Opel relies on shrinking, at least when it comes to vehicle length, and offers one with the Rocks-e 2,41 meter short two-seater. It's not a car, though.
Tiny, space for 2 people and battery-powered: the new one Opel Rocks-e wants to establish itself as a micro-mobile for inner-city traffic. The market launch for the tiny cube is at the end of the year, and Opel has not yet given a price. However, this should be at the level of the group twin Citroen Ami move, which is offered in France from around 7.000 euros.
No security assistants
The 2,41 meter long two-seater is not a car, but classified as a light vehicle (L6e). The regulations for this class stipulate that the vehicles must not weigh more than 425 kilograms (without batteries), the electric motor does not produce more than 6 kW / 8,2 PS and the maximum speed is limited to 45 km / h. Safety equipment in the sense of airbags, ABS, ESP or assistants as they are common in a car are not required and accordingly not installed.
In the Rocks-e, which weighs 471 kilograms and includes a battery, propulsion is carried out by an electric motor, which exhausts the permitted output of 8,2 PS and is supplied with power by a 5,5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The range is up to 75 kilometers. The energy storage device is fully charged in around 3,5 hours at the household socket. The 3 meter long charging cable is firmly connected to the vehicle and is located in the frame of the rear B-pillar. It can be easily pulled out and stowed there again after use. Charging at a public column is also possible using a type 2 adapter. Since the top speed is limited to 45 km / h, the tiny can be driven by 15-year-olds. The prerequisite is that you have a class AM driving license (scooter driving license).
Multiple use saves
Like its French twin brother Ami, the Rocks-e, standing on 14-inch wheels, looks cute and cute. In order to reduce production costs, the tiny thing consists of only 250 different parts. Many are therefore used multiple times. This is how the little Opel looks the same from the front as from the back. The only difference: the front headlights are white, the rear lights are red. The doors are also identical. As a result, the driver's door is hinged in the opposite direction. The portals are opened by pressing a push button. A loop below the window frame is used to pull the doors shut. The lower side windows can be folded up like in the past with the "duck". This ensures a supply of fresh air. Air conditioning is not on board.
It's minimalist inside. The eye falls on a small display behind the steering wheel, which provides information on speed, driving mode, state of charge of the battery and the remaining range. The length of the driver's seat can be adjusted, and the passenger seat, which is slightly backwards, is permanently installed. There is no trunk, luggage is stowed in the passenger footwell.
Large windows for an optimal overview
A first seat test showed that savings were made on the upholstery. Thanks to the vehicle height of 1,52 meters, however, there is headroom even for longer users. The all-round view is good due to the large glass surfaces. The standard panoramic glass roof creates a bright feeling of space. The dashboard, at least in the higher equipment versions (Klub and TeKno), has brightly colored inserts for holding beverage cans or odds and ends. A connectivity solution via the "My-Opel" app is also reserved for these comfort levels. A holder for smartphones is located in the center of the center console.
Due to its range, limited top speed and short dimensions, the Rocks-e is primarily suitable for use in inner-city areas. Delivery and care services are likely to be the largest target groups. A “Cargo” version is now available for the Citroen Ami. A storage box is installed here instead of the front passenger seat. This option should also come for the Rocks-e.