The Opel Zafira Life, particularly the 2024 facelifted model with the 50 kWh electric powertrain producing 136 horsepower, represents Opel’s entry into the electric minivan segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira Life is a significant vehicle in the European market, offering a spacious and versatile alternative to traditional SUVs and crossovers. It caters to families and those requiring flexible passenger and cargo configurations. The Zafira Life is based on the PSA Group’s (now Stellantis) EMP2 platform, shared with models like the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy, and is designed to compete with vehicles like the Volkswagen Multivan and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
Opel Zafira Life: An Overview
The Zafira Life is positioned as a practical and adaptable people-carrier. The 2024 facelift brings updated styling, enhanced technology, and a focus on improving the overall driving experience. The electric version, with its 50 kWh battery, is aimed at urban and suburban users who prioritize zero-emission driving for daily commutes and shorter trips. The vehicle’s design emphasizes functionality and space, offering seating for up to nine passengers depending on the configuration. It’s a key component of Opel’s strategy to offer a fully electrified lineup by 2028.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira Life 50 kWh Electric is powered by a single electric motor producing 136 horsepower (100 kW) and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque. This front-wheel-drive configuration utilizes a single-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.1 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80.78 mph). The 50 kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the floor, provides a WLTP-certified all-electric range of 213-220 km (132.35 – 136.7 miles). Energy consumption is rated at 24.6-24.8 kWh per 100 km (39.59 – 39.91 kWh per 100 miles), translating to approximately 4.1-4 km/kWh (2.5-2.5 miles/kWh) or 85-84 MPGe. The weight-to-power ratio is 14.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira Life is a five-door minivan characterized by its boxy, functional design. The 2024 facelift includes subtle styling updates to the front fascia, headlights, and grille. The interior is designed for maximum flexibility, with configurable seating arrangements allowing for various passenger and cargo combinations. Standard features include ABS, electric power steering, and a range of driver-assistance systems. The spacious cabin offers ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. The vehicle’s modular interior allows for easy removal of seats to create a larger cargo area. The Zafira Life prioritizes practicality and usability over outright luxury, focusing on providing a comfortable and versatile space for families and businesses. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4981 mm (196.1 in.) in length, 2010 mm (79.13 in.) in width (without mirrors), and 1890-1930 mm (74.41 – 75.98 in.) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira Life |
| Generation | Zafira Life (facelift 2024) |
| Type (Engine) | 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric |
| Start of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 6-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 50 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 213-220 km (132.35 – 136.7 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 24.6-24.8 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 | 1943-2165 kg (4283.58 – 4773.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3000 kg (6613.87 lbs.) |
| Max load | 835-1057 kg (1840.86 – 2330.29 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 | 4981 mm (196.1 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2010 mm (79.13 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2204 mm (86.77 in.) |
| Height | 1890-1930 mm (74.41 – 75.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3275 mm (128.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Front overhang | 904 mm (35.59 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 802 mm (31.57 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.9 m (42.32 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 101V XL |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
The Opel Zafira Life Electric, while not available in the US market, represents a growing trend towards electric minivans in Europe, offering a practical and environmentally friendly transportation solution for families and businesses.
