One of Frankfurt’s more out-there unveilings could also be the next to hit showrooms, with reports that Opel is exploring production opportunities for its RAK e electric vehicle concept.
Described as an ideal choice for younger drivers “and those on a very tight budget,” the RAK e is designed to carry two occupants in a tandem layout. Power for the RAK e is provided by a 37 kW electric motor, with a city-minded driving range of 100 kilometres off one charge from its 5 kWh battery pack. Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h takes less than 13 seconds and the RAK e has a top speed of 120 km/h. Even though Opel opted for steel rather than lighter materials for this type of vehicle, it still only weighs about 380 kilograms.
Along with steel, Opel’s boss, Nick Reilly, says the rest of the RAK e is composed of “a strategic choice of composite materials”, and “was made with production in mind”. Technically a concept for now, Opel will soon begin marketing the RAK e as a potential urban commuting solution for the European market – and beyond. “We want to show it to a few governments and see if they’re serious about EVs,” Reilly told Britains Autocar this week.
Despite its unorthodox style, a showroom future for the RAK e is not hard to imagine, with production necessities forming a major part of the concept’s development program. According to Opel, what we can see here is just-about ready to roll – but there’s still some fine-tuning to be done. “We’ve got to work on costs; we’ve got to refine it and do it right,” Reilly added.
