German manufacturer Opel continues to keep its electrification strategy in focus. Having completed 2021 with success, the brand will start offering Combo Life, Vivaro Combi and Zafira Life models as electric only from 2022. In addition, every Opel model will have an electric version from 2024. As of 2028, the brand will meet its enthusiasts with only electric cars in Europe.
Opel consistently continues its move to switch to electric in the new year. 11 Opel models, including the entire light commercial vehicle range, will be electrified by mid-2022. On the way to its emission-free product range, Opel is preparing to introduce some of its models to the market with only electric versions. Opel enthusiasts will be able to order the Combo Life, Vivaro Combi and Zafira Life models only as electric.
Commenting on the subject, Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz said, “There is no alternative to electricity. Opel will attract even more attention with its environmentally friendly innovations in the future. We are in a state of rapid change, and the fact that we will be presenting an electric version of every Opel model from 2024, without exception, is one of the indicators of this change. In addition, new versions of the Crossland and Insignia models will soon be electrified. Our commitment is clear; Starting from 2028, we will only offer our electric models to the market in Europe.”
Opel family gets electrified
The new generation of the Opel Astra, which will be available in the coming months, will be the cornerstone of the Rüsselsheim-based brand's move to electrification. Following the launch in September 2021, the new Astra will meet customers in the spring and will be available in a plug-in hybrid version from the first time it goes on sale. In 2023, it will complete the all-electric Astra-e product range. The German manufacturer's zero-emission range already extends from the tiny Opel Rocks-e to the large-volume commercial Opel Movano-e.
Opel Combo-e Life and Opel Zafira-e Life stand out as the most successful electric models in their segments. Both MPVs hit the road with a 100 kW/136 hp electric motor. Combo-e-Life can reach a range of up to 50 kilometers with its 280 kWh lithium-ion battery. In addition, at the public DC fast charging station, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Opel Zafira-e Life is a 230 kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 50 kilometers; For a range of up to 330 kilometers, you can choose between a 75 kWh battery.
Range of more than 400 kilometers with hydrogen technology
Apart from the rechargeable hybrid and battery electric models, Opel also offers a rechargeable fuel cell electric vehicle. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the current battery-electric Opel Vivaro-e, which was chosen as the “International Van of the Year 2021”. The new version can offer a driving range of more than 400 kilometers (WLTP). The first Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN to come off the production line will start to operate without emissions in the fleet of German home appliance manufacturer Miele.
Resetting the carbon footprint
Opel is not moving towards a CO2-free future only with its models and engine options. The brand also implements this with its facilities. Opel and Stellantis took an important step this year with plans to set up a giga factory for battery cell production in Kaiserslautern. With the project in Rüsselsheim, Opel's headquarters will become a green campus for Stellantis in the future.