Vauxhall to launch Electric Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer from £39,995
The battery-powered versions are claimed to deliver a 258 mile range
Vauxhall will launch electric versions of its popular Astra hatchback this summer.
There’s no word on pricing for the estate variant yet, but the Astra Electric hatchback will start from £39,995 in the entry-level GS trim, and the Ultimate trim will cost £43,110.
The hatchback variant is expected to drive the majority of sales upon its release in June, six months ahead of the estate version, and is hoped will attract new customers to the brand.
The introduction of the electric Astra means that Vauxhall will provide buyers with three different powertrain options for the Astra: petrol, plug-in hybrid, and electric.
Similar to other Astra models, the new electric variant is built on Stellantis's EMP2 platform and adopts the same exterior and interior design as the petrol-powered version.
Equipped with a 54kWh battery pack shared with the Vauxhall Mokka Electric, the Astra Electric offers a claimed range of up to 258 miles.
Vauxhall says this battery supports charge speeds of up to 100kW from a compatible DC rapid charger, meaning an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.
Its front wheels meanwhile are driven by an electric motor producing 153bhp and 270 Nm of torque, enough to launch the hatchback variant from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds. Its top speed is 106 mph.
Vauxhall has not yet disclosed the specifications for the estate version, but anticipates a slight performance reduction due to its larger size.
The cars come ahead of Vauxhall's plans to become an EV-only brand by 2028, and already join a lineup of six electric cars from the British marque, such as the Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric.