Opel Zafira Electric Life M 50 kWh

Overview

The Opel Zafira-e M 50 kWh was a European all-electric minivan wrapping up its production in 2024. Think of it as a super practical people-hauler, ready to ferry the whole crew and their gear without sipping any gas. This M version, with its 50 kWh battery (46.3 kWh usable), focused on utility with flexible seating for up to nine! While never officially sold Stateside, meaning no official US pricing exists, it represented a growing segment of EV vans overseas. Its key draw was sheer passenger and cargo versatility for families or businesses needing maximum interior space.

What's New for 2024?

As the Zafira-e M 50 kWh concluded its production run in 2024, it was essentially a carryover model, offering the established practicality it was known for. For its final year, US buyers (had it been available) would have found a familiar package focused on maximizing interior configurability and zero-emission urban transport. No major last-minute revamps were rolled out; instead, it bowed out showcasing the core attributes of its generation: a functional electric drivetrain, a spacious cabin, and a clear emphasis on being a versatile transporter for large families or shuttle services.

Design & Exterior

The Zafira-e M 50 kWh sports a classic, function-first minivan design – it’s all about that interior volume, folks! Up front, you might find Opel's signature "Vizor" face on later models, giving it a modern EV touch. It’s a sizable machine, measuring 195.2 inches long, 75.6 inches wide (mirrors tucked), and standing 74.8 inches tall, meaning plenty of presence. The "M" designates its medium length, balancing passenger space with maneuverability. Expect practical sliding side doors and simple, clean lines rather than sporty aggression; this van means business!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Zafira-e M 50 kWh, it's a Tardis of passenger and cargo hauling! With seating for five, six, seven, eight, or even nine depending on configuration, versatility is king. Materials are built for durability, perfect for family life or shuttle duties. Cargo space is immense: 19.4 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to a whopping 113 cubic feet when you fold 'em down. No frunk here, though. Tech-wise, expect a straightforward infotainment system, likely with a 7-inch touchscreen, plus standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep everyone connected.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect to win drag races in the Zafira-e M 50 kWh; its 100 kW (around 134 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers 192 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 mph time of about 10.4 seconds. This front-wheel-drive van is tuned for smooth city driving and can even tow up to 2205 lbs when properly equipped. The driving experience is relaxed, with light steering making it easy to manage despite its size. Regenerative braking helps recoup some energy, suiting its people-moving purpose and prioritizing comfortable, quiet urban operation.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Zafira-e M 50 kWh packs a 46.3 kWh usable battery, delivering a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 122 miles – perfectly fine for city duties and school runs. Its efficiency clocks in at about 2.63 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 7.4 kW AC on-board charger can juice it up from empty in roughly 6.5 hours. Hit a DC fast charger, and it can accept up to 100 kW. While its native port is CCS Type 2, for the US market, it would feature a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific NHTSA ratings aren't available as it wasn't sold in the US, and its Euro NCAP rating from provided data is empty, the Zafira-e platform typically included a suite of modern safety aids. Expect essentials like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition to be on the menu, likely as standard given its final production year. Blind-spot monitoring and potentially adaptive cruise control might have been available on some versions, helping to keep your precious cargo safe on those European roads it was designed for.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Since the Opel Zafira-e M 50 kWh wasn't offered in the US, specific American warranty details don't apply. However, in its European markets, Opel typically provided a basic vehicle warranty for 2 years (often with unlimited mileage) or 3 years with mileage caps, and an 8-year/100,000-mile (or kilometer equivalent) warranty for the battery, usually covering degradation to around 70% capacity. Powertrain coverage generally mirrored the basic vehicle warranty. Complimentary maintenance isn't a common Opel perk in Europe, with reliability expected to be in line with similar Stellantis group vans.