Opel has revealed photos of its all-new, 100pc electric Combo-e light commercial vehicle which will arrive here this autumn joining the Vivaro-e as the newest member of Opel’s all-electric LCV family, writes Trish Whelan.
Opel say the Combo-e ‘will enable compact van users to work in urban areas while transporting the highest payload and towing the heaviest weight in the class’.
Joining its Combo petrol and diesel engine siblings, voted International Van of the Year 2019 and Irish Van of the Year 2020, the zero-emission compact van boasts a range of up to 275km from a single charge.
It is available in two lengths, the 4.40m long Combo-e which has a wheelbase of 2,785mm and can carry objects up to 3,090mm long with payloads of up to 800kg and cargo volumes of 3.3 to 3.8m3. Towing capacity is 750kg. The 4.75m extra-long XL-variant has a wheelbase of 2,975mm and a cargo volume of up to 4.4m3 that can accommodate objects up to 3,440mm in length. Six tie rings on the floor (with the option of four more at mid-height) help keep everything in its place.
Based on the extra-long XL-variant, the crew van version seats up to four passengers as well as the driver, while cargo or equipment is safely stowed away behind the partition wall. A flap in the wall allows for the transportation of long items.
The new Combo-e covers up to 275km on a single charge of its 50kWh lithium-ion battery (WLTP2). Depending on the model variant, the Combo-e accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds while the electronically controlled maximum speed is 130km/h. A regenerative braking system with two user-selectable settings further increases efficiency. Customers can ‘refill’ the battery to 80pc in around 30 minutes at public charging stations. The battery is located under the floor so doesn’t compromise usage of the cargo area or passenger compartment. Its location also lowers the centre of gravity which benefits cornering and wind stability even when the van is fully loaded.
Assistance systems available as standard or optional depending on trim, include driver drowsiness alert, lane keep assist, trailer stability control, traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking. Surround Rear Vision helps to prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians when making a turn whilst the Flank Guard alert prevents costly dents or scratches. A sensor-based load indicator ensures that the vehicle is not over-loaded. The radio and Navi Pro infotainment systems come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Both systems feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For professionals who need extra ground clearance and traction in mud, sand or snow, can upgrade the Combo-e with the worksite pack and the IntelliGrip electronic traction control system.
The next new model will be the new Movano-e which will also arrive this year. This means that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.
