Asger Risom
Opel, once set to go fully electric by 2028, has reversed course. The German automaker will now continue offering petrol, hybrid, and electric models — and its reasons say a lot about Europe’s EV market.
Opel, once set to go fully electric by 2028, has reversed course. The German automaker will now continue offering petrol, hybrid, and electric models — and its reasons say a lot about Europe’s EV market.
Opel’s EV-Only Pledge Now Scrapped
In 2021, Opel boldly committed to selling only electric vehicles in Europe by 2028. But in 2025, that vision was officially abandoned, reflecting shifting industry and consumer realities.
Multi-Energy Strategy Back in Play
Instead of a full-electric future, Opel will continue offering a “multi-energy” lineup — including EVs, plug-in hybrids, and combustion engines — depending on market demand.
Market Demand Didn’t Match the Ambition
Despite EU targets and growing EV infrastructure, Opel admitted that customer demand hasn’t grown fast enough to justify an EV-only lineup by 2028.
Battery Plant Plans Put on Hold
Plans for a new battery cell factory in Kaiserslautern have been suspended, a move that reflects broader financial pressures on Stellantis and its Opel subsidiary.
EV Momentum Not Entirely Lost
While the EV-exclusive goal is off the table, Opel insists it’s still pushing ahead with electrification — just not on a fixed timeline. The brand says it remains a leader in electric model variety.
Government Policy Uncertainty Adds Pressure
Opel cited “positive market signals,” yet Germany and France both slashed EV purchase subsidies recently — While UK goes all in on EV’s — complicating sales forecasts and long-term investment strategies.
Opel’s New Strategy: Wait and See
With its EV-only goal shelved, Opel now aims to adapt to customer preferences rather than dictate them. Flexibility, not deadlines, is the new rule.
