All-electric Astra-e here in 2023
Zero-emissions model will use new EV platform Driving range of 250 miles is expected
“Astra-e will use new Stellantis STLA Medium electric car platform”
VAUXHALL has announced that it will add more electrification options to the new Astra line-up, with the arrival of a fully electric version in 2023. The Astra-e will sit alongside the plug-in hybrid option that will be available when the new family hatchback goes on sale in October.
The new Astra-e will join the Corsa-e and Mokka-e in the brand’s line-up, which will have an electrified version of every model by 2024. The plan is for the Vauxhall range to be fully electric from 2028 onwards.
Vauxhall hasn’t revealed any technical details for the Astra-e, but its arrival lifts the lid further on the updated platform strategy of parent firm Stellantis, formed by the merger of Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat-Chrysler.
With its arrival confirmed for 2023, it looks like the Astra-e will be one of the first vehicles to use the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform, suitable for mid-size and large hatchbacks and SUVs. This platform is the Stellantis-branded version of the eVMP architecture that was developed by PeugeotCitroen when it was a standalone company. It is, in effect, a further development of the EMP2 platform that is used by the new Astra in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid formats.
Battery packs between 60kWh and 100kWh in capacity were touted for the eVMP system. Since it has been incorporated into Stellantis as STLA Medium, the group has promised that the platform will deliver EVs capable of up to 434 miles on a single charge, which more or less tallies with the 100kWh battery size that was previously confirmed. The Astra-e will most likely use a pack closer to the 60kWh mark, and a range of more than 250 miles on a single charge should be possible.
The Astra-e follows the convention set by the Corsa-e and Mokka-e in that there will be minimal differences in the way it looks when compared with its combustion-engined siblings. A few key identifiers, such as a charging flap, new alloy wheels and paint options, will be the only real points of differentiation.