GM’s Vision of Future Technology
03/12/2009
At first sight, the Ampera is similar to Toyota's plug-in Prius, which went on trial just over a year ago.
Both function as electric cars that are charged through the socket and both have a back-up petrol engine that takes over once the battery runs out of juice.
But there is one fundamental difference, whilst plug-in hybrids have the combustion engine as their main power supply, Prius is mainly powered by a petrol engine that is supported by a battery, which can be charged either via the plug or, while the car is moving, by surplus power from the engine.
By contrast, the Ampera has an electric motor that is powered by a battery. This battery can be charged either via the plug or, while the car is moving, by an onboard 1.4 litre petrol engine that drives an electric generator.
'Range anxiety'
GM studiously avoids describing the Amera as a petro-electric hybrid. Instead, they describe it as an electric car with a range extender.
"Range anxiety" is a major reason why people avoid buying electric cars, according to GM Europe spokesman Denis Chick.
The Ampera gets around this problem by offering electric motoring for those who commute less than 40 miles per day, while at the same time offering drivers peace of mind in the form of a petrol engine that will extend the car's range to 300 miles.
The battery can be charged in three hours from a socket, and once its capacity falls to 30% the petrol engine kicks in to maintain that charge for the rest of the journey.
Ellesmere Port
The Ampera, with its T-bone shaped battery installed from below and hidden between and under the seat, is set to hit the road in Europe under the Vauxhall and Opel brands.
The car was first unveiled as a concept in 2007 and will be sold as the Chevrolet Volt in the US.
The car shares a platform with the Astra model, which is produced in three factories across Europe, including Ellesmere Port in the UK.
It has not yet been decided where it will be produced, but it has been said that the UK plant is a strong contender.