Opel to introduce EV concept car that costs pennies to drive

As green thinking becomes a world affair, electric vehicles are beginning to pop up in all shapes and sizes. The economic Nissan Leaf can already be seen buzzing around U.S. roads, while Cadillac and BMW both have more luxurious electric offerings poised to hit dealerships shortly. German automaker Opel is now getting in on the mix, with a two-seat electric concept vehicle set to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. 

The compact cruiser doesn't have an official name, but is instead being touted as the "One Euro Car" because it can travel 100 kilometers (roughly 62 miles) for just one euro (or $1.41). With mobility in mind, the new vehicle boasts one-third the weight of a typical compact car and a top speed of 75 miles per hour. 



The company is positioning the new vehicle as an affordable, environmentally-friendly option for younger drivers. An Opel press release even suggests that a speed-limited version of the two-seater could be introduced which could selectively top out at around 28mph — making it fine for city driving, but preventing lead feet. As with all concept cars, there's no guarantee that the futuristic EV will ever make it to market, but in the cost-conscious times of today it certainly has a fighting chance. 

Opel hasn't sold cars in the United States under its own nameplate since the early 70s. But as it is a General Motors brand, several of Opel's designs have come to U.S. dealerships under GM brands including Saturn, Buick, and Cadillac, so don't be entirely surprised if a version of the conceptual electric speedster eventually makes it stateside. 

[via Autoblog Green]

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