Practical, Efficient, Electrified: The New Opel Hybrids With 48-Volt Technology
Driving electrified and saving fuel without having to change driving and operating habits or having to connect the car to a charging point: the new Opel models with 48-volt hybrid technology make all this possible. The latest addition is the efficient Opel Frontera Hybrid. The affordable new family-friendly SUV can already be ordered with 48-volt technology. For prices starting at €23,900 euros (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany), the Frontera Hybrid comes with a 74 kW (100 hp) 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine developed specifically for hybrid use. It works in conjunction with a 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor and an electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission, so that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced compared to a comparable conventionally powered vehicle. From €25,700, the Frontera Hybrid is also available as a 100 kW (136 hp) turbo hybrid.
In addition, Opel customers can choose from many other models with the modern hybrid technology. The portfolio already extends from the small car bestseller Opel Corsa to the stylish Opel Mokka to the compact class successes Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer as well as the top-of-the-line Opel Grandland SUV.
Perfectly coordinated system: Save fuel and drive fully electrically at times
The clever, cost efficient and compact 48-volt hybrid technology offers many advantages in everyday use. It can be used to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 18 percent (as with the Corsa) compared to a comparable combustion vehicle and at the same time increase driving comfort.
In everyday driving in the city and on country roads, the petrol engine and electric motor work together or separately depending on requirements – always in optimal harmony between energy consumption and performance. To ensure that the catalytic converter and brake assistant function optimally from the first tap on the accelerator pedal, the petrol engine is always used when starting the Opel models. The electric drive supports the petrol engine when accelerating and starting from a standstill. The electric motor contributes torque, especially at low engine speeds, which benefits driving dynamics and CO2 savings.
At low speeds, the electric motor also enables fully electric travel for up to one kilometre or up to 50 percent of the time used in the city – for example when manoeuvring. The vehicle automatically switches to electric drive when the battery charge, outside temperature and catalytic converter temperature are appropriate. If the Opel Hybrids decelerate at higher speeds and the petrol engine switches off, the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the 48-volt battery of the hybrid system. At the same time, when the accelerator pedal is released, the hybrid can “sail” with the support of the electric motor.
Hybrid drivers can choose between the three driving modes Eco (for particularly efficient operation), Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the petrol engine is always running to ensure the required performance at all times.