2023-04-04 07:00:00
Opel is defining its future, and it’s electric. In fact, that is already the case for the present. Last year, registrations of battery-powered models increased by 83 percent, so that now one in five new Opel registrations is equipped with an electric drive. In the case of the Mokka, the Stromer share has now reached 43 percent, and a third of the Corsa sold also have an electric drive. The Mokka Electric will soon be available with a larger battery that will enable a WLTP range of 406 kilometers.
In the coming years, all Opel model series will have an electric version until Opel completely says goodbye to combustion engines in Europe in 2028 and following that only electrically powered models will roll onto the market here. Twelve electrified variants alone will enter the model range by the end of 2024. The next new addition is the fully electric five-door Astra, which will be presented in the middle of the year. The all-electric station wagon variant will follow by the end of the year.
The electrically powered Astra uses the new 115 kW (156 hp) drive, which will also be used in most other electric models from the Stellantis Group in the future. The 54 kWh energy storage should enable a range of 416 kilometers and achieve a consumption of favorable 14.9 kWh (according to WLTP) over 100 kilometers. The battery can be charged to 89 percent in 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC fast charging station. The all-electric Astra complements the range of drives, which will then consist of combustion engines and plug-in hybrid drives. The Opel flagship Insignia will also celebrate its premiere as a battery-electric model in probably two years, explained Opel boss Florian Huettl in January at the Brussels Motor Show.
Opel has taken first place in the European registration statistics for electric light commercial vehicles. In addition to the battery variants, the brand also offers the Vivaro with a fuel cell drive. The van, which is sold exclusively via leasing, is currently still being manufactured in Rüsselsheim, but will soon be produced in France. The van is currently being used by Miele and the pharmacy service provider Noweda, among others. However, the fuel cell drive is reserved solely for light commercial vehicles – in the passenger car sector, this drive technology will not play a role for Opel in the foreseeable future.
In addition to the all-electric models, the focus in Rüsselsheim is still on the plug-in hybrid drive, although the state subsidy has expired. “This drive is still important to us,” explains a brand spokesman. It will also be used on the new GSe sub-brand, and in the future “it is quite conceivable that the brand will be extended further to other models”.
In addition to the focus on fully electric vehicles, digital sales channels are also gaining in importance in Rüsselsheim. The small Rocks Electric, which can only be ordered online, will kick things off. “The car is then either picked up at the dealership or it is delivered to the front door for a fee,” says a brand spokesman. The electric light vehicle will soon also be available on the market as a mini transporter for city logistics. (cen/Walther Wuttke)
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