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Vauxhall has got rid of the price premium for electric cars by making the new Frontera Electric petrol models the same price - £23,495.
The average list price difference across the market between an electric and petrol car is currently 31%, including on some of Vauxhall’s other models. For example, a Mokka Electric’s list price is £11,690 more than a petrol model and £7,925 above a hybrid version of the same car.
James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, called the price partity a: “significant milestone in our mission to make electric mobility accessible for everyone across the UK.”
The Frontera petrol mild hybrid combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 21kW (28hp) electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The hybrid powertrain is available with either a 100hp engine developing 205Nm of torque, or a 134bhp engine developing 230Nm of torque. The more powerful engine costs £500 more than the Electric.
The main attraction of the petrol models is the option to make it a seven seater, costing £550. This is not available with the Electric as the battery takes up the space under the rear floor.
The electric version uses a 111bhp electric motor, based on the new Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ platform. This version has an official range of 186 miles from the 44kWh battery. It’s not the fastest though – the Frontera Electric accelerates from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 87mph.
From next year, the Frontera Electric will also be available as a ‘Long Range’ version capable of up to 248 miles on a single charge – prices have yet to be announced.
There are more sweeteners to go electric, with Vauxhall offering customers a free Octopus Energy Ohme Pro wall box and installation when buying online. Thanks to Vauxhall’s partnership with Tesco, customers also have the option to choose one year's free charging credit at stores across the country, in lieu of the free wall box. On top of this, customers can collect 50,000 Tesco Clubcard points when they purchase a new car through a Vauxhall dealer – that’s worth £500.
If you don’t fancy either of those options, buyers can choose a £675 credit with Octopus Electroverse for public charging.
