Opel - New Propulsion Systems


We have been working on environmental protection for a long time. So we already have lots of sustainable alternatives to gasoline. From the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) to Compressed Natural Gas, Liquid Petroleum Gas and the zero-emission Hydrogen4 fuel cell. We’re on the road to a sustainable future.

Opel Sustainable Mobility - Electricity

Electricity – Electric mobility without limits

Electric propulsion is the key to individual mobility in the future, lower CO2-emissions and independence from fossil fuels. The Opel Ampera proves that electric mobility is not only attractive but also very clean and environmentally friendly.


The Opel Ampera is Europe’s first electric vehicle that is powered by electricity at all times and can be used without any compromise. Its groundbreaking design reflects its revolutionary technology and outstanding performance.


For the first 40-80 km, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera runs free of gas- and tailpipe-emissions.


If a longer trip is required, the electricity generator starts automatically when the advanced battery management system detects a low charge. The gasoline-fueled generator powers the electric motor and keeps the battery at a satisfactory level. This revolutionary technology enables the constant and unlimited use of the electric drive and is interrupted only to recharge from the socket or fill up at a petrol pump. This technology is called E-REV (extended-range electric vehicle).

Opel Sustainable Mobility - HydroGen4

On the road with zero-emissions

The HydroGen4 car is the result of over ten years of research into fuel cells and hydrogen. In its 440 series-connected fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air. This does not cause combustion, but an electro-chemical reaction that powers the electric drive. The only waste product is water. The result is that the HydroGen4 car emits only water vapor and produces no harmful emissions.


Such clean behavior is not won at the cost of performance: with its 73 kW (100 hp), the HydroGen4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h. It has a range of 340 km and features a 1.8 kWh battery backup.


A fleet of HydroGen4 vehicles is undergoing testing in real life conditions in Berlin as part of a program called the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP). To date, the customers participating in the test have covered more than 80,000 km without problems.