A NEW electric van is on the way from Vauxhall in the shape of the Combo-e which is due for release this autumn.

With a range of up to 171 miles, the Combo-e will be available in tow lengths and can carry a payload of up to 800kg.

It uses a 100kW electric motor developing the equivalent of 136hp and a 50kW battery and from a rapid charger can be recharged to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes.

The longer, L2H1 variants of the Combo-e have a maximum load volume of 4.4 cubic metresand a maximum load length of up to 3,440mm.

The electric motor produces 260Nm of torque and the Combo-e accelerate from 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds, with a controlled maximum speed of 80mph - making it suitable for both city use and longer motorway journeys.

To improve vehicle range, the Combo-e has regenerative braking technology, with a ‘B' mode increasing the regenerative braking for maximum energy recovery.

The Combo-e shares the same capabilities as its 2019 International Van of the Year winning Combo petrol and diesel variants.

Crew variants of the Combo-e L2H1 can seat up to four passengers as well as the driver, with cargo and equipment safely stowed behind the bulkhead. A flap in the mesh bulkhead allows longer items to be transported.

While prices have still to be announced Vauxhall says the Combo-e will arrive in showrooms this autumn, joining the new Vivaro-e as Vauxhall's latest fully electric LCV family member.

A fully electric variant of the Movano - the Movano-e will also arrive later this year, allowing Vauxhall to offer a fully electric variant across its entire van range by the end of the year.