I’ve been driving vans since my teenage years. Memories loom large of heavy steering, obstructive gearboxes and most of all, that familiar diesel clatter. I own a 16-year-old panel van, and though far more sophisticated and therefore easier to drive with power-assisted steering and a turbo boosting the power, that unmistakable background drone from the motor is still ever present.

Manufacturers are rapidly electrifying their ranges of commercial vehicles, though I have to say some of the early versions have been found lacking. The modest range has been the major concern, though this is now improving, with 200-miles plus now quite common.

It was with this thought in mind that I approached the electrified version of Vauxhall’s popular Vivaro van, recently on loan to me for a week in passenger guise. Apart from the badging, there is little to distinguish the Vivaro EV from its combustion engine siblings, which is no bad thing. The eagle-eyed may spot the charging flap on the nearside front wing.

Providing the propulsion is a 75kWh battery which gives an official WLTP range of up to 214 miles, something I would be testing to the full on a long-distance road trip. Certainly, for the more urban driver, 150 miles + of real-world range should be ample for a day’s motoring.

My test vehicle was in passenger configuration and in the top Ultimate trim. There are two body lengths, the larger version offering more luggage space behind the three rows of seats. The on-the-road price as tested is £48,035, with an extra £900 if the bigger version better meets your needs.

Before setting off on my road trip, I fully charged the van, and at 94%, the predicted range was just over 200 miles. Not class-leading, but fine for most. After an hour’s cross-country drive, I spent about 40 minutes on the A1 motorway, pausing at Washington Services just outside Newcastle. I had alternated between Eco and Normal modes to try and preserve the battery.

So, how had the Vivaro performed? In Eco mode, power is very limited, and acceleration is positively pedestrian. Fine at town speeds and okay on the motorway, unless you suddenly want to increase speed to overtake. Of more interest is the amount of battery I had used up. I had covered just 88 miles, with an indicated range remaining of 75 miles (44%). And this was to be the pattern for the rest of the week – a range of around 150 miles in real-world conditions.

Charging away from home presented its usual challenges. Gridserve at Scotch Corner and Washington Services both delivered, though at a rather eye-watering 92p per kW. However, Ionity chargers at Alnwick proved far more trying, with out-of-order chargers and failed charging sessions. It is getting better, but there are still those moments of panic when you realise you cannot travel any further and the chargers are not cooperating.

The electric Vivaro is simple to drive and actually feels quite car-like. Press the start button, engage the drive, and you’re off. Steering is light, visibility is great, and there are sensors all round to help when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Equipment count is high, at least in Ultimate spec, with twin electric sliding passenger doors, leather-type upholstery and all the touchscreen integration we now expect. Thankfully the annoying ADAS functions are relatively easy to turn off.

All seats are very comfortable, with two rows of three seats for passengers and two captain’s chairs upfront. There are plenty of ventilation outlets and heater controls for those in the rear, but I couldn’t spot any USB points, which is a demerit.

Ride comfort is quite impressive and would likely improve with a full complement of passengers, and although quite wide for some of my usual test routes, the accurate steering allowed me to place the van precisely on the road and therefore keep up a good average speed. It was quite fun too!

Helping to eke out the modest range are the steering wheel paddles, which offer two different strengths of regeneration. Not quite one pedal driving, but not far off.

I enjoyed my week with the Vivaro Life, and it fitted into my life quite well. To move some furniture, I removed the rearmost seats, an easy task, though the two-seat bench was extremely heavy. I could have done with some extra manpower. I liked the refinement and ease of driving, though I was disappointed that the real-world range is around 150 miles. As a taxi or family vehicle for mostly urban use, the Vivaro Life will suit, but as a long-distance hauler, you may be better off considering the diesel version, available still from £37,790.

Fast Facts

• Vauxhall Vivaro Life Ultimate
• Price: £48,035 OTR
• 136hp & 260Nm
• 75kWh battery
• WLTP range 214 miles
• 0-62mph in 14.3 seconds
• Top speed 82mph
• DC charge 5-80% in 45 minutes