Vauxhall has slashed up to £3,000 off its Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life models to allow both ranges to qualify for the Plug-in Car Grant. The British brand has also confirmed that all its van-based electric cars (along with those made by sister brands Peugeot and Citroen) will be offered as electric-only from now on.
The reductions – which come weeks after similar price cuts to the Mokka-e and Corsa-e ranges – mean that the Combo-e Life is now officially the most affordable all-electric seven seater on the market thanks to its new price tag of £30,110 (including grant). Its nearest rival, the mechanically-identical Citroen e-Berlingo has also been reduced in price and now costs £30,495 (including grant).
For those who only need five seats, the entry-level model Combo-e now has a £29,610 price tag (including grant) while the Citroen e-Berlingo now starts at £29,495 (including the Grant) for the entry-level Feel model.
Both models are fitted with a 50kWh battery that delivers a quoted 174 miles on the WLTP cycle. Electrifying.com estimates that in real world driving, the actual figure is likely to be between 120 and 150 miles. The Combo-e Life is available in two forms, standard (five seat) and XL which adds a third row of seats. The e-Berlingo offers the same two body styles and can be specified in either Feel or Flair XTR trim grades. Both models can be rapid charged at 100kW. The battery can be recharged up to 80% in 30 minutes at a public fast charging station, and in 7½ hours via a 7.4kW single-phase 32A wallbox.
Further up the size scale, the Vivaro-e Life Combi comes with nine seats as standard and now starts from £30,295 (including the grant) – a reduction of £2,840 over the previous price. For those looking for even more space, the price of the long-wheelbase version has reduced by £3,000 to £30,495 including the grant. Citroen’s equivalent model, the ë-SpaceTourer is equipped with the same battery and is now priced from £30,295 including the grant.
Both models are equipped with the same 50kWh battery as the Combo-e and return a claimed 143 miles on the WLTP cycle. Electrifying.com estimates that in real world driving, the actual figure is likely to be between 90 and 130 miles. Both can accept a DC rapid charge at 100kW.
Citroen e-Berlingo has also had a price cut. The five-seater model now starts at £29,495 (including Grant) 
