Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall announces major EV line-up expansion

A modern, zero-emissions interpretation of the Manta coupe will arrive by 2025; new Crossland SUV and Insignia hatchback successors will also be electric

Vauxhall badge

Vauxhall’s range of electric cars is set to rapidly expand over the next few years as the brand heads towards fully electric status 2028. At least three new zero-emissions models are on the horizon, including a reborn Manta, which will go on sale by 2025.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is unlikely to be a two-door coupe like the original Manta from the 1970s. Instead, we expect that it’ll be a coupe-SUV along the lines of what Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel previewed in July 2021 (below). If true, the forthcoming Manta-e would serve as a rival to the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV, Nissan Ariya and Subaru Solterra, among other family SUVs.

Opel did create a zero-emissions ‘restomod’ conversion of an original two-door Manta GSe coupe in 2021. While that was a one-off exercise, positive reactions to the banana-yellow concept may well have led to the modern interpretation of the Manta being greenlit for production.

Opel Manta-e concept

Before the Manta-e arrives, Vauxhall has confirmed that both the hatchback and estate versions of the latest Astra will be offered with fully electric power in 2023, under the names Astra-e and Astra-e Sports Tourer. They’ll rival the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG 5 SW respectively.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

We expect both to feature the same zero-emissions powertrain as their Peugeot e-308 counterparts. That includes a 154bhp electric motor and 54kWh battery, which should be large enough for a range of approximately 250 miles on a full charge.

Meanwhile the successors to the current Insignia saloon and Crossland compact SUV will also be electric. Launch dates for these remain under wraps; they could be called Insignia-e and Crossland-e, or alternatively Vauxhall may opt for completely new nameplates.

Vauxhall Astra hybrid

The British carmaker has set itself ambitious targets for its next batch of EVs, targeting driving ranges of between 310 and 497 miles, as well as rapid-charging capability that would allow for 20 miles of range to be added every minute you’re plugged into a fast enough unit. 

Vauxhall’s current EV line-up includes the Corsa-e supermini, Mokka-e crossover, Combo-e Life MPV and Vivaro-e Life nine-seat people carrier. Petrol-electric plug-in hybrid versions of both the latest Astra and recently facelifted Grandland SUV are also on sale now.

Vauxhall’s entire commercial-vehicle range is also offered with electric power, from the compact Combo-e to the much larger Movano-e. A hydrogen-powered version of its mid-size Vivaro-e panel van is also in development, with a UK launch date of 2023.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Welcome one and all, I’m Ellis the news reporter on Auto Express, the brand’s former online reviews editor and contributor to DrivingElectric. I’m proud to say I cut my teeth reporting and reviewing all things EV as the content editor on DrivingElectric. I joined the team while completing my master’s degree in automotive journalism at Coventry University and since then I’ve driven just about every electric car and hybrid I could get my hands on.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s 2025
Best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s 2025

6 Feb 2025
EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month
MINI Aceman - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month

4 Feb 2025
Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025
Best plug-in hybrid
Best cars

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025

31 Jan 2025
EV Deal of the Day: talented Cupra Tavascan for £294 a month
Cupra Tavascan on UK plates - front
News

EV Deal of the Day: talented Cupra Tavascan for £294 a month

28 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025
Best plug-in hybrid
Best cars

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025

Here are our top picks of the best plug-in hybrid motoring options you can buy in the UK right now
31 Jan 2025
Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2025
Best hybrid family cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2025

If you’re not ready to go fully electric yet, you should consider one of these: the best hybrid family cars to buy in the UK right now
20 Jan 2025
EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month
MINI Aceman - front tracking
News

EV Deal of the Day: high-quality MINI Aceman for £229 per month

If you’re after MINI Cooper style with a little extra practicality, then the Aceman could be just the ticket
4 Feb 2025