The Opel Zafira Life S 50 kWh Electric is a battery electric minivan produced from 2020 to 2024. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira Life represents a significant offering in the European market, catering to families and those requiring a spacious, versatile vehicle. It’s part of the broader Zafira lineage, a nameplate well-known in Europe for its practicality and innovative features, particularly its flexible seating arrangements. The “Life” designation signifies a focus on comfort and passenger experience, positioning it as a premium option within the minivan segment. This particular variant, the S 50 kWh, is characterized by its all-electric powertrain and moderate battery capacity, designed for urban and suburban driving.
Opel Zafira Life S: An Overview
The Zafira Life S 50 kWh Electric is a front-wheel-drive minivan designed to accommodate between eight and nine passengers. It’s built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, allowing for a low-mounted battery pack that optimizes interior space. The vehicle’s primary appeal lies in its combination of zero-emission operation, generous interior volume, and practical features. It competes with other electric minivans and large multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) available in the European market, offering a compelling alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira Life S is powered by a single electric motor, designated ZK01, producing 136 horsepower (Hp) and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque. This synchronous electric motor is transversely mounted on the front axle, driving the front wheels. The powertrain utilizes a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor, providing a WLTP-certified all-electric range of 231 kilometers (143.54 miles). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.1 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 14.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between power and weight for its intended purpose. Energy consumption is rated between 21.7 and 26.1 kWh per 100 kilometers (34.92 – 42 kWh per 100 miles), translating to an efficiency of 4.6 – 3.8 km/kWh (2.9 – 2.4 mi/kWh) or 96-80 MPGe.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira Life S is a five-door minivan characterized by its functional and spacious design. Its exterior styling prioritizes practicality over aggressive aesthetics, with a focus on maximizing interior volume. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4606 mm (181.34 in.) in length, 2010 mm (79.13 in.) in width (without mirrors), and 1905 mm (75 in.) in height – contribute to its generous interior space. Key features include a flexible seating configuration, allowing for various arrangements to accommodate passengers and cargo. The low floor height, facilitated by the underfloor battery pack, enhances accessibility. Standard safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electric power steering. The Zafira Life S is equipped with 225/55 R17 101Y tires mounted on 7J x 17 inch wheel rims. The vehicle offers a maximum roof load of 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) and can tow a braked trailer of up to 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira Life |
| Generation | Zafira Life S |
| Type (Engine) | 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric |
| Start of production | September, 2020 |
| End of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 8-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 50 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 231 km (143.54 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 21.7-26.1 kWh/100 km |
| Charging ports | Log in to see. |
| Electric motor power | 136 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code | ZK01 |
| Electric motor location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 136 Hp |
| System torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 1932-2046 kg (4259.33 – 4510.66 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2925 kg (6448.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 879-993 kg (1937.86 – 2189.19 lbs.) |
| Max. roof load | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4606 mm (181.34 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2010 mm (79.13 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2204 mm (86.77 in.) |
| Height | 1905 mm (75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2925 mm (115.16 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Front overhang | 878 mm (34.57 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 803 mm (31.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 101Y |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
The Opel Zafira Life S 50 kWh Electric represents a practical and environmentally conscious option for families and businesses seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle in the European market. Its all-electric powertrain, combined with its flexible interior and functional design, makes it a compelling alternative to traditional ICE-powered minivans.
