Does Vauxhall’s large EV have what it takes against newer rivals?
What is it?
The Vauxhall Movano is one of the most familiar vans on UK roads – first launched in 1998 and back then part of a joint programme with Renault that also produced the Master, the largest Vauxhall van is now in its third generation and under the Stellantis umbrella – as a result its siblings are now the Citroën Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato.
Electric versions of the Movano have been around since 2021 when the third-generation of the van launched, and while a 2024 facelift across the Movano range was mostly a traditional recipe of styling and equipment updates, the electric models saw major changes with the fitting of a complete new drivetrain.
The electric models are now a centrepiece of the Movano range, alongside the traditional diesel versions and a brand-new hydrogen variant. The range offers three vehicle and two wheelbase lengths and three loading heights. as well as the usual choice between panel van, chassis double cab, platform and back-to-back styles.
The electric drivetrain, even the enhanced version in the latest models, does not adversely affect load volume, with depending on body length and height selected the Movano Electric offering the same maximum cargo volume of 17 cubic metres as its diesel-engined siblings. It does compromise a bit on payload, able to carry up to 1385kg compared to the two tonnes of the diesel.
Centrepiece of the new Movano Electric’s appeal is a significant increase in battery capacity and therefore maximum range. The 75 kWh pack in the final iteration of its predecessor has made way for a 110 kWh unit, which boosts the potential distance between charges by more than 100 miles, to a maximum of 261 miles under the WLTP protocol.
This range comes despite the addition of a new and much more powerful motor, the previous 90kW unit replaced by one with more than double the power – rated at 200kW, it produces the equivalent of 270hp along with 400 Nm of torque, giving the new Movano Electric plenty of pulling power, an essential element of a van’s CV.
The increase in battery pack comes with the capacity for 150 kW fast-charging. The 11kW onboard unit is suitable for an overnight workplace or home replenishment but not so much at a services en route, as it takes just under 12 hours to fully recharge the battery. Using a 150 kW rapid charger a reboot to 80% will take around 55 minutes.
What do we think of it?
The Vauxhall Movano looks to be a familiar shape on first viewing because, well it is. While the vehicle that arrived on UK roads at the start of 2025 is described as the new Movano, it is a major revamp of the third-generation Movano that was launched in 2021 and even then part of a Stellantis line going back to 2006. As such it is beginning to look increasingly ‘old school’ compared to some more recent designs, particularly in the electric market.
Our test vehicle was to L3 H2 specification, measuring six metres long, just under 2.7 metres wide and 2.5 metres high, with 13 cubic metres of load volume and a maximum payload of 710kg. It is easy to load with wide-swinging rear doors and a side-loading door, though a step included on the standard equipment would be welcome. Inside the load bay the body pillars include plenty of slots and holes to secure such things as ratchet straps or bungee chords.
The view from the cabin is effective, that behind helped greatly by the digital rear-view mirror that can now be found on LCVs across the Stellantis Group – both adding to the side mirrors and giving a more effective view than a traditional mirror, particularly in low-light conditions.
The Movano is also well equipped, a cabin environment vastly improved over its predecessor and dominated by a seven-inch colour infotainment touchscreen. While looking slightly stuck on the top of the centre console, it does include such niceties as wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There are also plenty of physical buttons – searching for functions on a touchscreen is not something one wants to do when driving a large van…
Among the three seats the driver’s has plenty of adjustability in six directions, while automatic air conditioning is also standard. The 7-inch digital driver display is easy to read and the vehicle scores on its safety specification too, as well as the autonomous emergency braking the driver aids extending to Lane support and traffic sign recognition.
There are some very basic omissions, however. Our reviewer, not being the tallest person around, was disappointed to find a lack of grab handles in the headlining to help haul himself up into the high-mounted driving seat.
On the road the Movano is easy to drive, to an extent that belies its large proportions. The steering is not too heavy and there is enough power to accelerate the vehicle quickly and bowl it along at an effective rate.
Helping to balance performance and range is a three-strong selection of driving modes, the ‘Normal’ mode flanked by ‘Power’ and ‘Eco’, with maximum horsepower and therefore energy usage changed accordingly. Even in Eco the van returns a respectable performance, and the most frugal mode is very much suited for traversing slower-speed urban roads.
Also adding to the energy-saving capabilities is regenerative braking, with four levels available and the most severe being, well severe! This is very much an EV you can drive in one-pedal format, while it’s good to see proper paddles behind the steering wheel to select the regen level, rather than again diving into a touchscreen.
We expect all vans to achieve rather less than their WLTP range figures might suggest, but our test vehicle seemed particularly affected by not that heavy a load, what should have been an easy round trip completed with the Movano insisting quite pointedly that it needed plugging in. Still more than 220 miles on a full charge does open up more possibilities for real-world use of this big vehicle.
Ride comfort is adequate, but no more than that – this is a van that does not really like less than smooth road surfaces, with the effect of bumps and holes on road surfaces easily felt by the occupants.
Overall the Vauxhall Movano is an effective electric van, well equipped and practical, while providing a reasonable driving performance. But one does feel the time for the launch of an all-new large van across the Stellantis brands is quite rapidly approaching, if the Vauxhall and its siblings are to remain competitive with their equivalents from rival manufacturers, let alone the new entrants to the market.
- Tested model: Vauxhall Movano Electric Prime 279PS 110kWh L3 H2 panel van
- Price: £46,435 (OTR RRP after plug-in vehicle grant, excluding VAT). As tested £50,085
- Drivetrain: Single electric motor, fixed gear (CHECK)
- Power/torque: 279hp, 410Nm
- Load volume/Payload: 13m3 / 710kg
- Range: 263 miles (estimated WLTP)
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Scores
Design 6
Comfort 6
Practicality 7
Value for Money 7
Safety 9
On the road 6
Overall: 7 / 10
Electric versions of the Movano have been around since 2021 when the third-generation of the van launched, and while a 2024 facelift across the Movano range was mostly a traditional recipe of styling and equipment updates, the electric models saw major changes with the fitting of a complete new drivetrain.
The view from the cabin is effective, that behind helped greatly by the digital rear-view mirror that can now be found on LCVs across the Stellantis Group – both adding to the side mirrors and giving a more effective view than a traditional mirror, particularly in low-light conditions.
The Movano is also well equipped, a cabin environment vastly improved over its predecessor and dominated by a seven-inch colour infotainment touchscreen. While looking slightly stuck on the top of the centre console, it does include such niceties as wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There are also plenty of physical buttons – searching for functions on a touchscreen is not something one wants to do when driving a large van…
Among the three seats the driver’s has plenty of adjustability in six directions, while automatic air conditioning is also standard. The 7-inch digital driver display is easy to read and the vehicle scores on its safety specification too, as well as the autonomous emergency braking the driver aids extending to Lane support and traffic sign recognition.
There are some very basic omissions, however. Our reviewer, not being the tallest person around, was disappointed to find a lack of grab handles in the headlining to help haul himself up into the high-mounted driving seat.
On the road the Movano is easy to drive, to an extent that belies its large proportions. The steering is not too heavy and there is enough power to accelerate the vehicle quickly and bowl it along at an effective rate.
Helping to balance performance and range is a three-strong selection of driving modes, the ‘Normal’ mode flanked by ‘Power’ and ‘Eco’, with maximum horsepower and therefore energy usage changed accordingly. Even in Eco the van returns a respectable performance, and the most frugal mode is very much suited for traversing slower-speed urban roads.
Also adding to the energy-saving capabilities is regenerative braking, with four levels available and the most severe being, well severe! This is very much an EV you can drive in one-pedal format, while it’s good to see proper paddles behind the steering wheel to select the regen level, rather than again diving into a touchscreen.
We expect all vans to achieve rather less than their WLTP range figures might suggest, but our test vehicle seemed particularly affected by not that heavy a load, what should have been an easy round trip completed with the Movano insisting quite pointedly that it needed plugging in. Still more than 220 miles on a full charge does open up more possibilities for real-world use of this big vehicle.
Ride comfort is adequate, but no more than that – this is a van that does not really like less than smooth road surfaces, with the effect of bumps and holes on road surfaces easily felt by the occupants.
Overall the Vauxhall Movano is an effective electric van, well equipped and practical, while providing a reasonable driving performance. But one does feel the time for the launch of an all-new large van across the Stellantis brands is quite rapidly approaching, if the Vauxhall and its siblings are to remain competitive with their equivalents from rival manufacturers, let alone the new entrants to the market.
