Opel Rocks-e : Sustainable Urban Mobility

“Our new Opel Rocks-e is uncompromising in every respect. The design is bold and pure, the dimensions are extremely compact. Our SUM drives purely on electricity and the price is unbeatable. The Rocks-e enables smart and functional electric mobility for everyone and will attract a lot of attention, Opel is simply ‘menschlich’ and approachable – the Rocks‑e delivers further proof.” 

 Stephen Norman, Head of sales and marketing, Opel

Opel, a German automaker, unveiled the first SUM on 25 August. The Opel Rocks-E is a rebadged Citroen Ami electric vehicle with a range of 75 kilometers. The entry-level electric vehicle responds to current mobility needs by providing electric mobility with wind and rain protection – progressive, bold, and clean, as is typical of Opel: in tune with the times. It can be driven in Germany by young individuals as young as 15 with an AM driver’s license1. Opel continues its electrification push with the 2.41-metre short two-seater. The German automaker is expanding its model lineup with the SUM, a battery-electric vehicle priced below the Corsa-e that is affordable to almost any driver, from young beginners to city commuters.  

Design 

It is a sleek, emissions-free little vehicle for two that takes up very little room in cities. The Rocks-e is also technically categorized as a light motor vehicle because it is only 2.41 meters long, 1.39 meters wide (without outside mirrors), and weighs only 471 kilos (with traction battery). Teenagers as young as 15 years are authorized to drive it in Germany with a class AM driver’s license. In 2021, a comparable amendment went into effect, making this legislation applicable throughout Germany. As a result, the legislator supports young people’s mobility needs, particularly on their journey to school or a place of study.

According to WLTP2, Opel’s smart entry-ticket to electric mobility has a range of up to 75 kilometers, which can be reached at up to 45 kilometers per hour. This makes it ideal for city traffic – not just for young drivers, but also for people who wish to commute emissions-free and don’t want to waste time seeking for a parking spot. The Rocks-e is suited for the city, with 14-inch wheels and a turning radius of under 7.20 m, mastering tight turns and fitting into compact parking spots. 

The Opel Rocks-5.5 e’s kWh battery can be fully recharged in roughly 3.5 hours using any regular household outlet. The charging wire, which is three meters long, is permanently stored in the SUM and is simply pulled out of the passenger door when needed. For charging at a public charging station, Opel provides an adaptor. 

The new Opel Vizor brand face is featured on the Rocks-e, which includes LED headlights and indicators. The doors on both sides are identical, giving it a bold and clean appearance. The passenger door opens in the conventional manner, while the driver’s door opens in the opposite direction. The body panels on the front and back are likewise similar. 

Inside, the two seats are separated from one other such that the front passenger has plenty of legroom and the driver can adjust the length of their seat. Even for those over 1.90 m tall, there is plenty of headroom. Moreover, the new Rocks-e has a luggage volume of up to 63 liters in the passenger footwell, as well as a stylish hook for an XXL-size shopping bag, despite its diminutive dimensions. 

The cockpit is designed to fulfil the needs of today’s youth: it is simple and focuses on the fundamentals. The smartphone holder in the center console is one of the most practical features. Additional practical information is available through services such as the “myOpel” app.  Opel Rocks-e drivers benefit from excellent all-around visibility thanks to the compact size and big windows. The standard panoramic glass roof — unique for a car in this price range – creates a light, pleasant interior ambiance. 

At the German automaker, the name “Rocks” has a long history. Until recently, the Opel ADAM Rocks and Opel KARL Rocks gave the brand their own individual flavor – distinctively equipped, with cool-looking off-road additions and thus ready for the day-to-day journey through the urban jungle. The new Opel Rocks-e is even more suited to city driving. The new model is good for the conscience as well as the environment because it is entirely electric, emits no emissions, and is practically silent. 

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