Vauxhall Frontera: The UK’s Cheapest Electric Car with Equal Pricing to Petrol Version
The new Vauxhall Frontera is set to become one of the UK’s most affordable electric cars, and what sets it apart is that it will cost the same as its petrol counterpart. This move by Vauxhall eliminates the typical price disparity between electric and petrol versions of the same car, which is usually around 31%. The Frontera will be available to order in October, with prices starting at £23,495 for both powertrains.
The affordability of the Frontera makes it one of the cheapest full-size electric cars in the country, undercutting popular models like the MG 4, Fiat 500 Electric, and Mazda MX-30. The entry-level Frontera Electric features a 112bhp motor on the front axle, offering a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds. It is powered by a 44kWh battery that provides a range of 186 miles and can charge at up to 100kW. In 2025, a ‘Long Range’ version will be launched, boasting a range of 248 miles.
On the other hand, the cheapest petrol hybrid variant of the Frontera comes with a 99bhp engine combined with a 48V, 28bhp electric motor in the gearbox. There is also a more powerful version available with 134bhp, starting from £24,995. While the electric version is a five-seater, the hybrid variant can be optionally equipped with seven seats. This option is also available for the Citroën C3 Aircross, which shares the same parent company and platform as the Frontera.
Vauxhall UK managing director James Taylor believes that offering electric and petrol versions of the Frontera at the same price will be crucial for driving the adoption of electric cars and meeting the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This mandate requires manufacturers to achieve a 22% electric vehicle sales mix in 2024, with incremental increases each year until the end of the decade.
To further promote electric car uptake, Taylor emphasizes the importance of improving on-street EV charging infrastructure, ensuring that customers without driveways are not left behind. Additionally, he highlights the need to give customers choice and options. Vauxhall’s multi-powertrain strategy, which includes both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) options, aims to make the transition from ICE to electric easier for consumers.
While Vauxhall can now offer an electric car at the same price as a petrol car, Taylor admits that comparable profitability between the two is still a few years away. He mentions that reducing the manufacturing cost of EVs through building a local battery supply chain and improving energy density is crucial. However, he also emphasizes the need to improve demand for used electric cars, as their residuals are currently estimated to be 10% lower than ICE vehicles on average.
In conclusion, Vauxhall’s decision to offer the Frontera electric car at the same price as its petrol version is a significant step forward in making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for consumers. By eliminating the price disparity between electric and petrol cars, Vauxhall aims to drive the adoption of electric vehicles and comply with the UK’s ZEV mandate. However, Taylor believes that more needs to be done at both the manufacturer and government levels to accelerate EV adoption and achieve the mandated sales mix.
