The new Opel Ampera electric vehicle made its Irish debut this week at the Energy Show at Dublin's RDS.
It marks a new chapter in the technological history of the car. The Ampera is expected to go on sale in Ireland this September.
Earlier this month the Opel Ampera was awarded the accolade of European Car of the Year by a jury from Europe. The Ampera and sister model, the Chevrolet Volt, are the first electric vehicles that remove range anxiety issues from the scenario. Recently, the Ampera was also awarded the maximum of five Euro-NCAP stars for safety.
The Opel Ampera works by using a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack that feeds an advanced, 111kW/150hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80km of pure electric driving with zero emissions. The vehicle has enough power to cover most drivers’ daily commute and, for longer journeys, a range extender, which kicks in when the battery is low. The range extender is a petrol-powered generator that supplies electricity to the car for up to a further 500km. Opel says the Ampera’s battery can be recharged in up to four hours at home or anywhere through a 230v conventional outlet.
Located at Dublin’s RDS Main Hall, the Energy Show is an exhibition showcasing leading suppliers of sustainable energy products and services from Ireland and Europe.
“The Opel Ampera is the right car for the right time, representing a new opportunity for Irish motorists to embrace electric driving in a realistic way,” Dave Sheeran, managing director of Opel Ireland told the Advertiser. “ It’s the kind of game-changing technology the automotive industry needs in this era of energy and environmental challenges.”
