The Ampera will be on sale in the UK early 2012. It is not a Hybrid, it is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). The technology involved is called VOLTEC at Vauxhall. The electric motor drives the car at all times. When the battery runs low, a petrol driven generator called the “Range Extender” takes over and supplies the electricity required. Any excess electricity and braking energy converted into electricity is returned to the battery. As you would expect, the Ampera drives in the silent electric mode at all times.

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Vauxhall Ampera Standard Features

• Main drive electric motor 111 kW
• 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• 1.4 litre 4cyl petrol engine 63kW with generator
• Single speed transmission, front wheel drive
• Acceleration 0 – 60mph in 9 sec, top speed 100mph
• Range using battery only: 40 miles
• Additional range using electricity from generator:310 miles
• Battery charging time: approx 4 hrs – 240V 13A house hold outlet

E-REV Principle (Refer to diagram below)

1. The main drive electric motor delivers 150 hp to the front wheels through a single reduction gearbox. This electric motor drives the car all the time.
2. With the on board battery pack powering the main drive electric motor the car has a range of approx 40 miles.
3. The battery pack can be charged from a normal domestic 240V 13A supply. To charge the battery takes approx 4 hours. A charging cable is provided with the car.
4. When reaching a minimum charge of the battery the petrol engine will start and supply electricity to the main drive through a generator. This will give the car a further range of approx 310 miles.