Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Ampera

GM's revolutionary plug-in hybrid technology is showing other manufacturers the way.

GM is leading the way with a whole-new generation of hybrids! The Ampera, co-developed with its sister car the Chevrolet Volt, is poised to set new standards for fuel economy and emissions when it goes on sale in late 2011. Early tests suggest as much as 176mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km could be possible, along with a theoretical range of 320-miles.

The innovative drivetrain features a 150bhp motor running off a 16kWh battery. When this runs flat, a 75bhp 1.4-litre diesel kicks in to charge it up. Vauxhall has promised that the advanced lithium-ion cells will take three hours to top-up from a household socket, and will be guaranteed for up to 10 years. But with the batteries alone costing up to £5,000, the problem is keeping the price as low as possible.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024