Opel Ampera-e, a different electric car

New Opel Ampera-e

Alternatives to conventional cars have been a reality for some time now, but they still do not enjoy sufficient confidence from the end user due to their relatively limited range. This is an area where Opel has worked hard to achieve an electric vehicle with a range above the average. According to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the new Opel Ampera-e manages to cover up to 520 kilometres. Of course, factors such as driving style, road characteristics or even weather conditions also influence achieving this figure.

Opel also carries out tests with the Ampera-e similar to the speed profile defined in the WLTP driving cycle, or Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure. In the WLTP, the results come closer to real driving behaviour. Based on these tests, engineers estimate that the combined WLTP range is more than 380 kilometres.

Its exterior appearance has also changed compared with the previous model, which was based on the architecture of a mid-size saloon, and it now has a look more like a city car or compact MPV. Its interior is quite spacious, thanks to its 4.16 metres in length, offering space for up to five occupants and a boot volume of 381 litres. This space is achieved through the clever placement of the 10 battery modules. The cabin sits above the battery pack, which is mounted under the floor, which also allows a higher seating position.

New Opel Ampera-e

Materials that reduce weight have been used in the manufacture of the new Ampera-e, without in any way affecting safety or the durability of the components. To achieve this, several grades of aluminium and high-strength steel have been used. Around 81.5% of the Ampera-e’s body structure is made of high-strength or advanced high-strength steels.

While driving the Opel Ampera-e, the batteries are recharged while the car is in motion. Energy is recovered automatically in slow-moving traffic and regenerated by the electric motor, which acts as a generator. To do this, the driver only needs to lift the foot slightly off the accelerator in the normal “Drive” position. If the driver wants greater recovery, they can select “Low” mode or “Regen on Demand” mode, which delivers maximum energy recovery.

The retardation torque in “Low” and “Regen on Demand” modes is so high that there is no need to press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in normal traffic. The Ampera-e can be controlled with complete confidence through the accelerator (one-pedal driving). This increases range by up to 5%. The brake pedal, of course, is used in an emergency.

The Ampera-e’s electric motor produces 204 CV / 150 kW, achieving a maximum torque of 360 Nm. With these figures, the Opel Ampera-e accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, and goes from 80 to 120 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 150 km/h in order to favour range.

The latest technology and infotainment systems are also present in this electric vehicle. Its equipment includes the Personal Service and Connectivity Assistant Opel OnStar, combined with a multimedia system exclusive to the Ampera-e. The IntelliLink-e multimedia system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to make calls, navigate to a destination, exchange messages and listen to music via Spotify through the touchscreen control or voice recognition. The Ampera-e also features a new Bose sound system with seven high-performance speakers.

Source | Opel