Opel Zafira Electric Life S 50 kWh

Overview

Not officially sold in the US, this 2021 Opel Zafira-e S with its 50 kWh battery was Europe's practical electric people-mover. Discontinued after 2021, it aimed at families needing maximum versatility, offering seating for five up to nine occupants! Its key strength was sheer passenger and cargo utility. Given its EU-only status and discontinuation, specific new or used US pricing isn't available, making any sighting on US shores a rare import find. It’s a functional box on wheels, designed for life’s shuttling duties without the fuss.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the Zafira-e S 50 kWh was still a fresh contender in the electric van arena, having launched recently. There weren't major year-over-year shake-ups; the focus was on establishing its presence. This 'S' (Short) variant, paired with the 50 kWh battery, represented a more compact and accessible entry into the Zafira-e electric van lineup compared to its larger 'M' and 'L' stablemates. It highlighted Opel's push for versatile, zero-emission transport, particularly for urban families and businesses needing that multi-seat flexibility in a slightly smaller footprint.

Design & Exterior

The 2021 Zafira-e S 50 kWh rocks a classic, no-nonsense van design – it’s all about maximizing interior space, not winning beauty contests! This 'S' version is the shortest of the bunch, measuring 181.5 inches long, 75.6 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 74.8 inches tall, making it fairly maneuverable for its class. Expect practical touches like durable bumpers and standard light clusters, fitting its workhorse persona. It’s a familiar, van-shaped silhouette that tells you straight up it’s here to haul people and gear efficiently.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Zafira-e S, and it’s a world of practicality. Materials are robust, built for the rigors of family or commercial use. The star attraction is its incredible seating flexibility, accommodating five, six, seven, eight, or even nine occupants depending on configuration! When cargo calls, it offers up to 74.2 cubic feet with seats folded, as per the provided data, though there's no frunk. Infotainment likely centers on a modest touchscreen, hopefully packing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for essential connectivity on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect blistering speed; the Zafira-e S 50 kWh ambles from 0 to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds. Its front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 100 kW (that's about 134 horsepower) and a useful 192 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is capped at 81 mph. This van is engineered for smooth, quiet city driving and comfortable cruising rather than B-road thrills. The instant EV torque makes it feel responsive enough for urban shuttling, with various regenerative braking modes to recoup energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Zafira-e S features a 46.3 kWh usable battery, providing a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 122 miles – decent for daily urban tasks. Its efficiency is noted at 2.63 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 7.4 kW AC on-board charger will replenish the battery in roughly 6.5-7 hours. For quicker top-ups, it supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, zapping the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes. It uses a CCS Type 2 port (common in Europe); a US model would have featured a CCS Type 1.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official NHTSA ratings are absent due to its non-US availability, the underlying platform shared with the Zafira Life (ICE version) earned respectable Euro NCAP scores. For the 2021 Zafira-e S, expect core safety essentials like multiple airbags and stability control. Standard driver aids likely included basics such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. More advanced features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and enhanced parking assistance were probably offered on higher trims or as optional extras to keep this 'S' trim competitively priced.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As the Zafira-e S wasn't sold in the US, warranty details are based on typical Opel European offerings. This generally includes a 2-year, unlimited mileage basic vehicle warranty. The critical battery pack would likely be covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Like all EVs, it benefits from potentially lower maintenance costs than combustion vans, thanks to fewer moving parts and no oil changes, which is a solid perk for owners looking to minimize running expenses over time.