AUTO

Opel Celebrates 125-Year Anniversary With EV Variant of Every Model

February 6, 2024

An 1899 contract signing made Opel an automobile manufacturer, now celebrating 125 years.
Opel celebrates its anniversary under the banner of electromobility. A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant of every Opel will be available in 2024.
Current Opel “Made in Rüsselsheim” bestsellers: Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer.

2024 marks a pivotal moment in Opel’s history as the brand fully embraces the electrification of its vehicle lineup. For the first time, each model will feature a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant, a significant stride forward in the realm of electromobility. Leading the charge is the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric, one of the market’s first battery-electric estate cars. Estate cars are known as station wagons in America.

Opel’s journey towards innovative mobility began 125 years ago. In 1899, Wilhelm Opel, son of company founder, Adam Opel, signed a contract to acquire a motor car factory, signaling the commencement of automobile production at Opel. Transitioning from a sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer, Opel boldly ventured into uncharted territory 125 years ago. This left a lasting imprint far beyond Rüsselsheim Germany, the company’s headquarters.

More than 75 million Opel vehicles have left the production plants all over Europe. The latest generation of the bestseller Opel Astra is manufactured in Rüsselsheim. The dynamic electrified top models Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe also roll off the assembly line in Rüsselsheim, along with the all-new Astra Sports Tourer Electric.

While many other EVs are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the new Astra Sports Tourer Electric can reach a top speed of 170 km/h. The vehicle is impressive with its design, spaciousness, and most notably, its performance. The all-electric compact class estate’s electric motor offers 115 kW/156 hp and a very powerful 270 Newton meters of maximum torque.

A driving range of up to 413 km (WLTP²) is possible on a single charge of the battery of the new Astra Sports Tourer Electric. The BEV features the class-leading Intelli-Lux LED Pixel Light with 168 LED elements. The Intelli-Drive 2.0 system with semi-automatic lane change, and intelligent speed adaptation, are also available.

Opel is a Stellantis brand. Stellantis crafted Dare Forward 2030. This bold, holistic strategic plan paves the way for the company to achieve carbon net zero by 2038.

Opel is not currently available in the U.S., however, that will soon change. French automaker PSA Group, which controls the brand, expects to sell in the U.S. no later than 2026.