Vauxhall Mokka Electric Review 2024
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Excellent introduction to electric motoring
- High levels of standard equipment
- Big savings available
Cons
- Cramped rear seats and small boot
- Interior isn't as stylish as the exterior
- Not as rapid as some alternative electric vehicles
Overall verdict on the Vauxhall Mokka Electric
"The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is a strong introduction to electric motoring. It doesn't look or feel much different to a petrol Mokka, while its 201-mile range means it could realistically fit into your life without a great deal of effort."
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric joins the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, Citroen e-C4 and Peugeot E-2008 in expanding the number of affordable electric SUVs on the market, rivalling cars like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro, as well as the Volkswagen ID.4. Prices for the Mokka Electric start from a very palatable £30,840 (after the Government's plug-in car grant), while you can save even more money by looking for a nearly-new example on heycar. If you're not quite ready to make the jump to an electric car, check out our Vauxhall Mokka review.
A small SUV with a high driving position, the Mokka Electric instantly feels comfortable – although the same might not be said for any adults who try to squeeze into the back seats. If you're planning to use the Mokka Electric as your main family car, you might want to think again – its 310-litre boot is pretty poor for a car of this size. Even the Renault Zoe city car can cram more into its luggage bay.
Infotainment is catered for with a seven- or 10-inch touchscreen sat-nav system (depending on trim level), while both provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. That's a good thing as the navigation's native software is a bit clunky to use, with dated graphics and slow responses.
While the Vauxhall Mokka Electric is easy to drive (and there's plenty of standard safety kit to keep you on the road), it doesn't feel as agile as a Mazda MX-30, nor is it as rapid as a Hyundai Kona Electric. If you're wanting an electric car that's going to soothe you on the commute to work, it's a good choice – not only does it disguise external noise well, but its suspension does a very good job of soaking up lumpy road surfaces.
Early Vauxhall Mokka Electrics use the same 50kWh battery pack as its Stellantis Group siblings (including the Citroen e-C4 and Peugeot e-2008). This can be charged in around seven and a half hours using a 7kW home wallbox, while a 100kW rapid charger will take it to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes. This unit was dropped in late 2024, leaving only the 54kWh battery option, which is paired with a 156PS electric motor and offers a range of up to 250 miles.
Standard equipment is pretty good, although there's a confusing mix of trim levels available. Buyers get a choice of SE Nav Premium, SRi Nav Premium, Elite Nav Premium and Launch Edition models. We'd dismiss the entry-level SE Nav Premium – otherwise, it comes down to personal preference.
In an ever-expanding pool of very competent electric cars, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric doesn't stand out in any particular area. That said, it looks pretty cool and has a comfortable (if not massively practical) interior. It also represents good value for money – especially as you can save cash by looking at the used market.
What’s the best Vauxhall Mokka Electric model/engine to choose?
If you're buying new, there's now only one drivetrain available, which makes your decision easy in that respect. To complicate matters, though, there are four trim levels available – and they're all similarly equipped and roughly the same price. If you're looking at used models, the 50kWh battery will be more affordable, but the range is lower.
We'd discount the entry-level SE Nav Premium as that does without desirable features like a rear-view camera and heated seats. Other than that, it comes down to personal choice – do you want sporty (SRi Nav Premium) or posh (Elite Nav Premium)? The Ultimate model isn't as expensive as you'd think and comes with fancy Matrix LED headlights, which may sway your decision.
What other cars are similar to the Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
The main competitors for the Vauxhall Mokka Electric come from within Stellantis Group (the giant megacorp which now owns Vauxhall and a whole host of other carmakers). These include the Peugeot e-2008 and Citroen e-C4, two small electric SUVs that share mechanical bits with the Vauxhall Mokka Electric and are, unsurprisingly, very similar to drive.
You should also consider the Hyundai Kona Electric and slightly bigger Kia Niro EV – two excellent electric SUVs with impressive real-world ranges and long warranties. The MG ZS EV is a surprisingly strong contender for a budget alternative, while the new Honda e:Ny1 is a slightly more upmarket electric SUV. If you are on a budget, then also check out the excellent MG4 - regardless of price, it's a brilliant little electric car. The Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 should be on your shortlist, too, as well as the bigger Skoda Enyaq iV.
Comfort and design: Mokka Electric interior
"For a small SUV, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric actually has a surprisingly high seating position. Not only does this give you a good view of the road ahead, it also means it's easy to get comfortable, while access is a piece of cake."
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric's interior looks smart enough, but it doesn't quite have the same visual flair as its exterior. Nor does it shout about its electric drivetrain – the only giveaway inside is the single-speed electronic drive selector.
Physical controls for features like the climate control and the stereo aren't very space-age, either, but they're easier (and safer) to operate than lumping everything into the infotainment screen.
Most Vauxhall Mokka Electric models come with heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. Don't underestimate their importance in an electric car – they're usually easier on its battery than having hot air blown into the cabin.
Quality and finish
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric's interior feels like it'll stand up to day-to-day family life, but it's not exactly the last word in plushness. Rivals don't fare much better, though – even the Volkswagen ID.4 isn't bursting with squishy materials.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Vauxhall Mokka Electric
Most Vauxhall Mokka Electric models come with a 10-inch touchscreen sat-nav system as standard. This is easy to operate but isn't the slickest infotainment display we've ever used – it's just a bit clunky in its operation. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. This means you can bypass some of the system's features by using apps from your phone instead.
Entry-level Mokka Electric SE Nav Premium models come with a 7.0-inch navigation display.
Space and practicality: Vauxhall Mokka Electric boot space
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric can accommodate a fairly meagre 310 litres of luggage in the boot. That's less than the Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen ID.3 and even the Renault Zoe. There are no fancy features to aid practicality, either – a sliding rear bench, for example.
While the Mokka Electric doesn't feel as spacious inside as a Kia e-Niro (the Vauxhall Mokka Electric measures 4151mm long and 1790mm wide), there's enough space for adults in the front while there are plenty of useful cubbies on hand, too. Things aren't so great in the back – there's enough headroom, but legroom is pretty limited. Growing teenagers won't be particularly happy back there.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Vauxhall Mokka Electric like to drive?
"The Mokka Electric is as easy and unintimidating to drive as the regular Mokka. That means you get light steering, good visibility and plenty of driver-assist systems to keep you on the straight and narrow."
It doesn't fidget over poor road surfaces, meaning it's more comfortable for passengers than a lot of rival electric SUVs. Of course, it can't hide its weight entirely, but its ride is particularly impressive at town speeds.
While the Mokka Electric remains composed on rural roads, its soft suspension setup means you'll sway around a bit if you take corners at speed. You might be better looking at the smaller Peugeot e-208 or MINI Electric if you want an EV that's fun to fling down a twisty road.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
There's only one 'engine' available in the Vauxhall Mokka Electric if you're buying new. It's a single-speed motor that's powered by a 54kWh battery, sending 156PS and 260Nm of torque exclusively to the front wheels. It was introduced in early 2024.
Previously, a a 50kWh battery was available, with 136PS from the electric motor. It's slightly slower – 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds comapred to 9.0 for the newer model. While it's quicker than a petrol or diesel Mokka, won't push you back in your seat as much as certain small electric SUVs (we're looking at you, Hyundai Kona). Top speed is limited to 93mph.
If you're in the market for a sporty electric SUV, a VXR-badged model has been rumoured to join the Mokka Electric range for a while. It won't necessarily have any more power, though – expect upgraded suspension, bigger alloy wheels and meatier brakes.
Maximum EV range in the Vauxhall Mokka Electric
The 50kWh Vauxhall Mokka Electric can officially travel up to 201 miles between charges, while the newer 54kWh model promises up to 252 miles. For comparison, a Citroen C4 has a WLTP range of 217 miles, the Peugeot e-2008 can cover 206 miles, a Hyundai Kona Electric up to 300 miles. A mid-range Volkswagen ID.4 can cover up to 264 miles, while a budget MG ZS EV has an official range of 163 miles.
There are electric cars that can travel further between charges, then. And, just like rivals, the Mokka Electric's range will drop significantly if you're heavy with the accelerator pedal or driving on a drab winter's day with the heater working hard and the headlights ablaze.
Still, a 201-mile range is a fairly useable figure and more than electric city cars like the Fiat 500 or MINI Electric.
Refinement and noise levels
As the Vauxhall Mokka Electric is essentially a standard Mokka with an electric motor rather than a petrol or diesel engine, refinement is excellent. Not only is there a minimal amount of noise from under the bonnet, but wind noise is also well hushed and you won't notice too much of a roar from the tyres.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric comes with an extensive list of driver-assist features, from a driver drowsiness alert to an automatic emergency braking system, which can apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision. This doesn't recognise cyclists – something that's attracted the wrath of Euro NCAP – but it should reduce the severity of a collision with another car.
Isofix child seat mounting points are fitted to the outer rear seats, while the front passenger's front and side-impact airbags can be deactivated via a switch. There are also child-proof locks on the rear doors.
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
"Depending on your electricity tariff, you'll pay around £7 to fully charge the Vauxhall Mokka Electric. It can travel up to 201 miles from a single charge, so that works out at around 3.5p per mile. That's ludicrously cheap motoring."
The Mokka Electric comes as standard with an 11kW on-board charger. When paired with a 7kW home wallbox, it'll take around 7 and a half hours to fully charge, which is easily quick enough to top up overnight.
If you want to travel further afield, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric supports rapid charging at a rate of up to 100kW, meaning an 80% charge takes around half an hour. You'll find that 50kW rapid chargers are more common, and these will provide 80% charge in around 45 minutes.
Just like the most convenient petrol stations cost more to use, you'll find that regular topping up at rapid chargers will hit you a bit harder in the wallet (compared to charging at home). You'll pay around 30p per kWh to charge at a rapid charger, which means an 80% charge will cost you around £12.
How reliable is the Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is still very new, so it's hard to say how reliable it's going to be just yet. As there are less moving parts in electric cars, there's less to go wrong, while Vauxhall also provides a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty with the Mokka Electric.
As a brand, Vauxhall doesn't have the best reliability record, ranking 29th out of 30 manufacturers in the 2021 HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index.
Insurance groups and costs
Insurance groups for the Vauxhall Mokka Electric range from 21 to 23 with, of course, the most expensive models also being the costliest to insure.
This is comparable to other electric cars but you might find that the Mokka Electric is slightly more expensive to insure than a comparable petrol or diesel model. As ever, shop around for quotes, particularly if you've only recently picked up your licence (or it's got a few more penalty points than you'd care to admit).
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
A perk of an electric car is the free road tax. You won't pay anything in VED, saving you £150 a year compared to a petrol or diesel Mokka.
How much should you be paying for a used Vauxhall Mokka Electric?
"Prices for the Vauxhall Mokka Electric start from £30,840 (after the Government grant), which puts it pretty much in line with the Peugeot e-2008 and marginally pricier than the Volkswagen ID.3. It's more affordable than the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV, though, and looks like an absolute bargain compared to premium alternatives like the Tesla Model 3 or BMW iX3."
To make your money go further, we'd recommend looking for a pre-registered Vauxhall Mokka Electric. Car dealers regularly order brand new cars before selling them as stock models in the showroom. This gives you the advantage of skipping the waiting list and saving money off retail price although, obviously, you can't be as fussy about specification.
Even though the Vauxhall Mokka Electric is a very new and in-demand model, dealers are offering SE Nav Premium models for as little as £29,000. That's a saving of nearly £2000 compared to list price.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is available in a number of different trim levels, starting off with the SE Nav Premium. Standard equipment on this model includes a seven-inch nav system (with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and 16-inch alloy wheels. Tech highlights include a driver drowsiness alert system, forward collision alert, lane positioning assistant, speed sign recognition, automatic emergency city braking and adaptive cruise control. Rear parking sensors are standard, as well as a reversing camera and automatic headlights. There's a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, electronic climate control, keyless start, LED headlights and a sports button.
The Mokka Electric SRi Nav Premium adds the fancier 10-inch Navi Pro media system, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels and black exterior highlights. Keyless entry and start are standard, as well as a heated steering wheel and front seats. It also comes with LED front fog lights, lane positioning assistant and side blind-spot alert.
The Elite Nav Premium builds on the SE Nav Premium, also with the bigger nav system and 12-inch digital instrument cluster. It's fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, as well as a heated steering wheel and front seats. There are LED front fog lights, keyless entry/start and lane positioning assistant.
Launch Edition models come with 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, black headliner and a wireless phone charger. The advanced park assist system is standard, as well as LED Matrix headlights. You'll find alloy sports pedals inside, as well as leather seat trim and massage functionality for the driver's seat.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
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