Vauxhall has unveiled new Business Contract Hire options for its Combo Electric van, matching the monthly rental cost of its diesel counterpart. This move aims to make the transition to electric vehicles more accessible for businesses.
The Combo Electric is available through Leasys with identical terms to the diesel version. The Prime trim can be leased for £329 per month with a deposit of £1,974, while the Pro trim costs £365 per month with a deposit of £2,190. Both contracts span 60 months and include an annual mileage allowance of 6,000 miles.
Switching to the Combo Electric offers potential savings of approximately £91 per month due to lower running costs. These savings are derived from reduced fuel expenses and current exemptions on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for electric vehicles. Specifically, drivers could save £64 per month on fuel based on 500 miles driven monthly and an additional £26 per month from the VED exemption.
Small businesses and sole traders in London may also benefit from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) van scrappage scheme. By replacing a non-compliant diesel van with a Combo Electric, they could receive a £9,500 grant, further incentivising the switch to electric.
To enhance customer confidence, the Combo Electric comes with three years of roadside assistance and an eight-year battery warranty. This support is part of Vauxhall's effort to promote its electric vehicle (EV) offerings under the campaign ‘Energising a Better Britain’. The campaign highlights Vauxhall's extensive range of electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs).
Vauxhall’s commitment to manufacturing in the UK is notable, with the Combo Electric being produced at the Stellantis Ellesmere Port plant. This facility is the UK’s first dedicated to EV production. Additionally, Vauxhall's Luton plant is set to begin manufacturing electric vans from next year. This focus on local manufacturing supports Vauxhall’s position as the only manufacturer building vans in the UK.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, remarked on the significance of these offers. He emphasised that eliminating the additional upfront cost for electric vans aligns with Vauxhall's goal of making electric mobility accessible to all. Taylor noted that with equal monthly payments and reduced running costs, customers of the Combo Electric could achieve significant savings compared to the diesel version over the vehicle's lifespan. He also highlighted the pride in offering businesses a British-built electric vehicle at competitive value.
The new Combo Electric boasts a range of up to 213 miles on a single charge of its 52kWh battery, an improvement of 38 miles over its predecessor. The van features an electric motor producing 136PS and 270Nm of torque, and can be recharged from 0-80% in 30 minutes at a 100kW public charging station. Practicality is not compromised, as the van offers up to 4.4 cubic metres of storage space, a payload capacity of up to 781kg, and a towing capacity of 750kg, matching the diesel version in functionality.
With these new offers and features, Vauxhall aims to support businesses in transitioning to electric vehicles, aligning with broader environmental and economic benefits.