The Opel Corsa-e, marketed as the Corsa F Corsa-e 50 kWh (136 Hp) in many markets, represents Opel’s initial foray into the all-electric subcompact hatchback segment. Production spanned from June 2019 to November 2021, positioning it as a key model in the sixth generation (F) of the Corsa, built upon the Common Modular Platform (CMP) shared with Peugeot and Citroën. This variant aimed to provide a practical and affordable electric vehicle option, competing with other emerging EVs in Europe and beyond. The Corsa-e was a significant step for Opel, demonstrating their commitment to electrification and adapting to increasingly stringent emissions regulations.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa F |
| Type (Engine) | Corsa-e 50 kWh (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2019 |
| End of production | November, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 178.7 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 50 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 45 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor, under the rear seats / Below the floor, under the front seats |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 330 km (205.05 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 17 kWh/100 km (27.36 kWh/100 mi) |
| MPGe | 123 |
| km/kWh | 5.9 |
| mi/kWh | 3.7 |
| Electric motor power | 136 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code | ZK01 |
| Electric motor location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 136 Hp |
| System torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 1455 kg (3207.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 267 l (9.43 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1042 l (36.8 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4060 mm (159.84 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1960 mm (77.17 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2538 mm (99.92 in.) |
| Front track | 1501 mm (59.09 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Front overhang | 831 mm (32.72 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 691 mm (27.2 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.74 m (35.24 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa-e 50 kWh is powered by a single electric motor, designated ZK01, producing 136 horsepower and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque. This synchronous motor is mounted transversely at the front axle, driving the front wheels. The heart of the system is the 50 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing a usable capacity of 45 kWh. The battery is strategically located under the floor and beneath the front and rear seats, contributing to a low center of gravity and optimized weight distribution. The vehicle utilizes a single-speed automatic transmission, typical for electric vehicles, delivering seamless acceleration. The charging system supports both AC and DC fast charging, allowing for convenient replenishment of the battery at home or on the go.
Driving Characteristics
The Corsa-e 50 kWh offers a surprisingly peppy driving experience. The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors provides brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 7.7 seconds. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, it feels adequately powered for everyday driving situations. The single-speed transmission simplifies operation, and the regenerative braking system allows for one-pedal driving in certain conditions, enhancing efficiency and convenience. Compared to the gasoline-powered Corsa F variants, the Corsa-e provides a quieter and smoother ride, with no engine vibrations or exhaust noise. The handling is generally competent, though the added weight of the battery pack does slightly impact agility compared to lighter gasoline models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa-e 50 kWh typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a modern electric vehicle. Standard features often included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and a suite of safety features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as a larger touchscreen, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with optional leather available. The dashboard layout was clean and modern, with a focus on user-friendliness.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa-e utilizes a conventional MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. Due to the increased weight of the battery pack, the suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The electric steering system offers light and precise steering feel. Tire sizes varied depending on the trim level, with 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels being common options.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa-e was generally well-received by critics, who praised its practicality, affordability, and decent range. It was often compared to rivals such as the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf. The Corsa-e offered a competitive range of around 205 miles (WLTP), making it suitable for daily commuting and shorter trips. Fuel economy, expressed as energy consumption, was rated at 17 kWh/100 km. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with few major issues reported. Compared to the gasoline-powered Corsa F models, the Corsa-e offered significantly lower running costs due to the absence of fuel expenses and reduced maintenance requirements.
Legacy
The Opel Corsa-e 50 kWh played a crucial role in establishing Opel as a player in the electric vehicle market. It demonstrated the brand’s ability to produce a competitive and affordable EV, paving the way for future electric models. On the used car market, the Corsa-e remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical and eco-friendly hatchback. The longevity of the battery pack is a key consideration for potential buyers, but early reports suggest that the battery retains a significant portion of its capacity even after several years of use. The Corsa-e’s powertrain, while not groundbreaking, proved to be reliable and efficient, solidifying its position as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
