë-Relay and e-Boxer are £8,770 cheaper than their 70kWh predecessors.
Window-van versions of the ë-Relay and e-Boxer are also available starting from £62,930, along with chassis-cab variants at £53,960 for the 3.5-tonne model and £58,460 for its 4.5-tonne sibling.
First deliveries of the new electric vans are expected to be in the second half of 2022.
