Huge interest surrounded the launch of the Voltec technology that underpins the US-only Chevrolet Volt and now the same system will power a European version, to be marketed under the Opel and Vauxhall brands.
Set to be named the 'Ampera', Opel badges will adorn the preview version set to be unveiled at the
Geneva Motor Show in March, though it's expected that they'll be replaced by the Vauxhall griffin for sale in the UK.
The Ampera takes the same route as its American cousin, with a five-door hatchback shape of about the same size as a Vauxhall Astra. It's unclear whether the bold styling of the Geneva show car will make production, though it continues the family look currently championed by the
Insignia.
As in the Volt, the Ampera can travel about 40-miles on electricity alone, with the option to plug the car into any mains electricity supply to top up the charge of the lithium-ion battery. However, what makes the Ampera more appealing than conventional range-limited electric cars is that it has an onboard generator in the form of a small internal combustion engine, which kicks into action once the battery needs charging.
Although the Chevrolet Volt utilises a petrol engine, it's very possible that the European version will be fitted with a diesel unit, further enhancing the car's effective cost per mile. We'll know more, including an on-sale date, following the General Motors press conference in Geneva on March 3rd.
Shane O' Donoghue - 28 Jan 2009