Opel’s dealerships in Germany will start selling the 2011 Opel Ampera extended range electric vehicle at a starting price of 42,900 euros (including national VAT) when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Opel Ampera will cost considerably more than its twin model, the Chevrolet Volt, which is due to be launched in the U.S later this year for a price of $41,000 (about €30,000).
The Ampera is powered by electricity at all times and speeds. For the first 40 – 80 km, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera drives free of gas- and tailpipe-emissions.
Independent research found that about 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 kilometers per day, so the Ampera would meet their requirements. When the Ampera’s battery runs low, the battery can be recharged in about three hours at 230v by plugging the vehicle’s on-board charge system into a standard outlet. Because the battery can be re-charged quickly, most Amperas are likely to be driven in battery mode nearly all the time.
If a longer trip is required, the gasoline-fueled engine/generator can seamlessly extend the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank. This range-extending technology means the Ampera is suitable for worry-free daily use by the whole family.
Customers wishing to reserve an Ampera can register at www.opel-ampera.com
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: Opel Ampera General
Vehicle type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive hatchback
Category: Electric vehicle with extended-range capability
Chassis: independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
Seating capacity: four
Performance
Top speed (km/h): 161
EV range (km): 40 – 80 (MVEG cycle)
Total range (km) > 500
Dimensions
Wheelbase (mm): 2685
Length (mm): 4404
Width (mm): 1798
Height (mm): 1430
Cargo volume (L): 301
Battery system
Type: lithium-ion
Energy (kWh) 16
Electric drive unit
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150
Torque (Nm): 370[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
