VM test report Opel Combo Electric: Much fitter after the curve

What is that?! At the end of our short test tour through city, country, and highway, the onboard computer of the recently renewed Opel Combo Electric shows an incredible consumption of 12.4 kWh/100 km. Okay, in the already quite brisk eco mode, with moderate driving style and in spring-like temperatures. Nevertheless: For the previously significantly range-weak predecessor, this is a value like from another planet, or rather lightning. If these values are confirmed, gross, meaning after charging losses and over our test route, the city transporter and its astonishingly five siblings, including Vauxhall and Toyota, would have made a big step forward. Definitely a much larger step than the mere shape originally suggested.

Because formally, it remains a 50 kWh battery (gross 54 kWh). However, the battery is completely new and now a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) storage unit instead of lithium-ion, which is supposed to be more durable, environmentally friendly, and more energy-efficient. Furthermore, an adapted battery management system was added, which, in conjunction with a heat pump and now three-stage recuperation, apparently handles the scarce energy resources significantly more efficiently. Whether it will be enough for the official 330 kilometers instead of the previous 285 kilometers remains to be seen. We would already be satisfied with 300 kilometers, as many craftsmen and city logisticians would be as well. This would literally make work possible. Especially since the revised version is said to be 3,500 euros cheaper: It starts at 31,250 euros for the Cargo, 11,000 euros more than the base gasoline model. 

Modernized Interior

Moreover, the E-van impresses with its modernized interior. Digital display and sharper infotainment, wireless smartphone connectivity with inductive charging, and a more striking interior design ensure contemporary advancement. The foldable passenger seat with the swivel table turns the Combo into a mobile office; optionally, two passengers can ride along, and thanks to an almost flat floor, it is even possible to move to the passenger side. The fixed phone holder is very practical, as the connected app actually makes the expensive onboard infotainment unnecessary. One simply "docks" with their existing smartphone.

Finally, one starts the vehicle keylessly with just a button press, unlike its larger sibling, where one performs the anachronism of "starting" an electric car with a key turn. The digital rearview mirror is also new and takes some getting used to, but it eliminates the need for rear windows. Whether the 360-degree cameras along with side mirror cameras are really needed in an already generally clear and city-friendly vehicle is debatable. But they are available. With the facelift, however, they could have also provided firmer seats, which could benefit from a tilt adjustment.

Optionally with Stop&Go-Automatic

Unlike the passenger car siblings from the Stellantis group, the Combo does not receive the option of a more powerful engine. This is not a drawback for a commercial vehicle, especially when efficiency is also improved. With 100 kW and 270 Nm, the traditionally front-wheel-drive city van offers a much more powerful performance compared to diesel, while also impressing with the quiet operation of the synchronous machine. The recuperation is now optionally regulated more strictly, being three-stage and intuitively controlled via paddles on the steering wheel. Those who order the adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go, along with active lane-keeping assistance, can virtually "sit back and relax" in city traffic as the E-Combo decelerates to a stop and accelerates again with pedal input. In terms of charging, it remains at the commercially usable 100 kW, with an optional 11 kW version available in addition to the 7.4 kW AC charger (standard in the "Life" wagon), which is worth considering. DC charging takes the battery from 10 to 80 percent capacity in half an hour.