Opel Mokka GSE Rally Debuts as First Electric Car Built for FIA eRally5

As one of the most rally-centric manufacturers in the Stellantis lineup, Opel is embracing the electrified evolution of rally racing. And this time, it’s doing more than dipping a toe in the water. The Mokka GSE Rally represents a full leap into electric rallying, serving as the first car officially developed for the FIA eRally5 class, which welcomes battery-powered cars to the world of competitive rally events.

A Rally-Ready Electric Crossover with Serious Power

Based on the standard Opel Mokka Electric (sold as the Vauxhall Mokka in the UK), the GSE Rally takes the everyday compact crossover and transforms it into a genuine stage weapon. While the road-going Mokka Electric produces a modest 136 horsepower, the GSE Rally prototype cranks out a whopping 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of a punchy electric powertrain.

That performance leap aligns the Mokka GSE Rally more closely with Rally4-spec cars rather than the tamer Rally5 class, where vehicles like the Renault Clio Rally5 and Suzuki Swift Sport Rally5 usually compete with mild performance enhancements. Opel is clearly aiming high here, offering electric rally performance that can hold its own against internal combustion rivals in a higher category.

Sharing DNA with Stellantis Siblings

Though Opel hasn’t confirmed all the hardware details, that output suggests the GSE Rally may share the same single-motor setup found in the new Abarth 600e Scorpionissima and Lancia Ypsilon HF—two performance EVs that also ride on Stellantis' e-CMP platform. The Mokka GSE Rally uses a 55kWh battery, which in road-going trim delivers around 207 miles of range. Of course, that figure is expected to drop significantly during flat-out rally stages.

To support eco-conscious motorsport ambitions, Opel and Stellantis plan to deploy green charging stations at rally service parks, eliminating the need for diesel generators and ensuring energy is sourced from sustainable methods.

Built for the Dirt – No Compromises on Performance Hardware

While the Mokka GSE Rally may share a platform and battery with civilian EVs, that’s where the similarities end. Opel engineers have given it a true motorsport-grade overhaul. The chassis receives a limited-slip differential, reinforced driveshaft, and competition-spec transmission, all designed to handle the brutal demands of off-road rallying.

Suspension upgrades include Bilstein dampers with reinforced MacPherson struts upfront and a rigid rear axle, ensuring stability and durability across rough stages. Inside, the interior has been stripped out and replaced with rally essentials—a full roll cage, lightweight materials, and a pair of racing bucket seats, shaving weight compared to the 1,600kg production Mokka Electric.

Battery and motor systems have been recalibrated specifically for motorsport use, enhancing throttle response, heat management, and regenerative braking behavior under high-stress conditions.

Safety First in the Age of Electric Rallying

Putting a high-voltage electric car into a crash-prone sport like rallying raises obvious safety concerns. Opel has addressed these head-on with a number of innovative solutions. The Mokka GSE Rally features real-time insulation monitoring, visual and audible safety alerts, and a motion sensor that cuts off the 400-volt battery during sudden deceleration—essentially a built-in crash response system.

Additionally, the car includes an onboard fire suppression system equipped with a specialized agent for battery-related fires, a must-have in high-risk motorsport environments.

Opel’s Electric Vision for Motorsport

Speaking on the debut, Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel and Vauxhall, said:

“For over four years, Opel and the ADAC have proven that electric rallying is not only possible—it’s thrilling. The Mokka GSE Rally gives us a look at the next generation of all-electric rally cars, combining advanced motorsport technology with powerful performance.”

While traditional combustion-powered Rally1 cars will remain on the global stage for at least a few more seasons, the introduction of the Opel Mokka GSE Rally hints at the future of electric rally racing—one that prioritizes performance, safety, and sustainability without sacrificing adrenaline.

Final Thoughts

As electric vehicles continue their march into every corner of the automotive world, the arrival of the Opel Mokka GSE Rally in the FIA eRally5 category is a milestone worth watching. It might not have the scream of a turbocharged inline-four or the bark of a WRC monster, but what it does offer is a new way to go fast—cleaner, quieter, and just as committed.