Vauxhall Movano-e Large Van

4000 L4 FWD 200kW 110kWh H2 Van Prime Auto [2025]

Offer!

One year's
free* charging!

T&Cs apply

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

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 £47,000 after grant deduction (ex VAT) - about £12,000 less than the 75kWh outgoing model. This Movano comes with a wide range of body styles. Two vehicle lengths and two roof heights. As well as the 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

There are three wheelbase lengths - L2, L3 (which is what we have here) and super-long L4. And you can get three roof height formats - H1, H2 (which is what we have here) and high-roof H3. On to Gross Vehicle Weight. The Movano Electric only comes in 4250 4.25-tonne Gross Vehicle Weight form. The double rear doors open out to 180-degrees; a 270-degree opening system is optional. Cargo load area length is 3,705mm in the L3 version and as much as 4,070mm in the longest L4 variant. With all body shapes, there 1,870mm of load area width, narrowing to 1,422mm between the wheel arches. Load area height is 1,932mm with the H2 version and as much as 2,172mm with the H3. Across the mainstream part of the range with the two longest wheelbases and the two highest body heights, loading capacity varies between 11.5m3 and as much as 17m3. The typical L3 H2 version can take13m3. If you're opting for this Movano Electric, you'll be pleased to find that its EV powertrain doesn't compromise load volume. 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. You might think that choosing an electric van rather than a diesel one would mean the need to compromise a bit on payload - which for this Movano Electric is restricted to between 1,385kg and 1,770kg, depending on variant; for this L3 H2 variant, it's 1,460kg. Actually though, that's slightly more than an equivalent manual gearbox diesel Movano with this same L3 H2 body shape (which is rated at 1,425kg). Other large EV class vans do better though; an equivalent electric Renault Master E-Tech manages 1,625kg. All Movanos get a single sliding side door (a second one on the other side is optional). It pulls back to reveal an aperture 1,250mm wide (so a forklift could get a pallet in). The aperture height is 1,485mm with the rare H1 version, but you can't have that body shape with the EV model and it's more likely to be 1,755mm high, which is what you get with the H2 or with the H3 body shape. There's the usual full-height bulkhead, but no option for a flap that would enable you to push lengthy items into the cab. Above the bulkhead is a wide shelf - a very useful place to store the charging leads in this Electric version. Only two dim lights are provided - we'd want the optional LED lighting - but Vauxhall does provide plenty of tie-down points; there are no fewer than 15 of those in this L3 H2 model. You might also want to add the 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. Obviously, the WLTP EV range figures from this Vauxhall's 110kWh battery (only 97.8kWh of which is actually usable) depend on the body shape you've chosen - anything between 235 and 262 miles, according to WLTP figures; it's 263 miles for the L3 H2 version. As with all EV vans, that'd rise substantially in city-only use of course - in this case to as much as 313 miles. The Movano Electric is the first Vauxhall to offer the option of public DC charging with up to 150kW. As a result, at a public fast charging station, it only takes 55 minutes to recharge to 80 per cent of the battery capacity. AC charging is now aided by the standard inclusion of an 11kW onboard charger. If you're able to three-phase charge from an 11kW wallbox, you can replenish the entire battery in 11 hours and 45 minutes - down from the lengthy 16 hours 40 minute time you'd need from a more typical single-phase 7.4kW AC wallbox. A dedicated 'Electric Vehicle' part of the central screen enables you to plan your charging regime, plus it includes a Power Flow graphic. The service intervals for this Movano Electric are much more frequent than those of the diesel - every year or 16,000 miles, whichever comes first. All Movanos get the usual unremarkable three year 100,000 mile Vauxhall warranty and this Movano Electric also has an eight year / 100,000 mile warranty for its drive battery.

Summary

This much improved Movano Electric will please a significantly larger segment of the market for large all-electric LCVs. The bigger battery of this updated model has brought a much more credible level of EV range and both payload and towing capacity have been significantly improved as well. Whether all of this is enough to justify the considerable price premium this EV model demands over its diesel stablemate is a decision only you can make. 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.