Opel has taken the wraps off its Vivaro e-Concept plug-in electric van at the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover, Germany. The one-off concept was built to demonstrate the benefits of electrification to commercial vehicle operators.The Vivaro's 111 kw (149 hp) electric motor delivers 370 Nm of torque and a pure electric range of 100 km (62 miles). An unspecified range extender (possibly one of Opel's common rail turbodiesels) gives the van an additional 300 km (186 mile) range.
By storing the lithium ion batteries under the floor, Opel can offer 5 cubic metres (177 cubic feet) of storage space and the ability to haul 750 kg (1650 lbs) of payload. As with most plug-in vehicles, the batteries can be charged through a standard 230 volt socket.
Chris Lacey, Executive Director of International Operations at Opel / Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles explains the benefits of the e-Concept:
"Electric mobility will allow [commercial vehicle operators] 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."
By Tristan Hankins
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