Opel Previews Vivaro e-Concept

Getting ready for the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover (September 23 to 30), Opel announced it will be debuting a research project on a Vivaro e-Concept, an electric van with up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) extended range. According to the German car brand, the Vivaro e-Concept aims to prove that practicality can be maintained at a high level despite the way of propulsion.

The e-Concept is designed to have 5.0 cubic meter storage capacity able to carry 750 kilograms (1,653 lbs) of load while being completely emission-free, making it a good choice for urban delivery drivers.

“We would like to test the acceptance of our advanced propulsion technology by showing the Vivaro e-Concept to the commercial vehicle specialists attending the show,” stated Chris Lacey, Executive Director, International Operations Opel/Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.

“We are convinced that we will get a fantastic reaction from the people who use such vehicles on a daily basis,” added Lacey, “Electric mobility will allow them to travel in city areas which are now off-limits to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and the range-extender technology makes it possible to use an electric van for normal routine business.”

The Vivaro e-Concept is propelled by a 111 kW electric motor capable of delivering 370Nm of torque and would offer 100 kilometers (62 miles) of electric driving range. When the range-extender is activated, the total range is enhanced to more than 400 kilometers (248 miles).

The batteries can be re-charged on a standard household 230-volt outlet under the floor of the Vivaro e-Concept. There, the lithium ion battery modules are protected from the weather.  At the same time the modules provide a low center of gravity for good handling characteristics.