Opel Unveiling Vivaro e-Concept Extended Range Electric Van Research Study at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2010 Show
22 September 2010
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| The Opel Vivaro e-Concept. Click to enlarge. |
At the IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover (23-30 September 2010), Opel will unveil a research project on a Vivaro e-Concept, an electric van with up to 400 kilometers (249 miles) extended range. The e-Concept is conceived to have 5.0 cubic meter storage capacity able to carry 750 kilograms (1,600 lbs) of load.
The 111 kW electric motor in the Vivaro e-Concept propulsion system delivers 370 N·m (273 lb-ft) of torque and would offer 100 kilometers (62 miles) pure electric driving range.
We would like to test the acceptance of our advanced propulsion technology by showing the Vivaro e-Concept to the commercial vehicle specialists attending the show. We are convinced that we will get a fantastic reaction from the people who use such vehicles on a daily basis: Electric mobility will allow them 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.
—Chris Lacey, Executive Director, International Operations Opel/Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles
On longer, regional hauls or shuttle services, the range-extender switches on, extending the total driving range to more than 400 kilometers. Engineers foresee the Vivaro e-Concept as capable of driving permanently with engine and electric motor propulsion, enabling drivers to reach distant destinations.
Opel engineers have mounted the batteries, which can be re-charged on a standard household 230-volt outlet under the floor of the Vivaro e-Concept. There, the lithium ion battery modules are protected from the weather. At the same time the modules provide a low center of gravity for good handling characteristics, protecting especially from crosswind influence.
The e-Concept is envisioned to be capable of meeting the typical daily needs of inner city delivery transport fully electrically.
At this point in time there’s no plans for production in the future. We have an important task to do, which is to conclude the research we are undertaking, have a look at that research and then determine the right configuration for any vehicle in the future...We know we have the technology. Now we’re just looking at the right application and right configuration of that technology before making any plans on future production.
—Chris Lacey
Im interrested to buy.
Posted by: Gorr | 22 September 2010 at 08:30 AM
An interesting first generation PHEV van. The world could use a few million of them.
Posted by: HarveyD | 22 September 2010 at 10:08 AM
This could be GM's answer to Ford's Transit Connect EV.
I like the Vivaro Electric Van better due to:
1. 111 kW motor is much more powerful than Ford's.
2. Extended range of 400 km makes it viable today.
I was considering a hybrid but this plug-in "EREV" is perfect for my needs. I sincerely hope GM makes this and sells it in North America soon!
Posted by: Eric Marshall | 22 September 2010 at 11:57 AM
Even IF we sold 1 million PHEV/EVs per year, after 10 years these would be less than 5% of the vehicles on the road. The oil usage is WAY too huge to even contemplate. We are going to have to do SO much more a lot sooner than 10 years to stay out of big trouble.
Posted by: SJC | 22 September 2010 at 12:44 PM
I can't see how this vehicle will compete with CNG as long as electricity is made from natural gas.
Only when all gas fired power stations are closed and all elec comes from renewable , nuclear or has CCGTs can electric vans make sense.
A Smart car may save a bit of CO2 compared to a petrol Smart but not clear than an EV will save any CO2 when all factors taken into account.
Posted by: baldwincng | 22 September 2010 at 03:13 PM
If you take a therm of natural gas and put in in the combined cycle plant, you can get electricity to the consumer at 40% efficiency. Now put that into an EV at 70% efficiency for .4 x .7 = .28 or 28% efficiency. A CNG ICE would be half that.
Now get your electricity from nuclear, hydro, wind, solar as well as natural gas combined cycle and you have even less CO2 emissions. It most definitely DOES make a difference whether it is EV or CNG. EV wins hands down.
Posted by: SJC | 22 September 2010 at 07:08 PM
Good points SJC. Combined cycle NG Power Plants can reach 60+% efficiency. Future Power Generation mix will certainly be cleaner and more efficient. Electrified vehicles will always be more efficient than ICE units.
One of the surest way for USA to reduce crude oil imports would be to electrify most ground vehicles including farm-garden-pleasure crafts etc and domestic-public-industrial HVAC.
Meanwhile, more efficient ICE units would also help. Mercedes at 40+ mpg is a good start.
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 September 2010 at 08:40 AM
I do not understand the post from SJC
He said:
If you take a therm of natural gas and put in in the combined cycle plant, you can get electricity to the consumer at 40% efficiency. Now put that into an EV at 70% efficiency for .4 x .7 = .28 or 28% efficiency. A CNG ICE would be half that.
A van is not an engine. The only measure that is any consequence in CO2 terms is the amount of CO2 emitted on a well to wheel basis to move a certain amount of payload. Given that Electric Vans have several tonnes of batteries they either move less payload (so need more journeys) or have to pull the batteries around which requires a large amount of energy. This is the key efficiency factor. The drive train may be a bit more efficient on an EV but that is completely and utterly irrelevant, of no interest, no consequence. Who cares about that? The weight is the key.
In the UK Cenex has just completed a trial comparing Smart EV with Smart Petrol. There is hardly (if any) any benefit from EV and that is in a light-weight 2 seater. The Leaf will be heavier than the Passat Ecofuel which runs on CNG and is a much bigger car. It is important that the weight factor is taken into account - if you do this you appreciate very quickly the futility of electric vans. It has been calculated that a 44 tonne truck (EU maximum) would need about 50 tonnes of batteries.
EVs have a role going on short journeys with one passenger, basically replacing the bus or the tube. But for vans, no.
Posted by: baldwincng | 25 September 2010 at 11:43 AM
I meant to add that Green Car Congress should ask Opel what the weight of this van would be and how it compares with a diesel van. I have a good idea what the batteries will weigh and it is unbelievably high!
The reply will explain why there are no plans to move this vehicle into production!!
Until you ask the question and get the reply, there is nothing to talk about.
Posted by: baldwincng | 25 September 2010 at 11:46 AM
@baldwincng,
The 1600 lb-payload capacity of this van is on par with ICE vans of this size. The total range and cargo space rating is also on par with gasoline-powered ICE vans. For cng-powered vans, the pressurized CNG tank(s)system will be considerably heavier than a gasoline fuel system of comparable range, so the payload and cargo space of a cng van will be less than a comparable gasoline van.
Posted by: Roger Pham | 28 September 2010 at 10:53 PM
What is the weight of the EV?
Clearly CNG vans have a slight disadvantage in weight terms compared to diesel, they make up for it in having lower emissons of NOX, particulates etc and CO2 neutral on biomethane. My question was about the concept EV.
My theory is its the weight and therefore efficiency point that means that there are no plans to build it. Can anyone find out the weight comparison with a diesel and CNG van?
Posted by: baldwincng | 29 September 2010 at 10:06 AM