Vauxhall Ampera takes on longest EV trip

A prototype Vauxhall Ampera E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) is set to undertake the longest single road trip ever for an electric vehicle in the UK.

The car, which is due to go on sale in early 2010, will be driven in relay by a selection of drivers from Vauxhall's home in Luton, Bedfordshire to its passenger car plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire - a journey of more than 170 miles.

With a real-world range of 350 miles, the Ampera will be using under half its available power as it travels north up the M1 and M6 motorways, calling in at Vauxhall's Brand Centre at Star City, Birmingham on the way.

Electricity drives the Ampera's wheels at all times and speeds, and for the first 40 miles of the trip power will be supplied by electricity stored in a 16kWh lithium-ion battery, meaning the Ampera will emit zero tailpipe emissions.

Once the battery's energy is depleted to a minimum state, a small petrol/E85-fuelled engine generator will seamlessly provide electricity to power the electric drive unit, boosting range by a further 310 miles.

Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's MD, who will drive the Ampera on the first leg of its journey from the company's Heritage Centre in Luton, said: "It's quite poignant that Luton, our home for the last 105 years, should mark the starting point of not just this historic journey, but also the future of E-REV vehicles in the UK. In the last century, Vauxhall has pioneered innovation and technology for mainstream car buyers, and this commitment will continue with the Ampera. We're truly energising the future for British motorists."

Once at Ellesmere Port, the Ampera, which is built on the new Astra platform, will complete its journey at the end of the new Astra's production line, welcomed by plant director, Tony Francavilla.

The road trip takes place on Tuesday June 22. You can also follow the Ampera on its journey via facebook.com/vauxhallampera.

Source: indiacar.com Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (6/20/2010)