According to European Automotive News, on May 13th, the Opel brand under Stellantis announced during the launch of the all-electric version of the Frontera compact SUV that despite the slowing demand for electric cars in the European market, especially in Germany, it will persist in only releasing electric models starting next year.
Opel CEO Florian Huettl stated that the company "firmly believes" electric mobility is the best way to promote zero-emission vehicles. "Our focus is to make electric cars more affordable for consumers."
The all-electric version of the Frontera has a range of 300 kilometers and starts at €29,000 in Germany. The model will also offer a version with a range of 400 kilometers at a higher price. A mild hybrid version of the Frontera will also be introduced, equipped with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine and a 21-kilowatt electric motor, starting at €24,000. In comparison, the smaller all-electric Mokka starts at €35,000 in Germany.
Huettl noted that while Opel can utilize Stellantis' multi-powertrain platforms like STLA Medium in future products, the brand remains committed to its plan of offering only pure electric systems starting from 2025. "With the Frontera and the new Grandland, Opel will complete the first stage of electrification, which is the coexistence of electric and internal combustion engine systems."
Huettl also emphasized that Opel now has a new lineup of multi-powertrain platforms, with the pure electric system offering enough range for highway driving and ongoing development of next-generation all-electric models.
Last year, Opel's global sales increased by 15% year-on-year to 670,000 units. Among these, sales of pure electric cars grew by 22%, accounting for 15% of the brand's total sales. In electric vehicle sales, the Mokka accounted for nearly 30%, leading the pack, followed by Corsa at 20%.
Just three weeks ago, Opel introduced the all-new Grandland, offering internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions. Additionally, to make electric cars more affordable for consumers, Opel is developing a budget electric model priced at around €25,000. However, Huettl did not provide further details. He believes that as the lineup of electric vehicles expands, Opel will steadily increase the proportion of electric vehicle sales.
