In 1971, the Apollo 15 astronauts landed on the moon and explored the surface with a specially developed electric vehicle - the Lunar Roving Vehicle. In the same year, another unique model showed what electric cars could do on Earth: a converted Opel GT. On May 17 and 18, 1971, Georg von Opel attempted to set new records for electrically powered vehicles at the Hockenheimring with a specially prepared and converted prototype. With success: The "Elektro GT" sets a total of six electric car world records on these two days on the Formula 1 circuit in Hockenheim.
Family tradition: From "Raketen-Fritz" to Georg von Opel in the "Elektro GT"
The successful businessman and competitive athlete Georg von Opel not only wants to demonstrate the potential of battery-electric vehicles for the future with the "Elektro GT" record attempt. The grandson of company founder Adam Opel is also continuing the family tradition in his very own way. From 1927 to 1929, the rocket-powered record drives of his cousin Fritz von Opel captivated the public. On May 23, 1928, "Rocket Fritz" reached a top speed of an incredible 238 km/h with the RAK 2 in front of packed grandstands on the Avus in Berlin. Instead of rockets, Georg von Opel opted for electric drive: the "Elektro GT" from 1971 was equipped with two DC motors from Bosch, which together developed a total output of 88 kW/120 hp and could even be boosted to 118 kW/160 hp for a short time.
The four nickel-cadmium battery packs come from Varta and are located on the rear seat and passenger side. The batteries with their 280 cells weigh 590 kilograms. The Opel GT itself weighs 960 kilograms, bringing the total weight of the vehicle to 1,550 kilograms - the same as an Opel Diplomat B. The long-distance tests even require 360 cells, which weigh 740 kilograms. At around 1,700 kilograms, the "Elektro GT" is then in the weight class of an earlier Opel Blitz truck with a short wheelbase.
These masses must first be supported. This is why harder springs are used and Continental develops special high-pressure tires that also reduce rolling resistance to a minimum. Opel also makes significant modifications to the bodywork: All air inlets and outlets at the front of the vehicle are sealed. The typical Opel GT carburetor hump on the hood is nowhere to be found; instead, the hood is completely flat for better aerodynamics. In addition, the bumpers, rear-view mirrors and door handles are removed and the engine compartment and interior are cleared for the installation of the electric drive. The electronic control unit is located in the trunk. In addition, the record-breaking vehicle - unique for the Opel GT - has a large rear spoiler for the first time. The rear lights are also not needed, the holes are simply covered. A heat exchanger replaces the exhaust muffler. Everything for the world record: Driver and electric drive form a single unit A normal car battery housed in the front area supplies power for the new on-board electronics.
The two electric motors are now located behind the four-cylinder engine. The batteries, which originate from aircraft construction, fill the entire space next to and behind the driver. There is just enough room for a real car seat. With this "Elektro GT", Georg von Opel set four new world records for electric cars on May 17, 1971:
- 1 kilometer in 19.061 seconds at a top speed of 188.86 km/h
- 1 kilometer standing start in 31.066 seconds at 115.88 km/h
- ½ kilometer standing start in 19.358 seconds at 92.98 km/h
- ¼ mile standing start in 16.869 seconds at 85.87 km/h
Two more record runs followed on May 18, both with a standing start:
- 10 kilometers in 4 minutes 43.69 seconds at 126.89 km/h
- 10 miles in 7 minutes 35.63 seconds at 127.15 km/h
However, the attack on the seventh world record fails: due to the still low capacity of the nickel-cadmium batteries at the time, the Elektro GT only manages a distance of 44 kilometers on the 100-kilometer route, which is to be covered at an average speed of 100 km/h.
Visionary: the "Elektro GT" as a pioneer of modern e-mobility
But the success of six world records for electric vehicles remains. At the same time, the "Elektro GT" showed that a battery-electric vehicle could achieve the speed of a sports car even back then. Today - 50 years later - the modern Opel Corsa-e, the descendant of the brand's first battery-electric vehicle, also demonstrates sporting ambitions. With 8.1 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and 260 Newton meters of immediately available torque, the small electric car and "Golden Steering Wheel 2020" title winner not only gets off to a brisk start, it also drives really far with a range of up to 337 kilometers according to WLTP1. The Corsa-e has lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of 50 kWh on board to ensure its unrestricted suitability for everyday use. And if energy needs to be recharged, this can be done quickly and easily: the 50 kWh batteries can be recharged to 80 percent within 30 minutes using fast charging at a 100 kW DC charging station. But whether high-speed charging, wall box or cable solution for the household socket - the Corsa-e is prepared for any charging option, just like all other current Opel electric cars.
