Opel Ampera-e: back to the beginning of electric mobility

The Geneva Motor Show of 2009 witnessed the European debut of a revolutionary model that would change the perspective on electric cars. The Opel Ampera-e (also known as the Chevrolet Bolt EV in other markets), a saloon with a modern look and sporty airs, drew the attention of attendees with its innovative solutions. However, its arrival in a market poorly prepared for electric mobility posed challenges that only time would overcome.

In those years, electric cars were considered pointless products, charging points were scarce, and there was neither infrastructure nor entrepreneurial projects. The fear of running out of battery in the middle of a journey was a common concern among drivers. Nevertheless, the Opel Ampera-e set out to change this perception and offer a solution that combined the best of both worlds: an electric range of between 55 and 60 km, sufficient for most daily journeys, and a petrol engine acting as a generator to recharge the battery when needed.

One of the first electric cars with an ECO label

The originality of this proposal impressed experts, and in 2012 the Opel Ampera-e was awarded the prestigious “European Car of the Year” award. However, despite the recognition, the market was not yet ready to fully embrace this technological advance, and the high price associated with a vehicle of its segment was an obstacle to its popularisation.

However, over time, the landscape began to change. Twelve years after its launch and four years after its withdrawal from the market, the Opel Ampera-e has become a highly valued used vehicle. Its vision, ahead of its time, has been recognised, and today it enjoys growing popularity thanks to its reliability, comfort, performance and the advantage of carrying the “Zero” DGT label, which certifies it as a low-emission vehicle.

Features of the Opel Ampera-e

The key to its innovation lay in a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery, which could reach a full charge in just 4 hours. This allowed the Opel Ampera-e to overcome the limitations faced by electric vehicles at the time and offer drivers greater peace of mind regarding range.

The heart of the Opel Ampera-e was a 151 CV (111 kW) electric motor with 370 Nm of torque, capable of taking the vehicle up to 110 km/h. Alongside it was an auxiliary 73 CV (54 kW) electric motor, responsible for generating energy and supporting the main motor. Should the battery run completely flat, an 86 CV petrol engine would step in; rather than taking control of the vehicle, it acted as a generator to keep the battery charged and feed the electric traction chain. This complex system was managed by a three-clutch automatic gearbox.

Opel Ampera-e image gallery