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Vauxhall Movano Electric review: Big van moves with the times

September 12, 2024 Phil Huff

We find out if Vauxhall’s rival to the Ford E-Transit and Mercedes eSprinter has progressed to the top of the class

Vauxhall’s new Movano Electric boasts wireless smartphone charging as standard. That’s not typically high on the list of must-have features announced when a new vehicle is revealed, but it highlights how far the Movano has come since its introduction.

The new model was launched in 2021, replacing a Renault Master-based model that was getting on a bit. What wasn’t immediately clear was that the ‘new’ model was even older, sharing its architecture with the Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer of 2006 — a year before the iPhone was launched and eight years before wireless charging of phones arrived.

Now, 18 years from its launch and three from when it started wearing a Vauxhall badge, the Movano is getting a facelift, with the Electric version being fettled quite significantly.

Design, interior and technology

The outside of the Movano has been refreshed, but very little has changed. There’s a new grille and some optional LED headlights, but that’s about it. There’s not much innovation in the paint choices, either, with just white, black, or four shades of grey available.

Far more comprehensive is the interior update, which has been overhauled with a more modern design and higher-quality materials.

Only one trim level — Prime — is available, which is the entry-level specification on the Vauxhall Combo and Vivaro vans. Still, it comes equipped with more than 20 driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a digital rearview mirror.

A new seven-inch digital instrument display shows the remaining range and battery charge, while a 10-inch touchscreen handles major controls, including navigation and smartphone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The optional dashboard-mounted 230-volt socket is a practical addition, perfect for powering devices such as laptops, as is the folding bench seat which transforms the cockpit into a work surface or lunch table. Keyless entry is also included, contributing to the overall sense of modernity within the cabin, but you won’t find yourself overloaded with equipment.

Battery, motor and performance

The first Movano Electric (the Movano-e, based on the Renault Master ZE) was powered by a tiny 33kWh battery and 76bhp motor. Happily, that’s gone forever, with the new Movano Electric bestowed with some sensibly sized components.

Power has risen to 268bhp, backed by 302lb ft of torque, which makes mincemeat out of the 1,385kg payload. A 110kWh battery pack adds range, allowing the Movano to cruise for 261 miles, according to official WLTP figures.

It’s quick off the mark, even when loaded — we didn’t squeeze as much as possible into the van, but the 400kg we had in the back is probably representative of many day-to-day loads. You can tame the van using three driving modes: Normal restricts it to 214bhp, while Eco cuts it further to 161bhp. Only Sport unleashes all 268bhp. Regenerative braking, which captures wasted energy when braking to boost the battery, also has three levels, allowing drivers to balance energy gains with driving style.

The van is also the first Vauxhall capable of 150kW DC rapid charging, allowing a 0-80% charge in just 55 minutes.

While the powertrain might be up with the best in class, the rest of the van isn’t. No amount of updating can mask the vague, lifeless steering or the harsh and unsettled ride. It’s also noisy at speed, with plenty of wind and road noise making its way into the cab. It is, and feels, a generation removed from the Ford E-Transit or Mercedes eSprinter.

Payload and practicality

The Movano Electric panel van is available in two body lengths and two roof heights, with cargo volumes ranging from 13m3 for the L3H2 models to 17m3 for the L4H3 option. The double doors at the back swing open 180 degrees, and the single sliding door on the passenger side adds some flexibility. A door on the other side is a £410 option.

Payload limits are trickier. The Movano Electric does well on paper, with a maximum payload for the L3H2 panel van reaching 1,385kg and a gross vehicle weight of four tonnes. The eagle-eyed will notice that’s above the 3.5-tonne limit for driving on a car licence, but five hours of training will get you an additional tick on your licence. Still, that’s a cost and complication many small businesses aren’t prepared to stomach. Neither will they be happy with the 56mph speed limiter, potential tachograph requirement, or the need for an MOT every 12 months, starting in year one, thanks to its ‘N2’ categorisation by the government.

An N1 version, open to anybody with a full driving licence, is available, with no speed limiter, tacho, or extra MOT requirements, but the payload suffers — you’ll only get 635kg in the back.

Price and specification

The Movano Electric starts at £50,385 for an N1, L3H2 panel van, before any charges, fees and VAT, rising to £52,815 for the N2 L4H3. All models are currently eligible for the government’s plug-in van grant, which brings the cost down by £5,000, although keep an eye on this as it can change without notice.

That’s competitive, undercutting the Ford E-Transit and Mercedes eSprinter while offering more range and more cargo volume. It’s also backed by a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Verdict

It’s a surprise to see how far the Movano Electric has come from its very humble beginnings. From being overpriced and uncompetitive, it’s now good value, well-equipped, and offers impressive range, performance and payload. Its dated underpinnings let it down, but for those who prioritise practicality and value, it’s a surprisingly compelling choice.