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Opel has begun taking reservations in Germany and the Netherlands for the Ampera electric vehicle, its variant of Chevy’s Volt. Like the Volt, the Ampera features dual power sources: a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery; plus a gas-powered, range-extending engine/generator.

Like the Chevy Volt, the Ampera “is powered by electricity at all times and speeds,” explains Opel. “For the first 40 to 80 km, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera drives free of gas- and tailpipe-emissions. If a longer trip is required, the gasoline-fueled engine/generator can seamlessly extend the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank.”

As a result of this novel powertrain approach, Opel claims the five-door, four-seat Ampera to be Europe’s first electric car to give drivers “the freedom to drive wherever, whenever they want, with no worries of being stranded with a depleted battery.”

Opel’s Ampera is a Euro variant of the Chevy Volt
(click image to enlarge)

According to Opel, “independent research” determined that roughly 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 km daily, enabling the Ampera to meet their requirements without the need to draw on its gas-fueled engine/generator.

The Ampera’s battery can be recharged in about three hours at 230v, by connecting the vehicle’s on-board charge system to a standard AC outlet. “Because the battery can be recharged quickly, most Amperas are likely to be driven in battery mode nearly all the time,” says Opel.

“If electric vehicles are to have a significant benefit on the environment, they must be sold in high volume. Electric cars like the Ampera — with extended range capability — are the quickest way to reach this goal because they require few adjustments in lifestyle,” concludes the automaker.

Following a recent swirl of debate and controversy as to whether the Chevy Volt is or isn’t a true, green-blooded, electric vehicle, GM published a blog post entitled “Clearing Up Confusion About the Chevrolet Volt.” Read our coverage of that announcement.

The Ampera’s suggested retail price in Europe starts at 42,900 euros, including national VAT. In Germany, with 19 percent VAT, the vehicle’s net price is 36,050 euros, says Opel. The Ampera will also be offered in the U.K., with right-hand drive, by Opel affiliate Vauxhall. Opel did not specify when it expected to begin delivering the cars to purchasers in Germany and the Netherlands.

Further details regarding the Opel Ampera are available from the automaker’s Ampera website.