Opel/Vauxhall News: Opel/Vaxuhall Ampera-e is A Chevrolet Bolt With An English Accent

[William Maley]

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GM's European division is giving electrics another try. Next month at the Paris Motor Show, Opel and Vauxhall will unveil the Ampera-e. Yes, this is a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. 

Opel is keeping a lot of details close to their chest before Paris. But they did reveal some details about the Ampera-e's powertrain. The electric motor will produce 150 kW/201 horsepower. The top speed is around 150 km/h (about 93 mph). 

“The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future. The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun-to-drive,” said Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann in a statement.

Source: Opel
Press Release is on Page 2

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“e” for Electrifying: Opel Ampera-e World Premiere in Paris

• e-Premiere: revolutionary electric car at Paris motor show
• e-fun to drive: acceleration and overtaking ability like a sportscar
• e-connectivity: always online with IntelliLink infotainment and Opel OnStar

Rüsselsheim.  Opel will revolutionize electromobility at the up-coming “Mondial de l’Automobile” in Paris. From October 1-16 the Opel Ampera-e – an electric car that electrifies in every way – makes its world premiere (hall 5-2, booth 501). The car with the lightning flash logo combines pioneering battery technology and localized emissions-free operation with a fun-to-drive experience, as the maximum torque of 360 Nm provides impressive acceleration figures and overtaking ability.

“The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future” says Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun-to-drive.”

The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the new Opel. The power output of the electric motor is 150 kW/204 hp (PS). Standing starts at traffic lights and entering the motorway belong to the Opel Ampera-e’s favorite disciplines. The compact car sprints to 50 km/h in only 3.2 seconds, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h for overtaking is accomplished in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figures). The Ampera-e thus performs at the same level as OPC models, the sporty spearheads of Opel.

Fun-to-drive with the Opel Ampera-e also means swift cruising at up to 150 km/h. At the same time, the Ampera-e also offers a significantly longer range than most other electric cars. The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

Best entertainment: download your favorite films and music

Driving pleasure for the passengers over long distances is provided. In addition to the excellent feeling of roominess, there comes the best in digital connectivity, in typical Opel fashion. The Ampera-e has the newest generation of IntelliLink infotainment as well as Opel OnStar onboard. Subject to availability, the award-winning connectivity and service assistant simultaneously offers up to seven mobile devices access to its powerful Wi-Fi hotspot. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems bring the world of smartphones into the Ampera-e, so that passengers have full access to their favorite music or can download at will their preferred films – just a few examples of the many functions of the multifaceted entertainment. 

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[David]

Being a below 7 second 0-60 MPH or 0-100 KPH auto should make this very exciting.

[Drew Dowdell]

I like the front and rear ends better than the Chevy version.  Maybe we can get a luxury version here and call it the Buick Electra (finally)

[David]

Very small differences but differences still. I hope the press does not go crazy on calling it a rebadge which it is, but still good to have a global car that can sell well everywhere.

[ocnblu]

Would have been cooler if they showed it in Vauxhall trim, because Yellow Submarine, because Beatles, because Britain.

[David]

VW to show off 225 mile range EV auto at Paris Auto show, clearly EV's will be center stage and a serious focus for the show.

Interesting is that VW is saying a 15 min charge time for their new EV. Based on their 800 volt charging system that is going into the Porsche Mission E.

To quote:

" Speaking to German newspaper WirtschaftWoche (Industry and Economy Week) recently, Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess said the car would have the outside dimensions of the Golf but offer the interior space of the larger Passat. It will be the first car built on the company’s latest MEB chassis, specifically designed for all electric cars like the BUDD-e concept that appeared at the Consumer Electronics Show last January. Diess says it should be market ready in late 2018 or early 2019. "

Full story here: VW electric story

[David]

Interesting is the Autocar story that is saying VW is realigning their whole company to focus on alternative energy auto's and will allow them to focus on Hybrids and EVs having the most of any company by 2020.

Autocar Story

[David]

This Video shows why I am SO EXCITED about the BOLT!

Lets see who wins to the next light!

[David]

Test Drive of the Ampera-e

 

[Drew Dowdell]

I mean really... why bother with camo at that point.

[ocnblu]

Still a toy.  As much as new vehicles cost, a thinking person needs to make practicality a priority.

[Drew Dowdell]

6 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Still a toy.  As much as new vehicles cost, a thinking person needs to make practicality a priority.

Perfectly usable as a commuter car.  Co-workers of mine (husband and wife who both work in the same office) have two cars. They got a Jetta TDI for commuting in to work each day and they have a newish Sedona for hauling around their 4 kids.  An Electric with a 200 mile range would be more than enough.... and if they are smart about it, they would almost never need to even pay to charge it as we have free charging stations in two of the garages at work.  Charge it at work, don't charge it at home. Take the Sedona for long trips.   It would be virtually no different than their setup today. 

[ocnblu]

Well they should hold onto their TDi.  They're capable of 500k miles, and that is true conservation.

[Drew Dowdell]

36 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

Well they should hold onto their TDi.  They're capable of 500k miles, and that is true conservation.

The engine might be, but the rest of the car won't survive 500k miles of Pittsburgh winters....