Opel Unveil Their Cute Tiny Ami Electric Car Called Rocks-e
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Opel recently anounced that they will be selling their own version of the Ami electric minicar originally developed by fellow brand Citroen.
The Rocks-e measures 7.9 feet in length, has a maximum speed of 47km/h (28 mph), and has a range of 43 miles. In some countries the vehicle is classified as a light quadricycle which means a driving license is not required to operate the vehicle and people as young as 15 will be eligable to drive the Rocks-e.
Even though 47km/h may seem slow to most it is plenty enough for buzzing around European city centers which have had the new 20km/h speed limits enforced.
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When it comes time to charging a 10 foot long cable can be pulled from the passenger door and plugged into almost any charging port thanks to an adaptor. Charging takes about three and a half hours using a standard power outlet.
As you can imagine the interior is pretty small, there’s enough space for two and not much else. Equipment is basic with a steering wheel and digital instrument cluster that displays the current gear, speed and battery state.
The Opel Rocks-e will be available later this year with an estimated price of around 6,900 euros. Opel are also planning to offer low-cost leases so we may start to see the Rocks-e on the road before the end of the year.
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Potential Drawbacks
The Opel Rocks-e is an electric city car that has several advantages, such as its compact size and low running costs. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider, including:
- Limited range: The Rocks-e has a range of around 75 miles on a single charge, which may not be sufficient for longer trips or for drivers with longer commutes.
- Limited space: While the Rocks-e is designed to be a practical city car, its small size means that it may not be suitable for drivers who need more interior space or storage capacity.
- Limited charging infrastructure: While electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is expanding, it can still be difficult to find charging stations in some areas, which may limit the Rocks-e’s practicality for some drivers.
- Higher upfront cost: While electric cars have lower running costs, they often have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional gasoline or diesel cars. The Rocks-e is no exception, and its higher price tag may be a barrier for some buyers.
Uncertainty around battery life: While EV batteries are improving, there is still some uncertainty around how long they will last and how much they will degrade over time. This can be a concern for buyers who are looking to keep their car for many years.
The Perks
The Opel Rocks-e has several features that make it a compelling option for drivers looking for a compact, affordable, and environmentally friendly city car. Some of its best features include:
- Electric powertrain: The Rocks-e is powered by an electric motor, which makes it quiet, emissions-free, and inexpensive to run. This can be a major advantage for city driving, where emissions and noise can be major issues.
- Compact size: The Rocks-e is a small car, which makes it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. This can be a major advantage in crowded city centers.
- Stylish design: The Rocks-e has a distinctive, eye-catching design that sets it apart from other city cars. It features a bold front grille, LED daytime running lights, and a choice of exterior colors.
- Modern technology: The Rocks-e comes with a range of modern features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and a rearview camera. These features can make driving more convenient and enjoyable.
Safety features: The Rocks-e comes with a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a speed limiter. These features can help reduce the risk of accidents and make driving safer for both the driver and other road users.
