Today, Opel has five 100% electric models in its range: the Corsa-e, the Mokka-e, and the Combo-e, Vivaro-e/Zafira-e, and Movano-e vans. However, thanks to the synergies with other brands of the Stellantis group, this offer will soon be reinforced with the arrival of new electric cars that will allow it to cover new market niches.
This will be the case of Astra-e, the electric version of the well-known sixth-generation thermal Astra. This compact (segment C) will share its powertrain with the DS 4 E-TENSE (2024) and Peugeot e-308 (2023), which will also be based on the EMP2 modular platform.
“The new Opel Astra is unique; with him, Opel is driving into a new era. This applies both to the electric Astra-e, as well as to its state-of-the-art technology and grandiose design. It is a car with which Opel is leaving its mark and that has everything it takes to become a bestseller once again, ”explained Uwe Hochgeschurtz, head of the lightning firm, at the time.
The Opel Astra-e will be a strict front-wheel drive and will be available with two bodies ( hatchback and family Sports Tourer). Its original Nidec engine will yield 156 hp (115 kW) and 270 Nm. In addition, it will weigh 1,600 kg, matching the plug-in hybrid Astra in this section (which is marketed in 180 and 225 hp versions).
The Opel Astra-e will be identical to the Peugeot e-308 from a technical point of view
Its battery pack with NCM 811 cells will have a capacity of 50 useful kWh and 54 gross kWh; that is, 4 kWh more than the Corsa-e. The air conditioning system (liquid) will have a heat pump, which will improve its efficiency in cold climates. Its autonomy will be around 400 km WLTP, while the maximum charging power will be 100 kW in direct current.
The main rivals of the Opel Astra-e, apart from its Peugeot sibling, will be the CUPRA Born, Nissan LEAF, Renault Megane E-TECH Electric, and Volkswagen ID.3. It will also compete against the Citroën ë-C4, another Stellantis model that nonetheless uses the eCMP platform, designed for a lower segment.
All in all, the Citroën will adopt the same powertrain as the Opel when it receives its mid-life restyling, scheduled for 2023/2024. Therefore, for practical purposes, both vehicles will be very similar from a technical point of view, following Stellantis’ strategy of sharing components to reduce costs as much as possible.
