Opel Unveils Vivaro e-Concept Hybrid Van at IAA Hannover Show [with Video]

Opel has taken the wraps off its Vivaro e-Concept plug-in electric van at the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover, Germany. The one-off concept was built to demonstrate the benefits of electrification to commercial vehicle operators.

The Vivaro's 111 kw (149 hp) electric motor delivers 370 Nm of torque and a pure electric range of 100 km (62 miles). An unspecified range extender (possibly one of Opel's common rail turbodiesels) gives the van an additional 300 km (186 mile) range.

By storing the lithium ion batteries under the floor, Opel can offer 5 cubic metres (177 cubic feet) of storage space and the ability to haul 750 kg (1650 lbs) of payload. As with most plug-in vehicles, the batteries can be charged through a standard 230 volt socket.

Chris Lacey, Executive Director of International Operations at Opel / Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles explains the benefits of the e-Concept:

"Electric mobility will allow [commercial vehicle operators] 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."

By Tristan Hankins

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Vauxhall Vivaro Gets the Paddy Wagon Treatment, Courtesy of SVO

Vauxhall's Special Vehicle Operations is expanding its range of safety products to include prison vans; specifically, a "fully fitted prison cell" installed in the firm's Vivaro transporter. This is a first for both Vauxhall and UK police, who have until recently relied strictly on aftermarket firms to create these cells-on-wheels.

A major bonus, according to UK Police officials, is that as manufacturer-outfitted vehicles, the Vauxhall police vans will be more rigidly tested. "A key concern with these other products is how they perform in crashes as the huge forces involved can snap free fixing points and put the van driver, passengers and detainees in danger."

Examples of Vauxhall's testing include extreme acceleration (0-30 mph in 1/10th of a second) and a variety of crash tests.

Agencies looking to pick up the cell'd-out Vivaro should know that it will be available on models packing two rows of standard seating (holding up to six passengers). Also, all the standard emergency-service fare is available ("lightbars, grille lights, high level rear lights, switch panel, siren, various liveries etc.").

By Phil Alex

READ MORE - Vauxhall Vivaro Gets the Paddy Wagon Treatment, Courtesy of SVO

2008 Opel Vivaro VPC: OPC Inspired Van

Who said that large commercial vehicles can’t be sporty or at least look like they’re sporty? Opel evidently thinks that they can, even if the market for such vehicles is limited. At the Dutch auto show “Autorai” (Oct. 25 to Nov. 3), Saturn’s stepmother introduced the Vivaro VPC (Vivaro Performance Concept) which is inspired from Opel’s sporty OPC line-up. Only difference is that you can probably fit an OPC model in the VPC’s cargo bed… -Continued after the jump

Equipped with an 144 Hp 2.5-liter turbo-diesel, the Vivaro VPC van features an aggressive bodykit consisting of new bumpers, roof spoilers, side skirts, alloy rims while in the interior -get this- it comes equipped with a set of two-tone Recaro bucket seats! According to Opel, the Vivaro VPC will be offered initially in the Dutch market in a limited run of 100 units.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Opel

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