Vivaro Life Electric
Alternatives: Ford E-Tourneo Custom, Peugeot E-Traveller, Toyota Proace Verso Electric
Overview
The Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric stands as one of the most practical solutions in the passenger-carrying EV segment. Built upon Stellantis' proven EMP2 multi-energy platform, this large MPV bridges the gap between commercial transport versatility and family-focused electric mobility. Designed to cater to large families, shuttle operators, and taxi drivers, the Vivaro Life Electric offers zero-emission driving with maximum seating configurations. It sits in a unique market position, competing directly with platform siblings like the Peugeot e-Traveller and Citroën e-SpaceTourer, while undercutting luxury alternatives such as the Mercedes-Benz VLE. Offered in two body lengths (Medium and XL), it provides scalable space dependent on shuttle or family demands.
Design
Adopting Vauxhall's styling language, the Vivaro Life Electric hides its commercial van roots under modern passenger car aesthetics. The front features the signature Vauxhall Visor grille, flanked by crisp LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights. Its boxy profile is optimized for interior volume. Sculpted body panels along the sides soften the side profile. Body-coloured front and rear bumpers, chrome accents, and rear privacy glass help elevate high-spec models above industrial cargo vans. Standard models sit on 16-inch steel wheels, while higher trims feature stylish 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels. Dual sliding side doors come as standard to provide easy access to the rear cabin, with power-sliding operation added on flagship trims. At under 1.9 metres tall on standard suspension, the vehicle can easily clear standard multi-storey car park height restrictions despite its impressive footprint.
Interior
Inside, the Vivaro Life Electric offers an elevated driving position with clear forward visibility and a car-like dashboard arrangement. The cabin utilizes durable plastics and hard-wearing switchgear suited for heavy passenger use, complemented by synthetic or full leather upholstery choices depending on the trim level. Centrally positioned is a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher-tier models benefit from a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, and a large split panoramic glass sunroof that floods the rear passenger rows with ambient light.
Performance & Powertrains
Every Vivaro Life Electric utilizes a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque. The powertrain is paired with a choice of two lithium-ion battery sizes: a base 49 kWh pack or a larger 75 kWh unit. The 49 kWh battery yields up to 138 miles of driving range, whereas the 75 kWh battery increases maximum range to 214 miles. Charging capabilities include a standard 7.4 kW single-phase onboard charger, with an optional 11 kW three-phase charger available for faster AC wallbox replenishments. When connected to a 100 kW DC rapid charger, the 50 kWh pack achieves an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, while the 75 kWh battery requires around 45 minutes.
Practicality
Space management remains the defining attribute of the Vivaro Life Electric. Buyers can configure the interior with 6 to 9 seats, arranged across three rows. The rear seats are mounted on floor rails, permitting them to slide forwards or backwards, fold flat, or be removed entirely to transform the vehicle into a cargo hauler. Higher trims offer luxury lounge seating options, allowing second-row captain chairs to swivel 180 degrees to face the third row alongside a fold-out central table. Medium body models measure 4.96 metres in length, while the XL version extends to 5.30 metres. Luggage capacity with all seats in place starts at 603 litres in the Medium variant and increases to 989 litres in the XL. Stripping out the second and third rows unlocks up to 4,500 litres of cargo volume in the XL chassis. Practical cabin storage includes double gloveboxes, deep door bins, and overhead storage trays.
Buying
Pricing for the Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric starts at £36,900 for the entry-level Combi specification and scales up to £50,425 for the fully loaded Ultimate trim level. The lineup is divided into two primary trim tiers: Combi and Ultimate. The entry Combi focuses on durable 9-seater transport, featuring manual air conditioning, cruise control, digital radio, and steel wheels. Upgrading to Ultimate adds 17-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, massage front seats, power-sliding doors, 180-degree rear parking cameras, and the panoramic roof. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Vivaro Life Electric XL with the 75 kWh battery pack in the mid-range trim. The longer body and extended range battery ensure the MPV fulfills long-distance shuttle operations or full family road trips without requiring frequent charging stops.