Previously known as the Vauxhall Corsa-e and introduced at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is the battery-powered version of one of the best-selling cars on Britain’s roads. Although it doesn’t have the greatest range, the Corsa Electric offers a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to electric motoring – sensibly priced (indeed, a new one is cheaper now than it was five years ago), it’s a shrewd option for those considering an EV for the first time, or as a second car. A 2024 update brought in some minor exterior changes, improved technology, and a new, more efficient powertrain, plus an extra battery option. The latest ‘Long Range’ model promises up to 266 miles on a charge, over 60 miles more than the original 2020 model.
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a shrewd and practical choice for those looking to make the switch to electric motoring without fuss or drama, or established EV users after a no-nonsense option. It’s not the most exciting, but it’s easy to live with, affordable to run and well supported by Vauxhall’s large dealer network. The latest updates bring more range and improved tech, and it’s a very competent package overall – just don’t expect much in the way of excitement.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioNew Vauxhall Corsa Electric prices start at £26,905 for the entry-level ‘Yes’ Edition. The GS trim is available from £31,240, while the Ultimate specification goes up to £34,445. If you are interested in the Long Range models (with the 51 kWh battery), prices begin at £28,900 and are £1,995 greater across the range.
For used Corsa Electrics, early models from 2020 to 2022 with higher mileage can be found from £9,500 to £13,000 on AA Cars – a significant drop from the new price. More recent examples from 2023 to 2024, with low mileage, are typically priced between £16,000 and £20,000. Nearly-new models with delivery mileage are offered from £20,000, so there are savings to be had. Bought new, the Corsa Electric is more expensive than its petrol siblings, with a typical price gap of £8,000–£10,000. However, used examples are now available at prices close to petrol models, making them a very attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric comes with a choice of two battery and motor options. The Standard Range version is equipped with a 50 kWh battery and a 134 bhp motor, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2-8.9 seconds, and offering a WLTP range of up to 222 miles. The Long Range model features a larger 51 kWh battery and a more powerful 156 bhp motor, achieving 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds and extending the range to 266 miles based on the WLTP cycle. Both variants are front-wheel drive and make use of a single-speed automatic gearbox and there are three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – which allow you to adapt the throttle response and power output to either match your driving style or maximise the vehicle’s range.
The Corsa Electric is quite a fun car to drive, with a low centre of gravity, stable handling and good steering, though the suspension is stiffer than petrol models to cope with the extra weight of the battery pack. It’s both quiet and refined, with good visibility and a tight turning circle. The regenerative braking system offers two levels of energy recovery, but even the stronger setting isn’t quite ‘one-pedal’ driving, albeit effective.
It’s no hot hatch, but the Corsa Electric is still good fun to drive. The steering is accurate and surprisingly sharp, and there’s plenty of grip, while body control is good, even at speed. The extra weight of the battery is noticeable over the petrol car, but only when pushed. Even then, the car remains entirely predictable. Ride quality is generally decent, though the suspension on electric models is stiffer than on petrol ones, and can feel firm over potholes or rough roads. Otherwise, it delivers a quiet and relaxed experience from behind the wheel and is very easy to drive.
The cabin of the Corsa Electric isn’t going to set the world on fire with its design, but it's sturdy, functional and neatly laid-out. Cars from 2024 onwards have better tech, with a new 10-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, along with a digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Physical climate controls are retained, which is a welcome touch of user-friendliness compared with some rivals. The front seats are comfortable, with good adjustment and support. There’s enough space for two adults up front, but the rear seats are tight for legroom and headroom, especially behind a tall driver. There are two Isofix mountings as standard.
With the rear seats in place, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric offers 267 litres of boot space, expanding to 1,081 litres when the seats are folded down. While this is slightly less than the petrol Corsa due to the battery pack, it’s still pretty good for a supermini. However, unlike some rivals, there’s no underfloor storage or front trunk (frunk) due to the nature of it also being sold as a petrol car, so charging cables will need to stay in the boot. The loadspace itself is practical and has a flat floor, but the load lip is quite high. Up front, there are large door bins, a pair of cupholders in the centre console, and a useful tray ahead of the gear selector for your phone or other small items. The glovebox and centre armrest cubby are on the smaller side, but overall, storage is well thought out.
The Corsa is built to compete in the supermini market, so don’t expect too much in the way of luxury features. The latest facelift brings a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard on most trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. There’s also a neat and well laid-out digital instrument cluster. Upper trims levels add features such as a panoramic rear-view camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and a wireless phone charging pad. The top-spec Ultimate trim even includes a driver’s seat massage function and Alcantara seat trim.
The Corsa Electric is offered in a range of trims to suit different preferences and budgets: Design, Yes, GS, and Ultimate. The entry-level Design trim is surprisingly well-equipped, featuring LED headlights, 16-inch alloys, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, electronic climate control, rear parking sensors, and a comprehensive set of safety features.
The Yes gets sporty black detailing, exclusive colour choices, and heated seats. GS trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone roof, power-folding mirrors, sports front seats, a reversing camera, and additional driver assistance features, while at the top of the range sits the Ultimate trim, with Alcantara seat trim, a driver’s seat massage function, adaptive cruise control, IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and a panoramic rear-view camera. Colour choices include Carbon Black, Cobalt Blue, Eucalyptus Green, Kiss Red, Contour White, Crimson Red, Crystal Silver, Voltaic Blue, and Graphic Grey.
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric achieved a four-star EuroNCAP rating with strong scores of 84% for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection. Safety assist systems scored 69%, which fell short of the five-star benchmark. That said, all models come with Vauxhall’s PureSense suite of driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. GS and Ultimate models get a 180-degree reversing camera and blind spot monitoring. The Corsa Electric comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, and the battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
As a pure electric vehicle, the Corsa Electric produces zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions. Its official WLTP range varies between 222 and 266 miles, depending on the chosen battery and whether it’s an early car or a past-2024 one with a bigger battery. You’re likely to see real-world consumption of between 3.5 and 4.5 miles per kWh, based on our own experience. Rapid 100v charging capability allows for convenient top-ups during longer journeys, while home charging is straightforward, easily achieved overnight with a standard wallbox. Road tax (VED) is a standard rate of £10 for the first year and £195 per year after that and insurance groups for the Corsa Electric fall between 26 and 30, which is about the norm for the class.
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