Vauxhall has introduced the Vivaro Electrici-Tea, a concept van designed specifically for the UK’s tea-drinking workforce. The vehicle integrates a fully functional tea-making setup into a commercial van, addressing what Vauxhall claims is a high demand among tradespeople for on-site brewing capabilities.
The Rise of On-Site Amenities
According to industry data, the UK consumes approximately 100 million cups of tea daily, with a significant portion consumed by workers in the field. Vauxhall’s internal research indicates that 90% of tradespeople report a positive correlation between tea consumption and workplace productivity. This demand prompted the company to explore the feasibility of a mobile tea station within its commercial vehicle lineup.
Features of the Vivaro Electrici-Tea
The concept van, based on the Vivaro XL model, includes:
- An electric kettle
- A tea bag dispenser with integrated timer
- Thermal mugs
- A 10-liter freshwater sink
- A small refrigerator for milk or other additions
- A dedicated biscuit tin
These components are housed within the 6.6 cubic-meter cargo bay, though Vauxhall hasn’t specified how much storage space remains after installation. The van also features a custom livery and a mug-shaped logo on the rear door.
Powering the Brew
The electric kettle is assumed to be powered via the vehicle’s 12V port, as the Vivaro Electric doesn’t offer bi-directional charging to draw directly from the battery. This setup allows for convenient tea preparation without external power sources.
Concept Only, For Now
Despite Vauxhall’s research indicating that 93% of tradespeople would use an on-board tea station if available, the Vivaro Electrici-Tea remains a concept vehicle with no current production plans.
The concept illustrates a niche but potentially valuable feature for commercial vehicles in the UK, where tea is an integral part of work culture. Though not yet a reality, the idea highlights the growing demand for on-site amenities that cater to worker comfort and productivity.
