Vauxhall Frontera: The UK’s Most Affordable Electric Car
Introduction
Vauxhall is set to launch the new Frontera, which will be one of the most affordable electric cars in the UK. In a groundbreaking move, the electric version of the Frontera will be priced the same as its petrol counterpart.
Eliminating Price Disparity
The new Frontera, a larger and more robust replacement for the Crossland, will be available for order starting in October. Both the electric and petrol versions will have a starting price of £23,495, effectively eliminating the usual price disparity between electric and petrol cars, which averages around 31%.
Equal Terms for Electric and Petrol
Vauxhall already offers electric versions of its other cars on equal terms to their petrol counterparts, but with a longer PCP period for the electric models. However, the Frontera will be the first Vauxhall car to be offered on equal terms in terms of price, deposit, and monthly payment.
Competitive Pricing
With a starting price of £23,495, the Frontera Electric is one of the most affordable full-size electric cars in the country. It undercuts competitors such as the MG 4, Fiat 500 Electric, and Mazda MX-30.
Impressive Performance and Range
The entry-level Frontera Electric features a 112bhp motor on the front axle, allowing for a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds. It is equipped with a 44kWh battery that provides a range of 186 miles and supports charging at up to 100kW. A ‘Long Range’ version with a range of 248 miles is planned for launch in 2025.
Hybrid Options and Seating
In addition to the electric version, Vauxhall will also offer petrol hybrid variants of the Frontera. The hybrid models feature a 1.2-litre triple engine paired with a 48V, 28bhp electric motor in the gearbox. The hybrid variant will also be available with seven seats, providing additional flexibility for customers.
Driving EV Uptake
Vauxhall UK managing director James Taylor believes that offering electric and petrol versions of the Frontera at the same price is crucial for driving the uptake of electric cars. It also helps Vauxhall comply with the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires manufacturers to achieve a 22% EV sales mix by 2024. Taylor emphasizes the importance of improving on-street EV charging infrastructure and providing customers with more choice to accelerate EV adoption.
The Road Ahead
While Vauxhall is leading the way by offering an EV at the same price as a petrol car, Taylor acknowledges that achieving comparable profit from each is still a few years away. He highlights the need for a local battery supply chain and improving energy density to reduce manufacturing costs. Additionally, concerted action is required to improve electric demand in the used car market to boost profitability.
Vauxhall is optimistic about the future, with a projected EV order mix of 30% once the Frontera and the larger Grandland are launched. However, Taylor believes that achieving the mandated 33% EV sales mix in 2026 will be challenging without government support, such as VAT reductions on public charging or grants for affordable EVs.
Overall, Vauxhall’s commitment to offering affordable electric cars and driving EV adoption is a significant step towards a greener automotive future.
