Electric Cars - why the new Vauxhall Frontera Electric Car Lease is a game-changing attitude for UK drivers

Is this electric car a game changing attitude for UK drivers - The new Vauxhall Frontera electric car lease

The world is currently gripped by EV strategies, politics and processes. You would be wrong in thinking the UK is the only nation which is trying to ascertain what to sell and how to sell it when it comes to battery technology.

Only yesterday (27 August 2024) it was reported by the BBC  that Canada are imposing the same 100% tariffs which the US have already placed on Chinese-made EVs. This follows the decision by the EU to impose its own levies / tariffs on certain brands further to the unfair subsidisation review. In particular, three key brands were in receipt of additional tariffs including:

•  BYD - 17.4%
•  Geely - 19.9%
•  SAIC - 37.6%

It now appears that the Canadian Government are following a more aggressive stance when it comes to their automotive sector, stating that from 1 October 2024 there will be some serious changes on how the two nations do business. As can be imagined, the Chinese representatives have been forthright in their condemnation of these protectionist policies but in light of other countries pushing back, a more hostile trading policy looks set to be put in place.

With Canada being Tesla’s 6th largest market in the world, this is a billion dollar move which is somewhat profound. Tariffs alone will not be enough to placate a nation’s internals markets. If there is a move to punish foreign imports then home-grown solutions will need to be innovated in order to provide customers with cost-effective and practical EV transport solutions.

For UK electric car customers, the announcement from Vauxhall today (28 August 2024) that the new Frontera will be released AND the price for petrol and electric will be the same is the type of headline we need to see. In a big move from the Stellantis-owned car manufacturer, there is a recognition that consumer confidence is founded on a number of elements including the list price of the car.

As we have commonly discussed, there are a number of key reasons for a business or salary sacrifice customer to engage with an electric car - it is tax beneficial to the company / employer, the running costs are often better than a combustion and the employee will enjoy several financial and taxation benefits.

Unfortunately, the consumer and retail market does not have the same incentives or rationale, so encouraging personal customers to move towards battery options can be more difficult. Especially when you take into account the charge point investment and other associated costs. However, in setting out the Design at £23,495 and GS £25,895 regardless of fuel choice, Vauxhall may be trend setting for other manufacturers to follow suit.

The Frontera will be one of the cheapest all-electric cars to be made available in 2024, with the launch expected to be in Autumn (October). The vehicle will come standard with two 10” widescreens, wireless smartphone charging, two USB ports in the front and the back, 16” alloys, LED lights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, cruise control and traffic sign recognition. The GS will allow you to benefit from 17” diamond cut alloys, black-roof, tinted windows, power-folding mirrors, front parking sensors and body-coloured bumpers.

Vauxhall are making safety paramount with Lane Keep Assist, Active Safety Braking, Collision Warning, Speed Sign Display, Speed Limiter and Driver Attention Alert. The GS additionally comes with Blind Spot Detection.

But how will the Electric Vauxhall Frontera perform?

At first, just one electric option will be made available, with a long-range version expected to be released later in the year. Based on the same platform as the upcoming Citroen e-C3 and e-C3 Aircross, the Frontera will offer the below:       

The FWD SUV option will have a 44 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 11.0 seconds, 84 mph top speeds and 83 kW (or 111 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 135 miles with warmer weather allowing for 190 miles - a combined real-world range of 155 miles.

On charging, the 7.4 kW AC max will allow 7 hours 0 – 100% charging times with the 100 kW DC maximum allowing 32 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 460L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 143 mpg. This option can tow 350kg (unbraked) and 350kg (braked). A robust 460L of cargo volume is available with the seats up and 1600L with the seats down! At 4,380mm in length, this sits just above the Mokka with its 4,151mm. 

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