AUTONEWS

Opel RAK-e: “bold experimental vehicle for the future of electromobility”

Almost 100 years ago, Opel was the biggest bicycle manufacturer in the world, and then the company focused on car production. However, following their tradition, the German brand's engineers have occasionally worked on two- and three-wheel prototypes.

As early as 2011, Opel had mobility aspects in mind such as eco-drive systems, increased traffic density in cities and much more. That's why, at the Frankfurt Motor Show that year, it surprised visitors with the unusual RAK-e concept. The name was a tribute to Fritz von Opel's RAK rocket cars of the late 1920s.

Twelve years ago, Opel literally defined the RAK-e as a “daring experimental vehicle for the future of electromobility”. The design of this two-seater battery-powered model was very reminiscent of a motorbike and was a light and dynamic concept for an affordable zero-emissions vehicle.

The aerodynamically sophisticated RAK-e featured a wider track on the front axle and two closely mounted rear wheels that received the mechanical power, making it a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

Visually, the study was somewhat reminiscent of small cars from the 1950s, such as the Messerschmitt. The RAK-e measured exactly 3 meters long and 1.20 meters wide. In theory, two people could fit inside, but, according to the manufacturer, a vehicle with these characteristics was usually occupied by one.

The vehicle was developed in collaboration with KISKA, the designers of the KTM X-Bow. The special feature of the RAK-e was the cab hood, which served as both an entrance and exit, and opened and closed automatically.

This lightweight, emission-free vehicle weighed just 380 kilograms. Opel ensured a range of 100 kilometers and a top speed of up to 120 km/h. The particularity: with just one euro, you could travel 100 kilometers (according to electricity prices at the time). RAK-e needed only 4.9 kWh per 100 km.

With RAK-e, it was assumed that 16-year-olds could drive and have guaranteed urban mobility. But this idea came true much later, in August 2021, Opel presented the Rocks-e based on the Citroën Ami.

Autonews