Green News: Vauxhall/Opel Ampera Available Early 2012

Vauxhall has announced today that its revolutionary Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) will cost under £30k when it hits UK showrooms in early 2012, bringing the reality of a technologically sophisticated, electrically-driven, family car with an uncompromised driving range firmly into the mainstream.

The Vauxhall/Opel Ampera is the only real-world electric car solution for a family. It is extremely efficient, unique in the market and has a number of operating modes, maximising performance in all circumstances. Its 50 mile (80 km) battery electric drive range may exceed most driver's travelling distance but when a longer journey is required, Ampera’s range-extender engine/generator produces electricity on board. The generator engages seamlessly once the battery has reached a minimum level of charge. The 50-mile battery electric range is thus extended by 310 miles (500km) permitting the driver to travel up to 360 miles (580 km) without the need for recharging or refuelling.

A full charge for Ampera’s battery can be achieved in less than four hours via a domestic 240v electricity socket. Commuting within the 50 mile range will ensure very low running costs on battery electric drive only.

Credits: wilswong