- In what Vauxhall say is a first in the UK for any car manufacturer, its new Vauxhall Frontera crossover will have the same starting price, whether consumers go for either the fully-electric or petrol hybrid powertrain – with both starting at £23,495 ($31,025)
- The price parity achieved is an important milestone, dispelling the once-true fact that all EVs cost more to purchase than their petrol, diesel, or hybrid equivalents.
- The price equality remains across the Frontera range, even on the higher spec ‘GS’ trim.
A pivotal point in the EV journey of Vauxhall
Starting at £23,495 ($31,025), the Frontera will not only be the first car sold in the UK at the same price as its ICE sibling, but also be one of the cheapest electric cars available in the country overall – significantly beating other electric crossovers such as the Mini Aceman and Volvo EX30, when it comes to price. Interestingly, elsewhere in Europe, where the Vauxhall Frontera is sold under Stellantis’ Opel brand, the electric model is priced at a higher €28,990, compared to the hybrid’s €23,900.
With the equal price for each car, no doubt EV manufacturers and those within the industry will be watching closely, to see which powertrain performs the best when it comes to sales figures. While the EV seems like a no-brainer, which has a more torquey electric motor, lower running costs, and a decent 186 mile range, it’s not just the consumer’s choice that will decide this, but how dealers themselves will advise and promote each of the powertrains available – particularly to those who haven’t yet owned an EV.
With this move from Vauxhall, it’s only a matter of time until another manufacturer offers the same pricing strategy – which could come from within the wider Stellantis group, considering that Vauxhall has proven it’s possible. This is particularly likely to happen in the UK, where manufacturers will need to reach increasing proportions of full EV sales ahead of the 2030 mandate, or risk fines of £15,000 per non-compliant car.
James Taylor, Managing Director at Vauxhall, commented:
“Vauxhall is leading the way in democratising access to electric vehicles, whether through our Electric Streets campaign to accelerate on-street charging infrastructure, our latest PCP offers with equivalent monthly payments between electric and petrol models, or our affordable new special editions – the Corsa Electric YES Edition, Mokka Electric Griffin and Astra Electric Griffin. With the launch of the New Frontera, Vauxhall has eliminated the list price premium that often applies to electric vehicles, with both electric and petrol hybrid versions offered for an identical list price. At just £23,495, New Frontera Electric is a significant milestone in our mission to make electric mobility accessible for everyone across the UK.”
