In an exciting year for electric vehicles (well, overseas at least), Vauxhall has opened its UK order books for the Corsa-e. Recently announced in general terms by Vauxhall (and reported by The Driven here) more details have now come forth.
The announcements today included that it will come with a 50kWh battery and an estimated 328km (WLTP) driving range.
Charging will include 11kW AC capable charging and DC charging to 80% in 30 minutes. As such it appears to hit the ‘sweet spot’ for providing an EV that can fully replace an ICE vehicle by supplying a good range and fast charging speeds at a reasonable price point.
That price point for the Corsa-e: £29,990 ($A54,500). However, in the UK the price reduces to $A48,000 after applying their (conservative) government’s £3,500 ‘Plug-in Car Grant’.
That makes it ‘under $50K’ – which is the price tag that I anecdotally hear from many people as being their personal tipping point for making the switch to EV.
This week’s announcement by Vauxhall is that they are offering a £500 reservation fee to secure an order on a Corsa-e. To sweeten the deal still further: the first 500 UK customers to place a reservation will receive a free home charging kit when they take delivery of their vehicle.
As ever with new EV model announcements there is a waiting period to endure – though not too long a one in this case. Series production is slated to start in January next year.
Like most EV manufacturers the battery will come with a significant warranty – in this case at least 70 per cent of its capacity is maintained for 100,000 miles (160,000km) or eight years.
With a 0 – 100km/hr of 8.1 seconds it is no slouch (and is probably all that sensible drivers actually need) but for an EV that is definitely not class leading. Other specifications released so far include 7-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, LED headlights, alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and DAB radio.
However, for the technically minded interested in the rest of the Corsa-e’s details (including the power train and battery system), they will have to wait until September this year when the full specifications and range pricing will be released at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
As to whether it ever reaches our shores – it is an interesting question. Vauxhall was until recently part of the GM group – so being right-hand drive, it would have been a candidate to become a Holden here. Now Vauxhall is part of the Peugeot-Citroen group, perhaps we may see it as sold here as one of their brands? We can only hope.
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.