Opel Corsa Electric 50 kWh

Overview

The 2021 Opel Corsa-e, in its 50 kWh guise, was a cracking little electric supermini that, sadly, never officially graced US shores. Think of it as Europe's zippy answer to compact EV motoring. This particular trim packed a 46.3 kWh usable battery, aiming for a practical real-world range perfect for city commutes and a bit beyond. As it wasn't sold in the US, official 'Price New' or 'Price Used' data for the States isn't available from the provided information. It was designed to be an accessible entry into electric driving across the pond.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, the Corsa-e 50 kWh largely continued the successful formula established in its 2020 debut. As this specific trim was discontinued after 2021, major overhauls weren't on the agenda. Updates were likely focused on minor software refinements for the infotainment and battery management systems, potentially offering subtle efficiency tweaks. Any specific feature additions for this final year of production for this trim would have been market-dependent in Europe, with no direct US-spec changes since it wasn't offered stateside. It remained a solid, no-fuss electric hatch.

Design & Exterior

The Corsa-e 50 kWh sports a sharp, contemporary hatchback design that’s both stylish and compact, making it a natural fit for tight city streets. It looks pretty smart, sharing its handsome lines with its gasoline siblings but with subtle EV cues. Key dimensions come in at 159.8 inches long, a nimble 69.5 inches wide (without mirrors), and 56.4 inches tall. While specific wheel designs could vary, this electric variant generally featured aerodynamically optimized alloys and distinct badging, giving it a modern, efficient look without shouting "I'm electric!" too loudly.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Corsa-e 50 kWh offers a well-put-together cabin that's functional and modern, if not overly plush. It's built for practicality. It seats five, though rear legroom is typical for a supermini – best for shorter trips or kids. Cargo-wise, you get a decent 10.9 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 39.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. No frunk here, though. Infotainment would typically center around a touchscreen system, often with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

This little Opel is surprisingly nippy! The Corsa-e 50 kWh zips from 0-60 mph in a claimed 7.8 seconds, thanks to its front-wheel-drive setup powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). This motor delivers 100 kW (around 134 hp) and a punchy 192 lb-ft of torque, making it feel lively, especially around town. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up urban bumps well, and its compact size means handling is agile. Regenerative braking helps to claw back some energy, with selectable modes to adjust its strength.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Corsa-e 50 kWh comes with a 46.3 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 181 miles – pretty solid for daily duties. Energy consumption is rated at 3.91 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 7.4 kW on-board AC charger can top up the battery from empty in roughly 6.5 hours. Hit a DC fast charger, and it can gulp down electrons at up to 100 kW, taking it from 10-80% in about 20-30 minutes. The provided data indicates a CCS Type 2 port, standard in Europe.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While never tested by the NHTSA due to its absence in the US market, the Opel Corsa achieved a respectable 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. For driver assistance, the 2021 Corsa-e 50 kWh typically came equipped with a suite of modern safety tech. Standard features often included lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Depending on the specific European market trim level, features like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring might have been available as options, enhancing its safety credentials for urban and highway driving.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As the Opel Corsa-e 50 kWh wasn't sold in the US, there's no direct US warranty. However, Opels in Europe during this period typically offered a 2-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, with an optional extension. The crucial battery warranty was generally 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing around 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain coverage often mirrored the basic vehicle warranty. Complimentary maintenance wasn't a widespread standard offering in Europe, unlike some US brands. Reliability was generally considered decent for its class, benefiting from simpler EV mechanicals.