If you are looking for a compact van that can handle any job without emitting any emissions, you might want to check out the Opel Combo-e. This is the latest addition to Opel’s electric vehicle portfolio, joining the Vivaro-e and the upcoming Movano-e. The Combo-e is based on the award-winning Opel Combo, which won the International Van of the Year 2019 and the Irish Van of the Year 2020. But unlike its petrol and diesel siblings, the Combo-e offers a zero-emission driving experience with a range of up to 275 kilometers (171 miles) on a single charge.
What makes the Opel Combo-e special?
The Opel Combo-e is not just another electric van. It is a versatile and practical vehicle that can meet the needs of various customers, from small businesses and professionals to families and adventurers. Here are some of the features that make the Combo-e stand out from the crowd:
- It is available in two lengths: the standard 4.40-meter-long Combo-e and the extra-long 4.75-meter-long Combo-e XL. The latter can accommodate objects up to 3.44 meters long and carry two Euro pallets in a row.
- It offers a class-leading payload of up to 800 kilograms and a cargo volume of up to 4.4 cubic meters. It also has a towing capacity of 750 kilograms, which is rare for electric vans in this segment.
- It can also carry people. The Combo-e XL is available with a crew van version that can seat up to five passengers plus the driver while keeping the cargo or equipment safely stowed behind a partition wall. There is also a passenger car version, the Combo-e Life, which can seat up to seven people.
- It is equipped with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged to 80 percent in around 30 minutes at 100 kW or more public charging stations. The battery is under the floor, so it does not compromise the cargo area or passenger compartment usage. It also lowers the center of gravity, improving the van's stability and handling.
- It is powered by a 100 kW electric motor that delivers 260 Nm of torque and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h, which is suitable for urban and motorway driving.
- It features a sophisticated regenerative braking system with two user-selectable settings that increase the efficiency and extend the range of the van. The driver can choose between a normal mode that mimics the behavior of a conventional vehicle and a B mode that increases the braking effect of the electric motor and reduces the need to use the brake pedal.
- It comes with a comprehensive portfolio of technologies and assistance systems that enhance the safety, comfort, and convenience of drivers and passengers. Some of these include:
- Driver drowsiness alert and traffic sign recognition monitor the road and alert the driver of potential hazards or speed limits.
- Forward collision alerts with pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking, which detect possible collisions and apply the brakes if necessary.
- Surround rear vision helps prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians when making a right turn. Two cameras provide visibility to the rear and to the side of the van.
- Head-up display projects key information such as speed, navigation and alerts onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
- Wireless smartphone charging which eliminates the need for cables and keeps the phone battery topped up.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable seamless integration of the smartphone with the infotainment system, allowing access to music, contacts, messages, and apps.