Opel CEO opens up about future
Electric Opel
Opel now has 12 models in its lineup with an electrified powertrain. Think fully electric cars, such as the Corsa-e, Mokka-e and Combo-e, as well as plug-in hybrids like the Astra Plug in Hybrid and Grandland Plug-in Hybrid. There is also the Vivaro-e – an all-electric commercial vehicle – and, of course, the Rocks-e, the most fun city car of the moment.
2028
Still, a lot needs to be done at Opel. Starting in 2024, there must be an electrified version of every Opel model. Starting in 2028, the brand will go a step further and every Opel in Europe must be fully electric. So big plans, but are they feasible? In Opel’s home base – Rüsselsheim – we talk to Florian Huettl. The CEO opens up about the future of Opel.
Do you foresee any problems in the battery supply chain? In short, is there enough inventory worldwide to meet demand?
“There will be five Stellantis ‘giga factories’ in Europe and North America to meet the demand for EV batteries and components. We believe we need to cover the entire electric mobility chain and not depend on the expertise of others when it comes to batteries. The start of production is planned for 2025.”
What do you think about current and future European emissions regulations? Are they realistic? Or is Brussels going too far?
“Climate change is the greatest challenge facing our generation. Compliance with CO2 targets is our moral duty and we must provide solutions for sustainable mobility – and we must do it now. We therefore support the European Union’s long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and will do our part to achieve it.”
Then let’s talk about electric cars. Currently, Opel offers a maximum of 156 horsepower in an electric car. The competition has EVs with thick 300 hp or more. What are Opel’s plans in this area?
“We are not in a power race with competitors. If you drive the Astra Electric with 156 hp soon, you will find that it is a great all-round package with more than enough power for the majority of our customers. For customers who want even more power, we currently offer up to 300 hp in the Grandland GSe. That also features excellent handling. In addition, of course, we are also working on some new, fine-driving models that are clearly aimed at lovers of sporty driving.”
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Speaking of that GSe and Astra Electric, Opel just introduced the GSe label, but is renaming the electric version of the Astra as Astra Electric. What is the thinking behind this? Is the GSe label only for plug-in hybrids? Or did Opel find the name Astra Electric more appropriate to give consumers more clarity.
“GSe” is back as Opel’s dynamic, electrified sub-brand: it stands for Grand Sport electric. GSe stands for dynamic, fun cars that are fully in line with our ambitious plans to become an all-electric brand. So far, the Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and Grandland have been unveiled as the first three GSe models. They are indeed electrified plug-in hybrids, and this is just the beginning for the GSe sub-brand. The renaming of our all-electric models is also part of our transition to an all-electric brand. The use of “Electric” as a suffix for models such as the Astra Electric makes it clearer that it is an all-battery electric model. New naming for the Corsa, Mokka and Zafira will follow in the near future.
To what extent is the GSe label future-proof if Opel introduces only strong PHEVs under this label? From 2028, Opel will be fully electric and be done with PHEVs.
“As mentioned, with the three powerful PHEV models we are kicking off the return of the GSe sub-brand. More are sure to follow in the near future. The GSe sub-brand is fully ready for the future!”
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