Why Opel's electric goblin is causing me some concern

Opel has now officially presented an unusual and new companion: the electric goblin “Opelo”.

The cute, yellow and black cartoon character with button eyes and a lightning bolt on his face is intended to explain to children how electromobility works.

“Opelo” – from YouTube film to children’s room

In a specially produced YouTube animation, “Opelo” scurries through the control center, trips over cables, and causes the flash in the visor to flash.

Opel is supporting its presence with a merchandising collection: plush toys, T-shirts, stickers, lunch boxes, key rings, and soon even a backpack are available in the Opel Lifestyle Shop.

But actually, an electric car is quite simple to explain, even without a goblin.

Electromobility in everyday life – simply complicated

Because instead of gasoline or diesel, you fill up with electricity. You just have to do it more often – or always drive slowly to conserve range so you get where you need to be.

Or you have to plan for a longer waiting time to charge than with a normal refueling. This will certainly change in the future. However, the current reality on the road consists of different electricity providers, Apps, payment systems, and charging stations. Often really complicated.

And try to find a free, safe and functioning charging station at night in Berlin, Cologne, Gelsenkirchen or Hamburg – in some situations you will need your own charging station instead of a child’s goblin. SWAT team.

Video: “Opelo”

Marketing with a cuddly factor

As cute as “Opelo” may be, the figure has the potential to MarketingCriticism of the Year. While drivers struggle with charging infrastructure and nerves in their daily lives, and manufacturers struggle with sales, Opel is launching a cuddly toy for minors that romanticizes electric mobility as a children's birthday party.

Opel itself, however, sees "Opelo" as a popular vehicle that will inspire even the youngest generations to embrace e-mobility. Well then.

Whether the Kobold will actually help increase the acceptance of electromobility and sell more Opel electric vehicles – or simply cause laughter – remains to be seen.

Electric cars at toy level

Electromobility will ultimately Toys-level, as if it were a big children's birthday party with a touchable lightning face. Because there's actually nothing special for children to explain.

Of course, you can laugh about it – but for me, it actually causes concern. Behind the smile, there remains a dire premonition.

If manufacturers have to invent goblins for children to make their technology appealing and sell it to buyers, then the reality is guaranteed to be less cute than the advertising world promises...

Sierks Media / Photo, symbolic image: © Dhehaivan, Unsplash / Video: YouTube