The Frankfurt skyline has been swallowed by thick fog, a cold, damp veil hovers over the Main, a couple of lazily lumbering ducks stick their heads in their plumage. But sadness is as far away for the group that has gathered between the glass facade of the European Central Bank and the two loading cranes as the next summer day in the swimming pool: animated fragments of conversation can be heard, the external dimensions of the vehicle are assessed with long strides, door handles inspected and exchanged information that the passenger door swings forward while the driver’s door opens backwards.
A walker heads for the scenery and asks with raised eyebrows: “What is that fine thing?” That is: an Opel Rocks-e, an emission-free light vehicle with a bold design. A good mood booster. For one week in November, 130 media representatives stopped in small groups on the north bank of the Main at the “Oosten” restaurant. Opel invited here to present the new City-Stromer. And in the best Opel tradition, there are also some employees among the guests on this cold, damp Friday morning.
”
That has something: cruising through the city, the skyline in the panorama roof! ”
Tim Thalheimer
”
That was my first time with an electric drive: accelerate and brake – really easy! ”
Elias Unaldi
You won a participation in the press event in the internal communication raffle: The dual student Tim Thalheimer and the trainee Elias Ünaldi are there, the dual student Julius Schwendt brought his father Wolfram with him, the Opel colleague Jan Bordasch his Son Finn. First there is a lot of information at a press conference (see also the interview below), then the group gets ready for a 100 percent electric test drive through downtown Frankfurt. The father-son teams share a vehicle, the two trainees Tim Thalheimer and Elias Ünaldi are each assigned their own vehicle – Corona-compliant.
The latter does not even have a driver’s license. He’s still allowed to drive. Because: The 471 kilogram lightweight can already drive young people aged 15 and over with an AM driving license. This is not just his first drive in an electric car, but also his first ever drive, explains the 17-year-old. Although: “It’s not a car, we just learned at the press conference.” Elias Ünaldi takes a seat and starts the SUM with the big key – that stands for “Sustainable Urban Mobility”. The display comes to life. It shows the speed, the driving mode, the state of charge of the battery and the remaining range. Now press the D button to the left of the driver’s seat, put your hand casually on the steering wheel – the poses are already right. The convoy rolls off almost silently and joins the city traffic behind the central bank.
“The Rocks-e easily kept up with Frankfurt’s city traffic. 45 km / h are sufficient. ”
Julius Schwendt
“I can imagine that the vehicle will be interesting for courier or care services.”
Wolfram Schwendt
45 minutes later, the mood on the return is great. The colleagues rave about the view of the skyline through the large panoramic roof. About how the SUM swims with the big boys on four wheels without any problems from the traffic lights: “I even took on a sports car,” says Tim Thalheimer with a broad grin. From 0 to 45 km / h in around ten seconds – something’s going on. And everyone has an anecdote of waving passers-by, smiling faces and “thumbs up” gestures from other road users. The fact that the Opel Rocks-e is a good mood booster has already been noted in their reports by media representatives who took part in the event.
In any case, in the Oosten restaurant with a hot soup and steaming tea, the impressions are deepened and other potential target groups explored. “Pizza supplier – then he won’t get wet”, “for singles or commuters” are the options. Jan Bordasch leans forward, looks around and draws a conclusion: “Compact dimensions, emission-free, lots of driving fun: I think we have just seen the future of urban mobility here.” ///
I am sure: This is what the future looks like in the city – compact and emission-free. ”
Jan Bordasch
“Although the Rocks-e is just 2.41 meters long, there is plenty of space inside.”
Finn Bordasch
“The Rocks-e – that is above all a coherent overall concept”
We spoke to product communicator Jan-Phlipp Kreß and product manager Keanu Eftekhari about the potential target groups, sales and prices of the Opel Rocks-e.
Jan-Philipp KreßProduct Communication
In the presentation they emphasize: “The Rocks-e is not a car.” It is classified as a light vehicle, young people aged 15 and over with an AM driving license are allowed to drive it. Why is that possible? Jan-Philipp Kreß: A corresponding amendment came into force in 2021, so that this regulation applies nationwide. The legislature supports the mobility needs of young people – especially for the way to school or an apprenticeship. And Opel shows with the Rocks-e: We are constantly rethinking the subject of mobility beyond conventional solutions.
So the Elektro-SUM is specially designed for young people – as “My first Opel?” Keanu Eftekhari: Sure, the Rocks-e perfectly closes the gap between two-wheelers and cars for young people. But not only. The Opel Rocks-e can also make the everyday life of seniors and not so mobile customers much easier and maintain or give them a large part of the quality of life.
Jan-Philipp Kreß: We definitely think broader. The Rocks-e is full of possibilities: Commuters, singles or couples with a sense of sustainable mobility are also well on their way with the Opel-SUM. And the two-person Stromer is also suitable for commercial use. Be it for urban courier services or in large areas such as airports.
Keanu Eftekhari: According to the WLTP, the range is up to 75 km – 100 percent electric with a 5.5 kWh battery. The City-Stromer is fully charged in just 3.5 hours – at a normal socket. Opel offers an adapter for charging at public charging stations. So here too: well thought-out and simple.
Jan-Philipp Kreß: Keyword simple: Ordering the City-Stromer is as easy as placing an Amazon order. It has been available to order online in Germany since November 1st. The Opel Rocks-e – that is above all a coherent overall concept.
What can you reveal about the prices? Keanu Eftekhari: They are really attractive. The starting price is 7,990 euros, the financing rate will be just about the monthly level of a public transport ticket. And the Rocks-e is also a real money saver beyond the purchase price. The annual insurance number is between 50 and 80 euros. Refueling once costs just two euros. The Rocks-e pays 100 percent to Opel’s credo of making electromobility affordable for everyone.
Thanks for the information!
Keanu Eftekhari Product Manager
December 2021
Photos: Dani Heyne, Alexander Bonn