Since Tesla appeared in our lives, with its futuristic, minimalist and ultra-technological electrics , the aesthetic trend of zero-emission vehicles has followed a marked path. An electric must be recognizable, that everyone knows that this car does not emit harmful gases and is a ‘clean’ model. Opel has opted for the opposite strategy, that its Corsa-e is identical to the units that mount a heat engine. The reasons are mainly economic. Thanks to the multi-energy platforms CMP, from the PSA group , both variants can be manufactured on the same production line. This versatility has allowed the brand to avoid the construction and development of an exclusive zone for its zero-emission models. In addition, it makes the Opel Corsa-e a familiar and simple compact, preventing buyers from associating its body with the complications of an electric model.
We are, therefore, before a Corsa-e that we will not be able to identify at first glance. The most notable aspect is its 16-inch faired wheels, but we will also find an emblem on the B-pillar and on the tailgate. Another model that follows this same continuity concept is its first cousin the Peugeot e-208, a variant that has been key in the fight to be the Best Car of the Year in Europe 2020 (COTY).
On the way to electrification of the park, we are witnessing the strategies that manufacturers are taking. Some are betting on a complete renewal of their range, and even on the birth of new model families such as the Volkswagen IDs . Its first member is the ID.3 but will soon join the family bodies and SUV. Other firms, such as Hyundai or Kia, are committed to differentiating their electric models with aesthetic details such as the opaque grille. Toyota has set its own roadmap , prioritizing hybridization and developing the fuel cell system.
In a few years we will know which way was the best, for now let’s find out what the new Opel Corsa-e has to bring us. This compact replaces the combustion engine with a 136 hp electric drive . The lithium ion battery, located under the floor and with more cells placed in the rear area, is 50 kWh and offers 337 kilometers of autonomy . This location affects three aspects to take into account: weight, height from the ground and the boot.
