2012 Vauxhall Ampera will cover up to 350 miles on electricity
Vauxhall Ampera E-REV will make the longest journey by an electric car on British roads. The vehicle is going to try to cover 170 miles from in Luton, Bedfordshire to its passenger car plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
"It's quite poignant that Luton, our home for the last 105 years, should mark the starting point of not just this historic journey, but also the future of E-REV vehicles in the UK. In the last century, Vauxhall has pioneered innovation and technology for mainstream car buyers, and this commitment will continue with the Ampera. We're truly energising the future for British motorists.", commented Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's MD, who will drive the Ampera on the first leg of its journey from the company's Heritage Centre in Luton.
The expected range of Ampera is 350 miles. Electricity drives the Ampera's wheels at all times and speeds, and for the first 40 miles of the road trip, the power will be supplied by a high-efficient 16kWh lithium-ion battery, so the car will emit zero CO2 emissions.
When energy from the battery is depleted to a minimum, a small petrol/E85-fuelled engine generator comes in turn to provide electricity to power the electric drive unit, boosting range by a further 310 miles.
