Opel Frontera Electric: The Return of a Legend in Electric Form

May 2024. Istanbul, Turkey. Opel unveils something that automotive enthusiasts didn't expect - the return of the legendary Frontera name. But this isn't your father's rugged off-roader from the 1990s. This is a modern, family-oriented electric SUV built on the same Smart Car platform as the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross. The question everyone asked: can a legendary nameplate from the era of diesel engines successfully transition to the electric age?

The original Frontera was Opel's answer to the booming SUV market of the 1990s. Built on Isuzu underpinnings, it was rugged, reliable, and surprisingly capable off-road. It sold well across Europe, becoming a symbol of affordable adventure. But that was then. The new Frontera Electric has nothing to do with its predecessor except the name and the spirit of practicality.

What we have here is a thoroughly modern electric SUV designed for families who need space, versatility, and electric range without breaking the bank. Starting at 125,900 PLN in Poland, it positions itself as one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the market. But is it just a Citroën ë-C3 Aircross with an Opel badge? Let's find out.

But Let's Start with the Basics: What Is the Opel Frontera Electric?

The Opel Frontera Electric is a compact electric SUV built on Stellantis' Smart Car platform - the same architecture underpinning the Citroën ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross. It's a thoroughly European product, designed at Opel's design studio and manufactured in Slovakia at the Trnava plant. This makes it eligible for certain European incentives that exclude Chinese-made vehicles.

Basic Technical Data (2025):

• Battery: 44 kWh or 54 kWh Extended Range (LFP - lithium iron phosphate)
• Motor: 83 kW / 113 HP, 120 Nm
• WLTP Range: 305 km (44 kWh) / 408 km (54 kWh Extended Range)
• 0-100 km/h Acceleration: 11 seconds (estimated)
• Top Speed: 135 km/h (estimated)
• AC Charging: 7.4 kW (standard), 11 kW (option for 1,500 PLN)
• DC Charging: 100 kW (20-80% in 26 minutes)
• Connector: CCS2 (Combo 2)
• Trunk: 460 liters (1,594 liters with rear seats folded)

Versions Available in Poland (2025):

Edition (44 kWh) - from 125,900 PLN

• 16-inch steel wheels with covers
• LED headlights
• Manual climate control
• 10-inch central touchscreen
• Reversing camera with parking sensors
• Inductive smartphone charging
• 6 airbags
• Advanced safety systems (AEB, lane assist)

Edition Extended Range (54 kWh) - from 135,900 PLN

• Same equipment as Edition
• Larger 54 kWh battery
• 408 km WLTP range (100 km more)

GS (44 kWh) - from 139,900 PLN

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED rear lights
• Automatic climate control
• Additional driver assistance features
• Enhanced interior trim

GS with 11 kW Charger (44 kWh) - from 141,400 PLN

• All GS features
• Three-phase 11 kW onboard charger

The Frontera Electric is positioned as a practical family SUV that doesn't try to be sporty or luxurious. It's honest, straightforward, and focused on delivering space and functionality at a reasonable price.

LFP Battery: The Same Smart Choice as Citroën

Like its Citroën sibling, the Frontera Electric uses LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery chemistry. This is a deliberate choice prioritizing longevity, safety, and cost over maximum energy density.

Two Battery Options: Flexibility for Different Needs

44 kWh Battery (Standard):

• WLTP Range: 305 km
• Real-world summer range: 250-270 km
• Real-world winter range: 190-220 km
• For whom: Urban users, daily commutes up to 150 km
• Price advantage: Lower starting cost

54 kWh Extended Range:

• WLTP Range: 408 km
• Real-world summer range: 340-370 km
• Real-world winter range: 250-280 km
• For whom: Longer commutes, occasional road trips
• Price premium: 10,000 PLN over standard

The 54 kWh Extended Range version is particularly interesting. It's not just a bigger battery - Opel also improved efficiency, reducing consumption from 18.2-18.5 kWh/100 km to 15.8-16.5 kWh/100 km. This means you get about 100 km additional range from just 10 kWh extra capacity.

Why LFP Makes Sense Here

The advantages of LFP chemistry are particularly relevant for a family SUV:

Longevity: LFP batteries handle 3000-4000 charging cycles with minimal degradation. After 200,000 km, expect 85-90% of original capacity. For a family car that might be used for 10-15 years, this is crucial.

Safety: LFP is chemically stable and resistant to thermal runaway. When you're transporting your family, this peace of mind matters.

Cost: LFP is 20-30% cheaper to produce than NMC, allowing Opel to offer a spacious SUV under 130,000 PLN.

Temperature tolerance: While LFP performs worse in extreme cold, the Frontera's larger size and better insulation compared to the compact ë-C3 help mitigate this.

The main disadvantage remains: no active battery heating. This means winter performance will suffer, particularly for fast DC charging. On a cold morning, you might see charging speeds drop to 50-60 kW instead of 100 kW until the battery warms up.

AC and DC Charging: Understanding Your Options

AC Charging: Standard 7.4 kW vs Optional 11 kW

Here's where things get interesting for buyers. The Frontera Electric comes standard with a 7.4 kW single-phase onboard charger. But there's an optional 11 kW three-phase charger available for an additional 1,500 PLN.

Standard 7.4 kW Charger:

• 44 kWh battery: 0-100% in about 7.75 hours (465 minutes)
• 54 kWh battery: 0-100% in about 9.5 hours (estimated)
• Socket required: CEE32 single-phase (red)
• For whom: Those with single-phase home installation

Optional 11 kW Charger:

• 44 kWh battery: 0-100% in about 5 hours (300 minutes)
• 54 kWh battery: 0-100% in about 6.5 hours (estimated)
• Socket required: CEE16 three-phase
• For whom: Those with three-phase home installation
• Cost: 1,500 PLN upgrade

Should You Pay for the 11 kW Option?

The answer depends on your home electrical setup:

Choose 7.4 kW (standard) if:

• You only have single-phase electricity at home
• Installing three-phase would be prohibitively expensive
• You charge overnight and 7-8 hours is acceptable

Choose 11 kW (upgrade) if:

• You have or plan to install three-phase electricity
• You want flexibility for faster charging
• You might use public AC charging stations (many offer 11 kW or more)
• 1,500 PLN is reasonable for 35-40% faster charging

For most users with three-phase capability, the 1,500 PLN upgrade is absolutely worth it. You'll gain almost 3 hours on a full charge cycle.

DC Fast Charging: 100 kW is the Sweet Spot

The Frontera Electric supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging, which is excellent for this class:

• 20-80% charging: 26 minutes (both battery sizes)
• 10-80% charging: approximately 30-32 minutes
• Real-world charging: Expect 85-95 kW average due to charging curve

Charging Curve Analysis:

Like most electric vehicles, the Frontera charges fastest when the battery is between 10-50% state of charge:

• 10-30%: 95-100 kW
• 30-50%: 90-95 kW
• 50-70%: 75-85 kW
• 70-80%: 60-70 kW
• 80-90%: 30-40 kW
• 90-100%: 10-20 kW

Practical implication: Always plan to charge to 80% on DC stations. Charging from 80% to 100% takes almost as long as 20% to 80%, which is inefficient.

Which Ampere Point Charger for Opel Frontera Electric?

This is crucial: the right home charging solution can make or break your electric vehicle experience. Let's break it down by scenario.

Scenario 1: Standard 7.4 kW Onboard Charger + CEE32 Socket

Your car: Standard 7.4 kW single-phase charger
Your home: CEE32 single-phase socket (red)

Our Recommendation:

Q74 (7.4 kW, portable) - See offer

Why Q74 is perfect:

• Power: 7.4 kW matches your car perfectly
• Full charging 44 kWh: about 7.75 hours
• Full charging 54 kWh: about 9.5 hours
• WiFi app: Schedule charging for cheap night rates
• Statistics: Track your energy consumption
• Portable: Take it to the cottage, visit friends with EVs
• Rugged: IP66/IK10 rating means it can withstand harsh conditions

Alternative: P72 (7.4 kW, portable) - See offer

• More affordable without WiFi
• 2.4" LCD display shows charging status
• Timer function for scheduled charging
• Same reliability as Q74

Why NOT Q11/P11?

Because your car can only accept 7.4 kW. A Q11 charger can deliver 11 kW, but your car will only use 7.4 kW. You'd be paying extra for power you can't use.

Scenario 2: Optional 11 kW Onboard Charger + Three-Phase Installation

Your car: Optional 11 kW three-phase charger (paid 1,500 PLN upgrade)
Your home: CEE16 three-phase socket

Our Recommendation:

Q11 (11 kW, portable with app) - See offer

Why Q11 is the best choice:

• Power: 11 kW - utilize your car's full charging capability
• Full charging 44 kWh: about 5 hours
• Full charging 54 kWh: about 6.5 hours
• WiFi app: Complete control over charging
• Adjust current by 1A increments even during charging
• Energy statistics: Track costs per session
• Limit by kWh: Charge exactly what you need
• Portable: Great for trips to family with EVs

Q11 with Adapters - Universal option

• Includes CEE16A to Schuko adapter
• Can charge from regular 230V socket at 3.7 kW
• Maximum flexibility: works with any power source
• Ideal if you're unsure about your installation

Alternative: P11 (11 kW, portable) - See offer

• More affordable without WiFi
• 2.4" LCD display
• Same charging speed as Q11
• Simpler operation

Q11 vs P11 - Which to Choose?

Both are portable and deliver the same 11 kW charging speed. The difference:

• Q11: WiFi app, smart features, adapter option
• P11: Lower price, straightforward operation, reliable

If you value smart features and remote monitoring, choose Q11. If you prefer simplicity and want to save money, P11 is excellent.

Scenario 3: Only 230V Domestic Socket

Your home: Only standard 230V socket (no CEE)

Our Recommendation:

Q37 (3.7 kW, portable) - See offer

For whom this works:

• Very low daily mileage (under 60 km)
• Can charge for 12+ hours overnight
• Emergency backup charging solution

Charging times at 3.7 kW:

• 44 kWh battery: about 15-16 hours (0-100%)
• 54 kWh battery: about 19-20 hours (0-100%)

Reality check: This is slow. If you drive the Frontera regularly, you really should consider installing at least a CEE32 socket for 7.4 kW charging.

Alternative: P35 (3.7 kW) - See offer

• More affordable
• LCD display
• Timer function

Alternative: B35 (3.7 kW, basic) - See offer

• Most budget-friendly
• Button-controlled current adjustment
• No LCD display
  
  
  

Charging Time Comparison: Frontera Electric

Battery	Power	Charger	0-100%	20-80%	Daily Usage
44 kWh	3.7 kW	Q37/P35/B35	~16h	~10h	Under 60 km/day
44 kWh	7.4 kW	Q74/P72	~8h	~5h	Up to 150 km/day
44 kWh	11 kW	Q11/P11	~5h	~3h	Up to 200 km/day
54 kWh	11 kW	Q11/P11	~6.5h	~4h	Up to 250 km/day
Any	100 kW DC	Station	~40min	~26min	Road trips

Before You Buy a Charger - Check Your Socket!

This is critical! Your charging speed depends entirely on your home electrical installation.

Option 1: Standard 230V Socket (Schuko)

What it looks like: Regular wall socket - like for your TV or laptop

Charging capability:

• Power: 3.7 kW (16A, single-phase)
• Frontera 44 kWh: about 16 hours full charge
• Frontera 54 kWh: about 20 hours full charge

Warning: About 20% of household sockets have installation issues (no proper grounding, reversed polarity, undersized wiring). Quality chargers like ours will detect these problems and refuse to charge - this protects your car and home from potential electrical hazards.

Suitable for:

• Emergency backup charging
• Very light usage (under 50 km daily)
• Temporary solution while installing proper outlet

Compatible chargers:

• Q37 - 3.7 kW with WiFi
• P35 - 3.7 kW with display
• B35 - 3.7 kW basic

Option 2: Industrial CEE Socket

What it looks like: Red or blue round connector, much larger than standard socket

Two types:

CEE 16A (three-phase, "small power"):

• Power: 11 kW
• Frontera 44 kWh: about 5 hours
• Frontera 54 kWh: about 6.5 hours
• Requires: Three-phase electrical installation (400V)
• Important: Only works if you have 11 kW optional charger in car!

CEE 32A (single-phase, red, "large power"):

• Power: 7.4 kW
• Frontera 44 kWh: about 8 hours
• Frontera 54 kWh: about 10 hours
• Works with standard 7.4 kW car charger

Compatible chargers:

• For CEE 16A (11 kW): Q11 or P11
• For CEE 32A (7.4 kW): Q74 or P72

Not Sure What You Have?

• Take a photo of your electrical panel and any outdoor power outlets
• Consult an electrician - they can assess your installation in 15 minutes
• Choose Q11 with adapters - works with both 230V and CEE, maximum flexibility

Frontera vs Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The Frontera Electric doesn't exist in a vacuum. Let's see how it compares to key rivals.

Frontera Electric vs Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf (2024):

• Battery: 40 kWh or 62 kWh
• Range: 270 km / 385 km WLTP
• AC Charging: 6.6 kW (no three-phase option)
• DC Charging: 50 kW (CHAdeMO connector)
• Trunk: 420 liters
• Price: Similar range

Frontera Advantages:

• Newer platform (2024 vs 2017 design)
• Faster DC charging (100 kW vs 50 kW)
• CCS2 connector (better infrastructure)
• 54 kWh option matches Leaf 40 kWh price with more range
• More modern interior design
• LFP battery longevity

Leaf Advantages:

• More established model
• Larger trunk (420 vs 460 liters)
• Available heat pump (in some markets)
• Proven reliability record

Verdict: Frontera Electric wins on technology, charging speed, and value. Leaf wins on reputation.

Frontera Electric vs Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring:

• Battery: 26.8 kWh
• Range: 230 km WLTP
• AC Charging: 7.4 kW
• DC Charging: 30 kW
• Size: Significantly smaller (3.73m vs 4.38m)
• Price: From ~90,000 PLN (cheaper)

Frontera Advantages:

• Much larger (SUV vs city car)
• Better range (305 km vs 230 km)
• Faster DC charging (100 kW vs 30 kW)
• More spacious interior
• Better equipment
• More premium feel

Spring Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper
• Adequate for pure urban use
• Lower running costs

Verdict: Different segments entirely. Spring for budget-conscious urban users, Frontera for families needing space and versatility.

Frontera Electric vs Citroën ë-C3 Aircross

Citroën ë-C3 Aircross:

• Same platform, same batteries, same powertrain
• Slightly different design language
• Similar pricing
• Essentially the same car

Key Differences:

• Design: Frontera more rugged, Aircross more rounded
• Brand perception: Opel = German, Citroën = French
• Dealer network: Different in each market
• Small equipment variations

Verdict: Choose based on design preference and dealer proximity. Mechanically identical.

Real-World Ownership: What to Expect

Daily Driving Experience

City Driving:

• Responsive acceleration from standstill
• Good visibility thanks to upright seating
• Easy to park despite size
• Quiet and refined
• Regenerative braking reduces brake wear

Highway Driving:

• Comfortable at 120 km/h
• Some wind noise (it's a tall SUV)
• Stable handling
• Range drops noticeably above 110 km/h
• Adequate power for overtaking

Winter Performance:

• Expect 30-35% range reduction
• No heat pump means higher cabin heating consumption
• Pre-conditioning while plugged in helps
• Battery needs warming for optimal DC charging
• Still usable, just plan accordingly

Practicality: The Frontera's Strongest Suit

Interior Space:

• Front seats: Spacious, comfortable for 6-foot adults
• Rear seats: Adequate legroom, good headroom
• 60/40 split: Fold seats for cargo flexibility

Cargo Capacity:

• Seats up: 460 liters - competitive for the class
• Seats down: 1,594 liters - genuinely useful
• Loading height: Reasonable for elderly users
• Shape: Practical, square design maximizes usable space

Family Features:

• Five seats standard (seven-seat option in hybrid only)
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear door opening wide for child seat installation
• Decent rear door pockets
• USB charging ports front and rear

Running Costs

Electricity Costs (Poland, 2025):

• Average night rate: 0.60-0.80 PLN/kWh
• 44 kWh battery: 26-35 PLN per full charge
• 54 kWh battery: 32-43 PLN per full charge
• Cost per 100 km: approximately 8-12 PLN (depending on driving style)

Compared to combustion:

• Similar-sized diesel SUV: 25-35 PLN per 100 km
• Annual savings (15,000 km): approximately 2,500-4,000 PLN

Other Running Costs:

• No oil changes
• Minimal brake wear (regenerative braking)
• No emission testing
• Reduced maintenance generally
• Potential parking/toll benefits in some cities

Battery Longevity

LFP Chemistry Advantages:

• 3,000-4,000 cycles before significant degradation
• After 200,000 km: expect 85-90% capacity retention
• Can regularly charge to 100% without harming battery
• More stable in various temperatures than NMC

Real-World Expectation:

• Year 1-3: Minimal degradation (2-3%)
• Year 4-7: Gradual decline (reaching 90-92% capacity)
• Year 8-10: More noticeable (85-88% capacity)
• Year 10+: Still usable (80-85% capacity)

For a 44 kWh battery:

• New: 305 km range
• After 100,000 km: approximately 290 km range
• After 200,000 km: approximately 270 km range

Bottom Line: Who Should Buy the Opel Frontera Electric?

After thorough analysis, here's who this car is perfect for:

Frontera Electric Is Ideal For:

Families needing space:

• Five seats with good room
• Large trunk for groceries, sports equipment, vacation luggage
• Practical shape, easy loading

Daily commuters (up to 150 km daily):

• 44 kWh version perfectly adequate
• Charge overnight, leave with full battery
• Weekend trips within 200 km radius

Long-distance commuters (up to 250 km daily):

• 54 kWh Extended Range recommended
• Comfortable highway cruising
• DC fast charging for emergencies

Value-conscious buyers:

• Competitive pricing for size and space
• Lower running costs than diesel
• European production (eligible for more incentives)

Practical users over tech enthusiasts:

• Straightforward operation
• No gimmicks, just functionality
• Easy to understand and use

Frontera Electric Is NOT For:

Regular long-distance travelers:

• 300+ km trips require charging stops
• No heat pump reduces winter highway range
• Consider PHEV or larger battery EV

Tech enthusiasts:

• Basic infotainment system
• Limited advanced driver assistance
• Not cutting-edge technology

Off-road adventurers:

• Front-wheel drive only
• Limited ground clearance
• Name suggests capability it doesn't have

Those expecting luxury:

• Hard plastics in interior
• Basic trim materials
• Functional rather than premium

Final Verdict

The Opel Frontera Electric is exactly what it promises to be: a practical, affordable, spacious electric SUV for families. It doesn't try to be sporty, luxurious, or cutting-edge. It's honest, straightforward, and gets the job done.

Strongest points:

• Excellent space for money
• Competitive pricing
• Two battery options
• Decent charging speed
• LFP battery longevity

Weakest points:

• No heat pump (winter range suffers)
• Basic interior materials
• Nothing exciting or special
• Nameplate doesn't match heritage

Is it the best electric SUV on the market? No. Is it the best value electric SUV for families on a budget? Quite possibly yes.

The key to success with the Frontera Electric is choosing the right configuration and having proper home charging. Get the 54 kWh Extended Range if you can afford the 10,000 PLN premium - that extra 100 km makes a real difference. And seriously consider the 1,500 PLN upgrade to 11 kW charging if you have three-phase electricity.

With the right setup, the Frontera Electric can serve as your family's primary vehicle for years to come. Just don't expect it to be exciting. Expect it to be practical, reliable, and affordable. That's the Frontera way.

Sources

(1) wyborkierowcow.pl - "Opel Frontera Electric Edition (2024 - ) - dane techniczne"
(2) samochody.pl - "Powrót kultowego SUV-a w nowoczesnym, elektrycznym wydaniu"
(3) EVSpecsHub - "Opel Frontera Electric 44 kWh (2024) - FULL Specs"
(4) Green Cars Compare - "Opel Frontera Electric 44 kWh 2025 - EV Charging Calculator"
(5) MotoMagazyn - "Nowy Opel Frontera 2024 zaprezentowany"
(6) Elektrowoz.pl - "Opel Frontera Electric i CENA od 129 900 złotych"
(7) Elektrowoz.pl - "Nowy Opel Frontera Electric: cena od 29 000 euro, bateria LFP 44 kWh"
(8) Stellantis Media - "Opel Frontera Electric: teraz z zasięgiem większym o 100 kilometrów"
(9) mmcars.pl - "Nowy SUV Opel Frontera 2025 - wersja hybrydowa i elektryczna"
(10) Francuskie.pl - "Nowy Opel Frontera Electric o zwiększonym zasięgu wchodzi na polski rynek"
(11) EV Database - "Opel Frontera Electric 44 kWh (2024-2025) price and specifications"

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Check Our Chargers

For standard 7.4 kW version:

• Q74 - portable charger 7.4 kW with WiFi
• P72 - portable charger 7.4 kW

For optional 11 kW version:

• Q11 - portable charger 11 kW with WiFi
• Q11 with adapters - universal charger
• P11 - portable charger 11 kW

For 230V socket:

• Q37 - 3.7 kW with WiFi
• P35 - 3.7 kW with display
• B35 - 3.7 kW basic