The Opel Ampera PHEV
The Opel Ampera, which is the cousin of the Chevy Volt, will be revealed at this week's Geneva Auto Show. It is basically the same vehicle as the Volt with some differing visual cues. Since this car will be sold in Europe, I at first thought it would have a diesel genset, but it will start life with a gasoline engine.
Of course, Opel is currently involved in a separation from General Motors and is trying to exist as a stand alone entity, but it needs German assistance to do so. Apparently, the German government will make a decision this week whether or not the Opel plan is viable and if they want to invest the billions of euros it would take to fund their transition. Suffice it to say that this auto show comes at a particular momentous period in Opel's history.
The Ampera is built upon the Voltec drivetrain being developed for the Volt that gives the auto a 40 mile EV range using a 16 kWh lithium battery. Once the battery is depleted, the genset kicks on to provide current to the motor and charge the batteries. The size of the Opel is nearly identical to the Volt and the styling is the same, with a slightly sexier look. What is still unclear is the instrument layout and creature comforts of the Ampera. I am sure we will learn more about that this week.
GM’s Volt vehicle line executive Frank Weber discusses the Ampera:
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