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

Ten Second Review

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.

Background

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 Experience

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.

Design and Build

Apart from the badging and the charging flap, there are no exterior giveaways to this Movano's full-EV status. This updated model isn't a completely new Movano under the skin, but Vauxhall wants you to think it is. Hence the new grille, bumper and (on certain models) alloy wheels introduced as part of this update. The headlamps are new too and can optionally feature LED beams. The key differences though, lie inside where the dash has been redesigned around modern-era central infotainment screens that can be up to 10 inches in size. Compatible smartphones connect wirelessly to the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is possible using TomTom navigation maps in 3D. The most important functions can be controlled via natural speech recognition. Particularly practical for delivery services and professionals who often have to use a mobile phone at work is a shelf in the centre console for charging smartphones inductively. You can now have a digital instrument display too (standard on this EV version) which is configurable and can show 3D mapping. The optional 'Eat & Work' bench-seat turns the cockpit into an ergonomic control centre. In just a few simple steps, the seat next to the driver can be transformed into a movable, practical work surface, for example for a laptop, turning the Movano into a mobile office. Alternatively, the seat can be converted into a small table with a cup holder - ideal when the time comes for a short break. And with the keyless locking and starting system, the driver no longer even needs to take the key out of his pocket to open, start or lock the vehicle. As you'd expect, this Movano features a dual passenger seat. And up to ten in-cab storage areas are available, including the glovebox, a dash-mounted document clip and various open or lidded compartments on the dashboard. In addition, there are large door pockets, storage space beneath the passenger seat and a sizeable 22-litre overhead storage compartment.

Market and Model

Pricing for this improved Movano Electric has actually fallen - by quite a lot, despite its vastly improved battery. You'll pay from just over £46,000 after grant deduction (ex VAT) for an L3/H2 model - about £12,000 less than the 75kWh outgoing model. As before, this Movano comes with a wide range of body styles. Three vehicle lengths, two wheelbases and three heights, as well as panel van, chassis Doublecab, platform and back to back versions allow countless configuration options to suit the respective user-profile. Drive assist tech has taken a big step forward. In addition to traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with emergency braking and side blind-spot alert, there are now new systems such as drowsiness alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control (with a Stop & Go function), 360-degree parking sensors, parking assist and a digital rear view mirror that further improves all-round visibility. A total of 22 possible assistance systems and electronic helpers make driving and manoeuvring easier. The combination of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and traffic jam assist enables the Movano to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph - for example in slow traffic - provided that the driver's hands remain on the steering wheel. This means that automated driving at level two is possible with this Movano for the first time in its career. Movano Electric operators additionally get 'Vauxhall Connect', allowing them to interact with this van when they're away from it. This app allows access to information such as nearby charging stations. There's also Vauxhall's e-Call and b-Call technology, where in the event of an emergency or breakdown drivers are put in touch with a trained advisor with just the touch of a button.

Practicalities and Costs

On to practicalities. You don't get a choice of roof heights with the Movano Electric - just the standard H2 model. And body lengths are limited to the longer L3 and L4 models. Payload is rather limited - though the 1,385kg figure is vastly more than the previous 75kWh model could carry. Load capacity figures are the same as with a diesel-powered Movano. That's because the drive system's lithium-ion battery is mounted under the floor between the front and rear axle and so doesn't impinge on the cargo bay. In L3 configuration, the Movano Electric has a load deck length of 3705mm and an internal load height of 1932mm, which gives a 13 m3 capacity. The largest Movano Electric L4 has a load deck length of 4070mm and a 17.0m3 capacity. We gave you the 110kWh battery's range figure in our Driving section. The Movano Electric offers a 260 mile range and is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11kW onboard charger for AC charging. It is also the first Vauxhall to offer the option of charging with up to 150kW DC. At a public fast charging station, it only takes 55 minutes to recharge to 80 per cent of the battery capacity. Additional practicality is provided by an optional 230V socket. It helps to easily charge electric devices such as laptops, electric tool batteries, tablets and other low power appliances that require electricity up to 150 Watts. Like Vauxhall's other fully electric LCV models, the Movano Electric is exempt from current ultra-low and congestion charge payments. The zero emissions powertrain also allows businesses to save significantly on company van tax, with a 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax rate. This provides eligible businesses with immediate and significant annual savings that can amount to thousands of pounds.

Summary

This much improved Movano Electric will please a significantly larger segment of the market for large all-electric LCVs. But its slightly restricted payload still means that businesses with heavier loads to carry will continue to prefer the diesel versions. Still, if an EV powertrain works for your fleet, you'll now find the drive range very competitive and the pricing much better value. At least by class standards anyway. In future, shared Stellantis Group engineering will allow Vauxhall to offer even more competitive all-electric large vans than this. But if your fleet needs a big full-battery LCV right now and space takes priority over weight, then this one should probably be now on your list.