Out and About Ampera.
“Can I have a closer look?”
We took the Opel Ampera out for a drive in the city and encouraged people to ask us questions. Here are the replies.
Achmed, 31 What’s so special about it?
The Ampera has all the advantages of an electric car, and none of the drawbacks. Until now, there have been two forms of technology: electric cars, and hybrids. Electric cars operate solely on electricity, so when the batteries are empty you have to spend hours recharging them before you can continue. With a hybrid, the electric engine kicks in for short periods, for example when you’re driving away from traffic lights or for the first few kilometres. Otherwise, the petrol engine does the majority of the work.
The Ampera combines the advantages of both systems. It’s normally electric only and emission free, but you don’t have to worry about running out of power. If necessary, the auxiliary motor will recharge the battery as you drive, so it will get you quickly and safely to the next electrical outlet even if it’s 500 kilometres away.
Corinna, 52 Is the Ampera really cheaper to drive?
Well, let’s do the arithmetic. If you start your journey with a full battery, 60 kilometres will cost an average of €2, assuming electricity costs 20 cents per kilowatt hour, and 100 kilometres will cost €3.20.
A reasonably economical diesel engine that uses 5 litres per 100 kilometres costs €7.25, assuming a petrol price of €1.45. That’s more than double. Maintenance costs are the same as for other Opel models: you need a minor inspection once a year or every 30,000 km, and a detailed one every two years or 60,000 km. So the cost of the Ampera is around 15 to 20% less than most midrange cars, because the Voltec electric engine is virtually maintenance free, and the petrol-driven range extender is low maintenance.
Frank, 29 How do I recharge it?
The battery takes around four hours to recharge in a 230-volt, 16-amp household socket. Of course, one important environmental issue is where the electricity comes from. Opel has signed a cooperation agreement with green energy providers, and there are currently 30 of them in Germany.
The price also includes an inspection of your home charging setup. And you can program the Ampera’s energy management system to charge the battery during off-peak hours, for example at night, or when you have sufficient solar electricity available, if you generate your own.
