What is it?
The Vauxhall Combo Cargo Electric enters a competitive market of small electric vans, offering practicality, strong performance, and a range of features tailored for urban and light commercial use. Sharing its platform with other Stellantis models like the Citroën ë-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Partner, the Combo brings its unique identity while building on a proven design. Here’s an in-depth look at how it fares across key areas.
Design and Styling
From the outside, the Vauxhall Combo Electric has a modern, utilitarian design with a freshened-up front end and subtle updates to the bumper. Its compact proportions make it ideal for navigating city streets, while the two body lengths (4.4m regular and 4.75m XL) provide flexibility for different needs. However, the lack of a high roof option might limit its appeal for businesses requiring extra vertical space.
Inside, the Combo shines with a well-thought-out cabin. The design is practical yet smart, with quality materials and a layout aimed at maximising comfort and usability. A new 10-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, handling most major controls, though the physical buttons for ventilation are somewhat fiddly.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel and neat digital instruments give the cabin a contemporary feel, while also aiding ingress and egress. Optional features like a digital instrument panel enhance the driving experience, especially in higher trims.
Passenger models offer a crew cab configuration, which adds versatility. Rear seats can fold flat, allowing the full load bay to be utilised when needed. Despite the small footprint, the van feels spacious inside, making it a solid choice for professionals spending long hours on the road.
Driving and Performance
At the heart of the Vauxhall Combo Cargo Electric is a 134bhp electric motor paired with a 50kWh battery pack. With a WLTP-rated range of 205 miles, it offers sufficient capability for all-day urban driving, though highway travel may drain the battery more quickly.
Three driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Power – let drivers balance performance with efficiency. Eco mode significantly extends range but cuts power output by 40%, while Power mode unleashes the van’s full potential. Regenerative braking with three intensity levels enhances energy recovery, though its strongest setting feels less effective at higher speeds.
The Combo excels in urban environments, with light, precise steering and strong low-speed acceleration. On uneven roads, its suspension smooths out most bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride. While not as sporty as the Mercedes eCitan, it strikes a good balance between handling and comfort, whether loaded or empty.
Practicality
Practicality is a strong point for the Combo Cargo Electric. The regular model offers a 3.3m³ load volume, enough to accommodate a Euro pallet, while the XL version increases this to 3.9m³. A flat load floor with minimal wheel arch intrusion maximises usable space, and the option for a load-through bulkhead adds further flexibility.
Payload capacity is impressive, reaching up to 781kg, outclassing most rivals except the Maxus eDeliver 3. However, the electric model’s capacity falls short compared to the diesel-powered Combo Cargo. Sliding side doors and wide barn-style rear doors make loading straightforward, though short-wheelbase models have only one side door.
While competitors like the Renault Kangoo E-Tech slightly edge out the Combo XL in load volume, the Vauxhall stands tall with clever features like foldable passenger seats and versatile bulkhead configurations.
Vauxhall has equipped the Combo Electric with a suite of features aimed at improving safety and convenience. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors enhance usability, particularly in congested urban areas. A smartphone app allows remote control of certain functions, such as pre-conditioning the cabin or scheduling charging.
Higher trims introduce more advanced options, like a 360-degree camera system and fatigue monitoring. The digital key feature is a modern touch that adds practicality for fleet users.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Class-leading payload capacity for its size.
- Impressive electric range, especially for urban delivery routes.
- Compact dimensions make it agile in tight spaces.
- Versatile configurations, including a crew cab and XL body length.
Weaknesses:
- No high roof option limits vertical storage.
- Range drops significantly in colder weather or at high speeds.
- Short-wheelbase models lack a second sliding door.
- Higher price compared to some Stellantis counterparts with similar specifications.
Verdict
The Vauxhall Combo Cargo Electric successfully brings together range, practicality, and comfort in a compact package, making it a compelling choice for urban businesses and light commercial use. Its electric drivetrain aligns well with the growing demand for sustainable transport, while thoughtful features cater to modern drivers.
That said, the van’s higher cost compared to some Stellantis counterparts and the absence of a high-roof option may push some buyers towards alternatives. For those prioritising a reliable, well-equipped electric van backed by a strong dealer network, the Combo Cargo Electric is hard to beat.
