Advertisement

Video: Technology behind the Opel Ampera explained

 
2 4,185 views Feb 5, 2009

2010 chevrolet volt live paris 010

The new Ampera extended-range hybrid vehicle is essentially Opel’s version of the Chevrolet Volt

The new Ampera extended-range hybrid vehicle is essentially Opel’s version of the Chevrolet Volt

Enlarge Photo
General Motors recently gave us a preview of a new plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt that the company plans to sell in Europe under its Opel division. The car is the new Opel Ampera and it is set to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. GM has now released a short video of Frank Weber, the vehicle line executive for the Volt and Ampera, explaining the technology behind the cars’ E-Flex plug-in hybrid system.

This previous official teaser image of the Ampera reveals that the Opel vehicle will be very similar to the Volt plug-in hybrid, with the only glaringly obvious differences between the cars being a new grille and bumper design. Like the Volt, the Ampera will be a four-door hatch with five-seater capacity.

Powering the car will be the new ‘Voltec’ plug-in hybrid system that was showcased recently in the Cadillac Converj Concept at this month’s Detroit Auto Show. Voltec is the latest iteration of GM’s E-Flex plug-in hybrid powertrain and features both a compact internal combustion engine and an electric drive system.


For short trips up to 40 miles, the Ampera will run only on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard European 230-volt outlet. For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by the small internal combustion engine. The Ampera will be well-suited to the daily driving schedule of most European customers. For example, approximately 80% of German drivers travel less than 30 miles daily.

More details, including an expected release date, will be revealed closer to the car’s Geneva reveal this March.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model
2009 Cadillac Converj plug-in hybrid coupe concept
2011 Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid

Opel Ampera concept technology explained


HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 chevrolet volt live paris 010

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 cadillac converj concept 014

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 opel ampera plug in hybrid 001




Tags:
Posted in:
 
 

Have an opinion?

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (2)

  1. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 1/26/2009 7:08pm PST

    Well, badge engineering is alive and well. I actually thought they'd put more effort in differentiating this from the Volt.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 1/27/2009 5:18am PST

    mike, why bother? i doubt that the volt will be marketed in europe the way things are headed... and it looks very opel... very european...

    i'd like to see that really planted chunky look translate to production but im sure it wont. for shame.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Research New Cars

Go!

Related Used Listings

Browse used listings in your area.
Listings Powered by


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2013 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.