Citroen e-Relay and Vauxhall Movano-e gain larger battery and improved charging speeds

Citroen and Vauxhall have announced that their largest electric vans are now equipped with a bigger battery, improving the range between charges.

Both the Citroen e-Relay and Vauxhall Movano-e joined the two firms’ commercial vehicle line-up last year, meaning that both manufacturers now offer a fully-electric version of every van they sell.

The two models debuted with a choice of a 37kWh battery or a 70kWh unit, but the latter battery’s size has now been increased to 75kWh. This sees an increase in the claimed electric range from 139 miles to 154.

At the same time, improved battery technology means the two vans can now charge quicker, with 50kW rapid charging now included as standard – enabling an 80 per cent charge in an hour. Charging times with a 22kW AC charging unit have also been halved from eight hours to four. 

Despite the larger battery, the two vans remain just as practical as before, with a payload of up to 1,100kg offered alongside a load volume of up to 15m-cubed. Each van is offered in two lengths too – L3 and L4. 

There’s no change in price, either, with the models with the 75kWh battery costing from £57,035 for the Citroen e-Relay and £57,913 for the Vauxhall Movano-e, with prices including the £5,000 electric van grant from the government, but excluding VAT. Both versions are available to order now, with first deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2022.