The Vauxhall Ampera is set to make automotive history today as it claims the longest single journey made by an electric car on British roads.
The range-extended vehicle 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- a journey of more than 170 miles.
The prototype of the Ampera, set to go on sale in the UK in early 2012, has range of up to 350 miles. In its jounrey it 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 its 16kWh lithium-ion battery, meaning the Ampera will emit zero tailpipe emissions.
When the battery’s energy is depleted to a minimum state, a small petrol/E85-fuelled engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the electric drive unit, boosting range by a further 310 miles.
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.
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.”
You can also follow the Ampera on its groundbreaking journey via www.facebook.com/vauxhallampera.
