Opel Corsa Hybrid: this is how the powertrain works

Opel Corsa Hybrid powertrain

In everyday traffic – both in town and on country roads – the gasoline and electric motors of the Opel Corsa Hybrid work together or separately to optimize energy consumption and performance. The system offers advantages especially in city traffic. Thanks to the electric motor, the Opel Corsa can drive fully electric for up to one kilometer at low speeds and when little traction is required, for example during maneuvering or in city traffic if the speed remains below 30 km/h.

The electric motor also supports the gasoline engine during acceleration or when pulling away from a standstill. During deceleration and braking, the gasoline engine shuts down and the electric motor serves as a generator to charge the hybrid system’s 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recovered by the regenerative braking system.

The 48V hybrid technology includes:

The 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines, specially developed for hybrid technology, meet the Euro 6.4 emissions standard. Both versions – the one with 74 kW (100 hp) and the one with 100 kW (136 hp) – deliver their peak power at 5,500 rpm. Torque is 205 and 230 Nm at 1,750 rpm, respectively. For optimum efficiency, the new engines operate according to the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is made possible by variable valve timing and the variable geometry turbocharger, which improves low-speed performance.

The Opel Corsa Hybrid also features a new electrified six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, also designed specifically for hybrid applications. Opel integrates the electric motor, DC converter and ECU (Engine Control Unit) into the compact transmission housing. This reduces the weight of the complete powertrain. The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor – integrated into the gearbox – produces a peak power output of 21 kW (28 hp) and a maximum torque of 55 Nm.

A belt-driven starter – in conjunction with the electric motor – starts the gasoline engine during a cold start. The starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving. A 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 432 Wh is installed under the left front seat. This location not only provides optimal weight distribution and driving dynamics, but also ensures that no precious luggage space is lost.

Finally, the Opel Corsa Hybrid has two electric grids. A 12V low-voltage network supplies power to in-car amenities such as power windows and the infotainment system, while 48V network powers the hybrid system.

Electrification offensive by Opel

In addition to the new 48V hybrid powertrain, Opel also provides a 100% battery-electric powertrain and highly efficient internal combustion engines. Hybrid technology also gives further impetus to Opel’s electrification offensive, with the brand offering at least one battery-electric version in every model line by the end of 2024. Starting in 2025, every newly introduced Opel model will be all-electric. Opel’s electrification offensive continues in 2024 with the introduction of the new Opel Grandland and Opel Crossland. Both models will be available with an all-electric powertrain.

The Dutch starting price of the new Opel Corsa Hybrid will be announced soon by Opel. Delivery will begin in the first quarter of 2024.