Tag Archives: EVs

Opel Unleashes the Mokka GSE: The Fastest All-Electric Blitz Yet

Opel has officially pulled the wraps off its most electrifying model to date: the all-new Mokka GSE. Teased under the energetic “OMG! GSE” campaign, the high-performance EV is no mere concept—it’s headed for serial production, bringing motorsport DNA to public roads with a bold, rally-inspired attitude.

This is not just another electric crossover. The Mokka GSE is Opel’s fastest-ever battery-electric production vehicle, drawing a direct line from the prototype Mokka GSE Rally that made waves in the electric motorsport world. And true to the Blitz badge’s promise, the production model delivers both thrilling specs and an equally head-turning design.

Performance: Electric Power, Motorsport Precision

At the heart of the Mokka GSE is a 207 kW (280 hp) electric powertrain delivering 345 Nm of instant torque. The result? A 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h, putting it firmly in hot hatch territory.

Drivers can tailor the experience with three drive modes:

  • Sport – for unfiltered performance
  • Normal – for balanced everyday use
  • Eco – to squeeze out maximum efficiency from the 54 kWh lithium-ion battery

Weighing in at under 1.6 tonnes, the Mokka GSE combines agility with rigidity. Opel has equipped it with a Torsen limited-slip differential, custom axles, double hydraulic dampers, and a sporty steering and braking setup—much of which borrows directly from Opel’s five-year expertise in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup.

Design: Rally-Bred Aesthetics with GSE Exclusivity

Visually, the Mokka GSE is unmistakably bold. Distinct GSE-specific front and rear aprons, yellow-accented brake calipers, and aggressive 20-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV 225/40 R20 tyres signal this is no ordinary crossover. A splash of GSE badging and contrasting yellow and black highlights amp up the sporty presence even more.

Inside, the rally influence continues with Alcantara sports seats featuring integrated headrests, yellow contrast stitching, and unique striping. A newly developed flattened sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals, and grey/black/yellow interior accents all build an immersive cockpit focused on performance and precision.

A 10-inch digital driver display and central touchscreen offer customisable telemetry, including G-force meters, acceleration data, and battery stats, all presented in the exclusive GSE interface.

A Road-Legal Rally Machine for the Electrified Era

Opel’s Vice President of Marketing, Rebecca Reinermann, sums it up best:

“The new Mokka GSE brings motorsport energy to the streets… made to turn heads and thrill the driver.”

With its combination of track-capable performance, motorsport-honed engineering, and daily usability, the Mokka GSE is poised to redefine what drivers can expect from a compact electric vehicle. It’s not just another crossover—it’s a call to action for driving enthusiasts ready to embrace electrification without compromise.

Expect to see the Mokka GSE rolling into showrooms soon. Until then, all we can say is: OMG, indeed.

Source: Stellantis

Alfa Romeo Supercharges Junior EV Line-Up with New £1,500 EV Grant

Alfa Romeo UK has announced a bold new initiative to support the growing electric vehicle market with the launch of the Alfa Romeo EV Grant. Effective immediately, the program offers a £1,500 discount across all variants of the Junior Elettrica, Alfa Romeo’s debut EV and one of the most hotly anticipated compact electric crossovers of 2024.

The incentive applies to every version of the Junior Elettrica – from the entry-level Elettrica to the range-topping 280hp Veloce and the stylish Intensa Special Series. Importantly, this grant stacks on top of existing retail offers, which include 0% APR on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and a complimentary EV home charger with standard installation, adding even more value for private buyers looking to make the switch.

“To underscore the commitment Alfa Romeo has in making electrification more accessible, we want to support customers with our EV Grant,” said Jules Tilstone, Managing Director of Alfa Romeo UK. “Our entire fully electric Junior range is now more appealing than ever with this incentive, which – along with our existing retail offers – will help encourage Britain’s drivers on their electric journey.”

A Compact Electric with Pure Italian DNA

The Junior marks Alfa Romeo’s bold first step into the EV segment, and it doesn’t stray far from the brand’s DNA. The compact crossover blends unmistakable Italian design with sporting intent. Two powertrains are on offer: a 156hp variant with a WLTP range of up to 255 miles, and the 280 hp Veloce, tuned for performance with a slightly reduced range of 207 miles.

Prices now start at £32,405 OTR (after the EV Grant) for the base Junior Elettrica. This model comes equipped with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, full LED lighting, and a tech-rich interior featuring a 10.25-inch Cannocchiale digital cluster, matching infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and a host of advanced safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking.

For those seeking more flair and functionality, the Speciale trim (£34,205 with grant) adds 18-inch Petali alloys, darkened styling cues, heated front seats with massage function, a rear-view camera, and power tailgate. The infotainment suite also gains built-in satellite navigation.

The Intensa edition (£37,405 OTR) is the most refined iteration, boasting gold-accented 18-inch alloys, a glossy black body kit, and a luxurious Alcantara interior finish.

But it’s the Veloce (£40,805 OTR) that will stir the hearts of enthusiasts. Powered by a punchy 280 hp electric motor with 345Nm of torque, the Veloce comes fitted with a Torsen limited-slip differential, 380mm front brakes with four-piston calipers, recalibrated steering, and 25mm lower sports suspension, making it a true driver’s EV – arguably one of the most engaging in its class.

Strong Value for New EV Buyers

Beyond the EV Grant, Alfa Romeo is sweetening the deal for buyers with a suite of retail offers. Qualified customers can take advantage of 0% APR on PCP with a 20% deposit across Speciale, Intensa, and Veloce trims. In addition, the brand is offering a complimentary Ohme ePOD or Home Pro charger with standard installation – a package worth up to £1,045 – and an optional three-year service plan for just £199, enhancing peace of mind for new EV adopters.

ModelOTR PriceEV GrantNew Price
Junior Elettrica£33,905-£1,500£32,405
Junior Elettrica Speciale£35,705-£1,500£34,205
Junior Elettrica Intensa£38,905-£1,500£37,405
Junior Veloce (280hp)£42,305-£1,500£40,805

With the launch of this new EV Grant, Alfa Romeo is making a serious push to become a competitive player in the premium electric crossover segment. Combining characteristically Italian design with tech-rich interiors and performance-driven engineering, the Junior range looks well-positioned to tempt both loyal Alfisti and new buyers alike.

Source: Alfa Romeo

Genesis G80 Goes Electric-Only in Europe with Bold New Design and Luxury Focus

In the crowded arena of European luxury sedans, a new challenger is turning heads—not with noise, but with quiet confidence. Meet the Genesis G80 Electrified, the flagship electric sedan from Hyundai’s premium offshoot, which is now taking a bold swing at Europe’s automotive establishment.

Genesis, though still a relative newcomer in the European market, is far from inexperienced. Already a familiar name in South Korea and the United States, the brand is rapidly gaining recognition for doing things differently—eschewing traditional dealer networks and commission-hungry salespeople for a boutique, customer-first approach.

Breaking the Mold

Instead of sprawling dealership lots, Genesis operates sleek urban “studios” situated in high-end retail environments. Sales are conducted online, and each customer is paired with a personal assistant—often someone from the world of luxury retail or fashion, rather than the automotive industry.

Backing up its premium promise, Genesis offers a comprehensive ownership package: five years of warranty, free servicing, roadside assistance, and even vehicle pick-up and return via covered transport. It’s a level of service few competitors match, particularly in the fiercely traditional European market.

Design That Dares to Stand Out

The G80 Electrified isn’t just about customer experience—it’s about presence. At nearly five meters long, the G80 casts a shadow larger than its segment rivals, inching closer to the Mercedes S-Class in stature while targeting the E-Class, Audi A6, and BMW 5 Series in competition.

Its elegant proportions are accentuated by Genesis’ now-iconic “Two Lines” design theme, visible in the headlights, taillights, and side accents. A gently sloping roofline gives it a coupé-like silhouette, while a bold, diamond-pattern grille adds character without falling into excess.

A recent mid-2025 refresh brought a stretched wheelbase—130 mm longer—for increased rear passenger comfort. Inside, a massive 27-inch curved display unites the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a high-tech, high-luxury feel that is both intuitive and immersive.

Electric-Only Ambitions

Genesis has taken a decisive step in Europe by eliminating combustion engines altogether for the G80. Gone are the 2.2-liter diesel and 2.5-liter turbo petrol variants. In their place stands the G80 Electrified, powered by dual electric motors producing 365 horsepower, with a substantial 94.5 kWh battery offering an impressive 570 km of range—an increase from the previous model’s 520 km.

This positions the G80 directly against electric heavyweights like the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and Audi A6 e-tron. In terms of price and performance, even models like the Polestar 2 or Porsche Taycan start to come into view, depending on your perspective.

But Genesis keeps things simple—perhaps too simple. There’s only one trim level available, priced at a hefty £75,615 (around €88,000). The upside? It’s fully loaded. From premium materials to state-of-the-art tech and driver assistance features, there’s nothing left on the options list.

The Genesis G80 Electrified isn’t a car that screams for attention—it earns it. While it doesn’t try to outpace its German rivals on twisty roads, it delivers where it counts for most buyers in this segment: comfort, refinement, and a sense of occasion.

Its cabin is arguably among the best in the class, both in terms of craftsmanship and ambiance. The overall package feels serene, understated, and confident—fitting for a brand that wants to do things on its own terms.

Yet the high price may limit its appeal, and the smallish boot is a practical compromise some buyers may find hard to ignore. Still, for those seeking something refreshingly different in a sea of sameness, the Genesis G80 Electrified offers a compelling alternative.

Genesis isn’t just arriving in Europe—it’s declaring intent. And it’s doing it with grace, innovation, and a quiet confidence that’s hard to ignore.

Source: Genesis