The revolutionary Opel Ampera has celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. General Motors Europe, presented the electric car with extended-range plans and announcements by putting the car into production in late 2011. Opel Ampera will be offered with right-hand drive in the UK by sister brand Opel, Vauxhall.
For journeys of 25-50 miles, with a fully charged battery, you can be satisfied with the knowledge that you’re running on pure electricity. The lithium-ion batteries in the Ampera offer 2-3 times more power than the NiMH (nickel metal hydride) versions found in conventional hybrids. So, there’s plenty of juice on full charge, but when they become totally depleted, something happens...the 1.4 petrol engine swings into action to power an electricity generator, which tops up the electric motor’s battery. With this system, you can drive on for up to 310 more miles!
The electric motor is powered by electricity stored in the 16 kW hour lithium-ion battery. When the battery runs out, electricity from an engine-generator extends the Ampera to over 500 km of range overall. Opel Ampera can be charged through contact powered 230V, that every household has in their garage.
GM Europe is analysing the requirements of a recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles Plug-in energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain. The revolutionary Opel Ampera, will be the first car from the brand without harmful emissions in Europe suitable for everyday driving. The Voltec electric propulsion system provides lively acceleration and high levels of refinement throughout.
The Opel Ampera comes with five doors four seats for passengers, and gives the driver confidence and peace of mind. Unlike cars powered by conventional batteries, the electric car Opel Ampera eliminates the scope of anxiety attached to the technology, giving confidence to that the car will not suddenly power during movement.
Engineers researching at the development centre in Mainz-Kastel Germany are testing the battery around the clock for 365 days to ensure that it will meet the expectations of customers. The nearly silent electric drive unit delivers 370 Nm of torque, the equivalent of 150 horsepower. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph takes about nine seconds, and the top speed will be 161 kph overall. Opel Ampera will be a perfect car for the daily driving schedule of most European customers.
For example, approximately 80 percent of German drivers travel less than 50 km daily. Early evaluations of the Opel assume is that it will cost about one-fifth compared to conventional vehicles with gasoline engines if fuel prices continue to rise.