Opel Ampera at EU conference in Spain promoting electric vehicles

Opel will present the extended-range electric vehicle Ampera to European Union Competitiveness Ministers and the European Commissioner for Business and Industry at a meeting February 8 - 9 in San Sebastian, Spain to kick-start a new major project to promote electric car propulsion in Europe.

Industry ministers from all 27 European Union member states have been invited to the meeting by Spain, which currently holds the EU presidency, to discuss “the electric vehicle as a means to boost industrial, technological, energy and environmental opportunities.”

Led by Miguel Sebastián, Spain’s Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, the meeting in the Spanish seaside resort of San Sebastian, will focus on the requirements for the development of the electric vehicle in Europe, with emphasis on topics like the regulatory framework, common standards, financial support and infrastructure requirements. A working document to guide further discussions will be adopted.

As an integral part of the EU ministerial meeting, leading European manufacturers, including Opel, will exhibit electric vehicles that represent the present and future vision of advanced propulsion. The extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) Opel Ampera is a five-door, four-seater that is scheduled to go into production late 2011, using a ground-breaking electric propulsion technology which allows the Ampera to drive more than 500 kilometers.

Unlike other conventional electric propulsion systems, the Ampera uses electricity as its primary power source and, later, gasoline as a means to generate electricity. This helps the Ampera overcome all issues related to the usual limited range of pure electric cars.

The Opel Ampera is just one part of Opel’s mission to be a European leader in alternative propulsions, using our expertise in innovative technologies and making them affordable.

“We are honored by Minister Sebastian’s invitation to show EU Industry Ministers how Opel intends to lead the way in the electrification of the automobile,” says Gherardo Corsini,.Director, Electric Vehicle Implementation, who will attend the event. Corsini has been integral in developing the technology that makes the E-REV propulsion possible.

Credits: wilswong