Vauxhall has revealed its updated Movano and Movano Electric large vans, which gain a raft of new equipment plus more range and a much lower price for the electric model.
Part of the revamped van line-up launched by parent group Stellantis under its new Pro One umbrella business to lead its new CV offensive, the Movano large vans launch just days after the revamped Vivaro medium-size vans and the smaller Combo and Combo Electric.
As before, the Movano is available with a range of body styles, up to 17m3 of cargo volume and a payload of up to two tonnes.
Like its smaller electric siblings, the Movano Electric benefits from a major price reduction compared to the current model. It now starts from £50,385 (excl. VAT) for the L3H2 panel van, down by £12,350 despite the additional benefits of the new electric powertrain, upgraded interior and new advanced driver assist systems.
Prices for the new more efficient diesel versions of the Movano meanwhile start at £32,025 (excl. VAT) for the L2H2 panel van.
A Movano Hydrogen version will also arrive in 2024, offering a range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and able to be refuelled with hydrogen in only around five minutes.
Changes for the revised models include higher power and a longer driving range for the Movano Electric. It’s now powered by 270hp motor with 400Nm metres of torque (compared to 122hp and 2690Nm before), enabling it to accelerate strongly from a standstill even when fully laden, and able to cover distances quickly at speeds up to 80mph
The previous 75kWh battery has been replaced by a new 110kWh pack that enables a driving range of up 261 miles (WLTP) – up by 105 miles from before.
Drivers can choose from three driving modes to make optimal use of the performance and range: Normal (limited to 218hp power output), Eco for range optimisation (163hp) and Power for maximum performance (270hp). Drivers can also set four levels of recuperation under braking using paddles behind the steering wheel.
The new Movano Electric 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 takes 55 minutes to recharge to 80% of the battery capacity.
Additional versatility is provided by the new optional 230V dashboard socket that enables electrical devices to be powered or recharged.
At the same time, the Movano Electric can carry a payload of up to 1,385kg, and the diesel version can carry up to two tonnes. Thanks to the underbody location of the battery, the cargo volume of up to 17m3 is fully retained. The Movano Electric is also suitable for numerous conversions.
The line-up also includes a variety of turbo-diesel units, with outputs from 140 to 180hp and availability of an eight-speed automatic transmission, depending on the version. Together with aerodynamic improvements to the body, the new powertrains reduce fuel consumption by up to 9% compared to the previous engines, which also makes the Movano a top player in the segment in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Other changes include the arrival of new advanced driver assistance systems. 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 ‘Stop & Go’ function, 360-degree parking sensors, parking assist and a digital rear view mirror that further improves all-round visibility.
The combination of adaptive cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ function, 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. It marks the first time that automated driving at level two is available with the Movano.
The electric power steering automatically adjusts the assistance to the speed of the vehicle. A total of 22 assistance systems and electronic helpers make driving and manoeuvring easier.
Exterior changes include a new front and rear design, as well as optional LED headlights.
Inside, the focus is on connectivity, ergonomics and comfort. The redesigned cockpit offers infotainment systems with up to 10-inch colour touchscreens and natural speech recognition, along with a fully digital, configurable 7.0-inch colour driver information centre as standard on Electric versions and an option on diesel versions. Wireless smartphone charging is possible, as is keyless entry and start. An optional versatile ‘Eat & Work’ bench seat can also be used as a work surface. The electric parking brake is activated via a switch on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
James Taylor, managing director, said: “The new Vauxhall Movano is the perfect addition to the fleet and can master heavy duties. The new Movano Electric demands no compromises, offering even more power and a longer driving range than before. In addition, the new Movano is available with level 2 automated driving, a real highlight in this segment. With strengths such as these, the new Movano makes fleets future-proof.”
The Movano offers a wide range of body styles. Three vehicle lengths, two wheelbases and three heights, as well as panel van, chassis double cab, platform and back-to-back versions enable a large number of configuration options.
Sales of the updated Movano and Movano Electric are due to start by the end of this year, with full specification and pricing details for the full line-up to be announced closer to when orders open.
Orders for Hydrogen versions will open in Q4 of next year, with customer deliveries expected in early 2025.
