Vauxhall expands its Frontera's battery size and hikes up its electronic driving miles.
Vauxhall Frontera Electric: A Competitive Option Among Small Electric SUVs
The Vauxhall Frontera Electric, a new compact crossover, is making waves in the electric vehicle market with its competitive pricing, solid range, and fast charging capabilities.
This electric vehicle is available in two battery versions: a 44kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 186 miles, and a larger 54kWh Extended Range battery offering an extended range of up to 253 miles (an additional 67 miles over the 44kWh). Both versions use an electric motor producing 113 hp and 125 Nm of torque, with 0-62 mph acceleration around 12.8 to 13 seconds and a top speed of 88 mph (140 km/h).
Charging capabilities include 100kW DC fast charging, allowing a 20-80% charge in about 28 minutes for the 54kWh battery. An 11kW on-board AC charger is standard, enabling 20-80% charging in approximately 3 hours 25 minutes from an 11kW public charger, or about 5 hours 5 minutes from a 7kW home wallbox. This supports cheaper off-peak home charging.
Pricing for the Frontera Electric is competitive, with the 44kWh model starting at £23,495, and the 54kWh Extended Range model starting at £27,495. Trim levels include Design and GS, with the latter offering more features such as alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control.
Regarding the UK Electric Car Grant, since the baseline Frontera Electric model starts at £23,495 and the extended version at £27,495, it potentially qualifies because UK grants often apply to BEVs priced under £32,000, but official confirmation would depend on current government criteria and model approval status.
Comparing the Frontera Electric to its competitors, the Ford Puma Gen-E is a PHEV with a smaller electric range (~31 miles) and slower charging, but quicker acceleration; it also has a higher starting price and smaller battery since it is not a full EV. The Citroen e-C3 Aircross EV is a small SUV with similar battery size (45kWh) and slightly better electric range at about 199 miles, faster acceleration (around 8.7 s 0-62 mph), and 100kW DC charging. The Renault 4 EV offers a slightly smaller battery (~42 kWh) but similar range (~190 miles) and slower DC charging (~50kW). Price starts around £30k.
In summary, the Vauxhall Frontera Electric offers a solid range, competitive pricing starting below £24k, and fast 100kW DC charging, making it a reasonably priced option among small electric SUVs, with good charging flexibility and moderate performance. The extended range 54kWh battery option clearly boosts range and retains competitive charging times. It stands as a strong contender against similarly priced models like Citroen's e-C3 Aircross and the forthcoming Renault 4 EV.
No official Euro NCAP or Green NCAP safety or eco ratings are available yet, nor comprehensive reliability data, as the model is newly launched in winter 2024/25.
[1] Vauxhall Frontera Electric Official Website [2] WLTP Range Data [3] Performance Data [4] Pricing and Grant Information [5] General Information and Specifications
- The Vauxhall Frontera Electric, positioned in the electric vehicle market that includes industries such as automotive and technology, showcases its competitive edge in financing, boasting affordable pricing that starts below £24k.
- In the field of transportation and finance, the Frontera Electric's 54kWh Extended Range model, priced at £27,495, could potentially qualify for UK electric car grants due to its price point, but confirmation depends on current government criteria and model approval status.
