The first electric cars appeared over a century ago. Their main disadvantages were short range and low performance. The Vauxhall Ampera uses state-of-the-art battery, control and engine technology to change that.
The new way to drive electric
We know about the advantages of electric cars, but we're also aware of the drawbacks.
Pure electric cars, which rely 100% on battery power, will always suffer from the limited amount of energy that can be stored in the battery. The consequent restricted range means that the way you can use such a car is also restricted. For most of us, that's just not good enough.
So what about the typical hybrid car? Well, it still uses a conventional internal combustion engine as its prime source of energy, with intermittent support from a less powerful electric motor. Some can drive very slowly on electric power alone, but only for extremely limited distances.
But the Vauxhall Ampera's prime mover is a super-efficient, battery-powered electric motor, which uses the support of the on-board engine-generator only when necessary. It overcomes the range limitations of simple battery electric cars while avoiding the compromises evident in a hybrid car.
E-REV technology
The Vauxhall Ampera is an extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV). It can be plugged into a standard 240v outlet for charging*. Energy is stored in a 22PSh, T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack powers the electric drive unit, which can provide full vehicle speed and acceleration performance for 25 to 50 miles.
For longer trips, the Vauxhall Ampera's on-board range-extending engine drives an electric generator to sustain the battery capacity. The range extender, which is powered by petrol, can generate additional electricity to power the car for up to 310 miles.
Electric all the way
A 150PS electric drive unit powers the Vauxhall Ampera's wheels at all times. Positioned under the hood next to the engine, it contains a pair of electric motors and a planetary gear set. Unlike a conventional powertrain, there are no step gears within the unit and no direct mechanical linkage from the engine through the drive unit to the wheels.
The battery makes the difference
While the majority of conventional hybrids (hybrid-electric vehicles or HEVs) use nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology, the Vauxhall Ampera is powered by a 22PSh lithium-ion battery pack comprises 288 lithium-ion cells. Lithium-ion batteries provide nearly two to three times the power of a NiMH battery in a much smaller package. They also offer a higher energy-to-weight ratio, which helps efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries suffer little or no memory effect and hold their charge when not in use.
Images shown are for illustrative purposes only, and may show optional equipment.
*Before charging at home with the standard charge cable, ensure that the capacity of the lectrical circuit and socket that you intend to use has been inspected and approved by a qualified electrician.
Reinventing electric propulsion
