Why Are Famous Brands Abandoning Electric Cars One After Another?

Opel, which once aimed to take the lead in Europe’s transition to electric mobility, has backtracked on its strategy to produce only electric vehicles by 2028. Instead, the company will adopt a flexible “multi-energy” production model, offering internal combustion engines, hybrids, and electric cars together.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl had previously announced in 2023 that, starting in 2028, all new Opel models sold in Europe would be exclusively battery-powered.

However, several factors influenced the company’s U-turn: lower-than-expected demand, economic difficulties, cuts in EV subsidies, high vehicle prices, range anxiety, and insufficient charging infrastructure.

With the new “Multi Energy” strategy, Opel will continue selling its most popular models—Astra, Corsa, Mokka, and Frontera—with internal combustion engine options beyond 2028. Smaller segment vehicles will be available with gasoline and diesel engines up to 130 horsepower, while SUV models will primarily be offered as hybrids.

Meanwhile, Opel has also shelved its planned large battery cell factory in Kaiserslautern. This shows once again that the EV transition is limited not only by technology but also by economic realities.

Opel is not alone—other German automakers have also postponed or scaled back their electric vehicle plans.

Source: ARTI49