Opel to unveil electric estate concept at Paris 2026, dropping saloon body style
By Eve
Opel will present the STX concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, previewing the next generation Astra as an electric estate car only. The German Stellantis brand is discontinuing the saloon body style but continuing its estate heritage, which dates to the 1954 Olympia Rekord Caravan. Opel claims the electric estate will rival SUVs on efficiency grounds.
Why it matters
A shift to electric only estates could influence charging infrastructure planning if estate buyers adopt EVs at scale. The move also signals how legacy manufacturers are repositioning compact segments around electrification rather than abandoning them to SUVs.
Source
- Original title
- [FR] “Après la mode du SUV, Opel veut ressusciter le break électrique”
- Published
- 16 October 2026
- Updated
- 17 October 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- France
- Tag
- Opel
Related news
Opel cuts Astra Electric entry price to €36,490 with new Start trim in Germany
Opel has introduced a new entry-level Astra Start trim in Germany, reducing the Astra Electric's starting price by €1,900 to €36,490. The model retains its 115 kW (156 hp) motor and 55 kWh battery with 11 kW AC and up to 100 kW DC charging, but omits the heat pump, 180 degree rear view camera and keyless entry to achieve the lower price. The next trim level, Astra Edition, starts at €38,490 for the electric version.
Why it matters
A sub €37,000 entry point for a German built compact EV with 100 kW DC charging could shift fleet and salary sacrifice procurement decisions, particularly where heat pump efficiency is less critical. The €2,000 trim gap also signals how OEMs are using equipment cuts to compete on upfront cost in a price sensitive market.
Blue Energy Motors joins government PARIVARTAN scheme to supply electric heavy-duty trucks in Delhi-NCR
Blue Energy Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to participate in the PARIVARTAN Scheme, which offers financial incentives and tax concessions to fleet operators replacing aging, high-emission trucks and buses with zero-emission electric models across the Delhi-National Capital Region. The commercial vehicle maker will supply electric heavy-duty trucks to logistics providers transitioning away from fossil fuels under the programme.
Why it matters
The scheme creates a direct procurement pathway for electric truck suppliers targeting fleet operators in one of India's largest logistics corridors, with government-backed financial support lowering the barrier to heavy-duty EV adoption. For charging infrastructure providers, the programme signals growing demand for depot and en-route charging solutions capable of serving commercial electric trucks in the NCR.
Ultraviolette launches X-47 Venom electric motorcycle with 11 kWh battery and 343 km range at Rs 2.65 lakh
Bengaluru-based Ultraviolette Automotive has launched the X-47 Venom electric motorcycle at an introductory price of Rs 2.65 lakh for the first 5,000 units, with a regular price of Rs 3 lakh. Built on the new VX100 platform, the motorcycle offers a claimed Indian Driving Cycle range of 343 km on a single charge with its 11 kWh battery option, up from 323 km on the earlier X-47 Crossover. Bookings opened on Thursday, with deliveries scheduled for November 2026 and an international launch planned for 20 European countries at the EICMA exhibition in Milan on 3 November.
Why it matters
The launch signals growing competition in premium electric two-wheelers with improved battery technology, featuring 25% higher energy density and 15% lighter weight than previous generation packs, alongside twice the cooling performance for faster charging. For charging infrastructure providers, the expansion into European markets and higher range capabilities may drive demand for two-wheeler charging solutions across both domestic and international locations.