We are all aware of the benefits of electric power: lower emissions and low running costs. Also the drawbacks: short range and the high risk of being left powerless. But the Ampera is different. Very different. Its unique Voltec propulsion system makes it a truly practical car for all journeys, delivering all the advantages of electric driving, without those drawbacks. No surprise then that it was awarded European Car Of The Year 2012, won the What Car? Green Car of the Year Award 2011 and Top Gear Magazine Green Car of the Year 2011.
The wheels are always electrically driven: powered by its 150PS Voltec propulsion system giving the Ampera up to 50 miles1 of driving from its lithium-ion battery pack – which independent research shows will meet the needs of 85% of UK commuters2. It can then be re-charged from the accessory 16amp/240 volt home charge station3 in 4 hours (6 hours using standard charge cable and 240v power socket4)5.
But what if you are only mid-journey when the battery loses power?
No problem: a 1.4 litre ECOTEC engine kicks in generating electricity for up to a further 310 miles, meaning an anxiety free non-stop range of up to 360 miles6. Naturally, you can refill the generator’s tank at any petrol station, until you get the opportunity to charge the battery up again. No range problem here!
Driving the Ampera
The Voltec propulsion system performs exceptionally well, and the performance can only be described as impressive. What else would you expect with 150PS at your disposal and 370Nm of torque (more than an Insignia 2.8 litre V6!) from zero rpm?
Acceleration from 0-60mph is achieved in under 9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 100mph. Of course, it is very quiet. And on-road performance is the same whether you are running on battery power alone, or have the generator running in extended-range mode.
All this from a four-seat, five-door hatchback with low running costs.
Fleet Savings
Apart from making a huge reduction in CO2 emissions from your car’s tailpipe you will gain from:
Eligibility for the Government £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant
No need to buy a separate electric car for low-cost commuting
No Vehicle Excise Duty to pay7
No London Congestion Charge to pay8
Just 5% Benefit-in-Kind taxation for Company Car Drivers (tax years 2012/2015)9
Reduced Class 1A NI contributions for employers
100% first year Writing Down Allowance for companies
We are very proud of what we have achieved with Ampera. But don’t just take our word for its innovation – see what the press are saying too:
There’s a whole new set of acronyms you’ll need to get to terms with: we explain what they are, what they mean – and why we think E-REV is best.
Images shown are for illustrative purposes only, and may show optional equipment.
* = Excludes fuel & lubricants; congestion charges; parking and speeding fines and the £250 insurance excess (if applicable).
1 = The range achievable in battery modus with a fully charged battery under typical everyday driving conditions, modest use of engine performance and in average weather conditions (without use of additional electrical consumers). The range is substantially influenced by the driving style.
2 = CCB EcoAuto Research, May 2010.
3 = The home charging station must be connected direct to the power supply and the work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
4 = Before charging at home with the standard charge cable, ensure that the capacity of the electrical circuit and socket that you intend to use has been inspected and approved by a qualified electrician.
5 = Average charging time required under average weather and temperature conditions. Actual charging time will depend on factors such as temperature and the specification of the electrical installation.
6 = Cumulated range from battery electric and range-extender operation, based on the respective official combined consumption figures according to regulation R (EC) No.715/2007 (in the version respectively applicable). The figures for fuel consumption, electrical consumption, range and CO2 emissions do not relate to a specific vehicle and are not part of an offer. They are provided only for the purpose of comparison between different vehicle variants. Additional equipment may increase the weight of the vehicle when empty, which may lead to a reduction in top speed and increased acceleration time. The published performance figures assume a 75kg driver plus 125kg load.
7 = Applies to first year rate and standard rate.
8 = Exemption from London Congestion Charge available upon the payment of a £10 annual registration fee. Correct at time of publication and based on paying full price charge (April 2012).
9 = General Motors UK Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all company car drivers consult their accountant with their particular tax position.
10 = Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of first car owner. 100,000 mile limit (8-year 100,000 mile warranty on the battery subject to the warranty conditions as outlined in the Vauxhall Ampera service booklet). Annual check required. The warranty excludes wear and tear and serviceable items and the vehicle must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's servicing schedule to continue the Lifetime Warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available to all Vauxhall passenger cars, (this offer does not apply to car-derived vans) from 1 August 2010.
Ampera – European Car Of The Year 2012
