More than 400 km range for facelifted Opel Corsa Electric

Now called Electric instead of Corsa-e, Opel’s compact city car gets an upgraded battery pack and electric motor. Subsequently, the range has been increased from 357 to 402 kilometres. The boost also comes from an added heat pump.

As the Corsa is technically mated to the Peugeot 208 and DS 3 E-Tense, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it shares the upgrade with its siblings. This was already introduced in September last year, but under the disclaimer that availability wouldn’t happen before 2023.

Two electric versions

So, in electric guise, today’s Corsa owners have a choice available. The existing configuration, with a net battery capacity of 46.3 kWh, 136 hp and a range of 357 kilometres, is still on offer but has been accompanied by a more powerful version: 156 hp, net battery of 48.1 kWh and a range of 402 kilometres. Those range figures are, of course, theoretical values according to WLTP. This driveline is also used by the zero-emission Astra.

As for fast charging, Opel doesn’t provide detailed specifications. But as these have remained unchanged at Peugeot, there’s little reason to assume otherwise about its German nephew. So, DC charging rests presumably at 100 kW, enabling 20-80% charges in half an hour. These timings have been confirmed in Opel’s press release.

Assistance on 48 volt

On the outside, the new version of the Corsa can be recognised by a differently styled backside and the introduction of the Vizor front encapsulating the nose panel and the headlights. These cosmetic changes apply to the whole range, where the combustion engines are now assisted by a 48-volt battery for mild hybrid functionality and a new double-clutch automatic transmission.

The novelty changes are even more noticeable in the interior, where – optionally – a fully digital display is available. It features a bunch of intelligent add-ons, like over-the-air updates, artificial intelligence, a new rear-view camera and an upgraded processor. It’s the Snapdragon architecture from Qualcomm, which also collaborates with Volvo and Polestar.

Noteworthy: as of now, Apple Car Play and Android Auto can be wirelessly activated. Deliveries of the renewed Corsa are expected in the second half of 2023.