A lot has transpired at the Rüsselsheim automobile manufacturer Opel in recent years: in 2017, the maker was transferred from its long-time owner General Motors (GM) to the PSA group.
In 2012, the latter joined Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), becoming the Stellantis Group, which includes twelve additional automobile brands in addition to Opel. Uwe Hochschurtz (58), the brand’s new leader, has been in charge since September 2021, and his goal is to sell solely electric automobiles in Europe by 2028. The 58-year-old has recently spoken out for hydrogen technology in automobiles.
In an interview, Opel’s CEO discussed a variety of topics related to electromobility, including the issue of electric car production costs, which are now roughly 50% more than those of a combustion vehicle. He also warns clients ahead of time that if all e-car incentives are phased off, “regular folks will notice.”
Hochschurtz claims that Opel’s electric car lineup will be “in the spectrum that we know from combustion engines today.” In the future, he believes, the conversation will focus more on loading times. The goal is to be able to charge an Opel for a range of more than 30 kilometers in under a minute.
Although he recognizes that the charging network has to be expanded, it is presently being done at a rapid pace. As a result, he can reassure customers. “Anyone who purchases an electric car will also be able to locate a charging station.” It doesn’t matter if you’re in a public place or at home.
The CEO of Opel takes a stand on the question of hydrogen. Hochschurtz, on the other hand, clearly sees the fuel cell’s future in commercial vehicles, based on his words. “For light passenger automobiles, the future is unmistakably battery-electric.” He did not specify at what weight a hydrogen powertrain would become viable.
