Opel continues Corsa-e Rally development for electric rallying

The development program of the Opel Corsa-e Rally for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup continues. Two examples of the battery-powered electric rally car are facing endurance tests at the Dudenhofen Test Center.

"We have two objectives - said Jörg Schrott, Opel Motorsport Director - In this first phase, the two cars grind kilometers on kilometers to get the maximum amount of data. There is no experience of electric rally cars to refer to, so initially we had to rely on calculations and simulations, which are gradually replaced by real data. We are also focusing on the loads and battery temperature management in the typical conditions of rally tests and we need to adapt the software. I am pleased to announce that the program is proceeding smoothly ".

Opel Motorsport engineers will focus on the speed of the 100 kW (136 hp) electric car in the second phase of development.

"We also decided that the Corsa-e Rally should equal and exceed the standards of the previous petrol model, the Opel Adam Cup. Again we are on the right track," explained Jörg Schrott. The power is almost identical, but the 260 Nm of torque is far superior to those of the Adam Cup. The center of gravity is low, thanks to the battery mounted under the floor, and also the weight distribution is excellent, which is extremely important for a competition car, which must be particularly agile. Now we have to find the most balanced chassis set-up, so in January we will begin to simulate some real special tests ".

The Opel Corsa-e Rally is equipped with the same battery as the production car. The battery capacity is 50 kWh and allows reaching a range of 337 km in the WLTP cycle. To optimize the autonomy for rally tests, three driving modes are provided: in "competition mode", maximum power and maximum torque are available. Electric cars have a particularly high torque, so the "rain mode" offers a torque curve suitable for slippery surfaces. In the transfers between one test and another and to reach the assistance the teams will use the "eco mode" oriented to energy saving. It is already possible to order the Opel Corsa-e Rally, while you can register for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2020/21 starting December 15th.