Opel Electric SUV Claims Battery Module Repair, Replace, Recycle

Opel claims it can repair, replace and recycle individual battery modules in the electric version of its new Grandland midsize SUV as part of its “Greenovation” production strategy.

Launching the model with its standard BEV warranty of 8 years or 99,419 miles (160,000 km) guaranteeing 70% of original battery performance, it claims the new car will achieve 435 miles (700 km) on a single charge from its 98-kWh battery pack.

The automaker has established a dedicated “Battery Shop” in the assembly plant at Eisenach, in the eastern German state of Thüringen. Here it hopes to reduce the carbon footprint of its batteries using its repair, remanufacture, reuse and recycle approach.

However, a spokesperson for automaker tells WardsAuto: “Please understand that we are not in a position to communicate the associated costs of such operations.” The spokesperson claims its reclaiming process can recycle nearly 100% of the modules, albeit how much of the process is commercially viable is yet in doubt with the industry at this fledgling stage.

Nonetheless, Opel claims up to 1,100 lbs. (500 kg) of the vehicle’s weight is from recycled and renewably sourced raw materials including all the fabrics used in the cabin’s interior plus door liners, instrument panel and center console. Three trims will also be vegan and any Alcantara trim will be based on 50% recycled materials.

Recycled aluminum as well as steel with recycled content is used in the vehicle’s body construction. In addition, the Grandland contains more than 40 polymer parts that consist of up to 80% “green” materials.