Happy Tenth Birthday Opel Ampera – Opel’s Pioneering Electric Car

• Revolutionary: Opel Ampera established new vehicle segment in Europe in 2011
• Convincing concept: Opel Ampera voted “European Car of The Year” in 2012
• Powerful: 110 kW (150 hp) electric drive unit develops 370 Nm maximum torque
• Stylish and practical: Sleek, futuristic looks, four-seat cabin, five-door versatility

Opel Ampera 

If we want to reach the future climate goals, the share of electric vehicles must increase considerably”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. Accordingly, Opel will have nine electrified vehicles (EV) on the market by the end of this year – from Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Zafira-e Life, Grandland X plug-in hybrid and the next generation Astra, to the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e light commercial vehicles. By 2024, the brand will offer an electrified variant of every model in its portfolio.

However, Opel already made its first contribution to raising EV sales ten years ago, in 2011. With the launch of the Ampera – the first electric car with extended range from a European brand – Opel established itself as a pioneer on the road to electric mobility. The revolutionary, sleek and practical Ampera was Europe’s first electric vehicle to enable “go anywhere at any time” mobility. When it went on sale at the end of 2011, the Ampera founded a completely new vehicle segment in the European automobile market.

Success: Opel Ampera convinces media, excites customers and wins Monte Carlo rally

Opel Ampera received enthusiastic receptions across the board. More than 5,000 “e-pioneers” declared themselves as potential customers even before the car went on sale.

Media were equally impressed, the jury of leading international journalists electing the Opel Ampera and its Chevrolet Volt sister model as winners of the “2012 European Car of The Year” award. In a long term test started that same year by the ADAC German automobile club, the Ampera demonstrated its durability by covering more than 200,000 km in eight years.

Not content with popularity and awards alone, the Ampera proved its mettle in competition too. In 2012, Opel’s extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) won the 13th International Monte Carlo Rally for electric cars and alternative propulsion systems. Winning Opel Ampera was driven by French rally legend, Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert, three more finished among the top ten.

Ampera confirmed Opel as an innovation-leader and immediately became Europe's best selling electric car in 2012, with 6,631 units and circa 21.0 per cent share of the European electric passenger car segment. The leading market for the EREV was the Netherlands, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Following the end of production in 2015, registrations of the Ampera totalled more than 10,000 units.

Voltec electric propulsion with range extender

The front wheels of the Ampera are electrically driven at all times. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80  km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. According to the regulations for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at the time, the Ampera consumed 1.2 l/100 km and emitted 27 g/km CO2 combined in the NEDC cycle.

On the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system ensures lively performance. Instant torque of 370 Nm enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h. The Ampera delivers nearly silent electric drive under battery power and a refined performance even in extend-range drive mode.

Thanks to the Ampera’s intelligent and practical extended-range capability, drivers enjoy peace of mind because they will never be left stranded with a depleted battery.

In addition to a pure battery, zero-emissions driving range sufficient to meet the daily needs of most European drivers, the Ampera also provided a total driving range of more than 500 kilometres thanks to its range-extending petrol engine. This is seamlessly engaged to generate electricity when the battery has reached its minimum state of charge.

Electric drive unit, located under the hood alongside the gasoline engine, consists of an electric traction motor, an electric generator/motor, and a planetary gear set that improves overall efficiency by reducing the combined rotational speed of the electric motors. Unlike a conventional powertrain, there are no step gears.

In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, motive power from a generator is seamlessly delivered to the electric drive unit. The generator is driven by a highly efficient 1.4-liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine.

Most of the time, drivers selected one of the two main driving modes: Normal and Sport. ‘Sport’ mode increases the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. There are two additional modes for special driving situations: ‘Mountain’ mode ensures sufficient battery energy is available for sustained driving on alpine roads. ‘Hold-charge’ mode preserves the remaining energy capacity of the battery pack by activating the gasoline engine.

T-shaped, 198 kg, 16 kWh (installed capacity) battery pack is positioned in the centre tunnel of the vehicle. It comprises 288 lithium-ion battery cells, configured for optimum performance and durability. It uses a liquid thermal management system and at the time was the only mass-produced battery pack that could be warmed or cooled – an industry first.

Opel Ampera was delivered with a six-meter long charging cable conveniently stowed in the trunk. Using a 230V/6 or 10A power outlet, owners could fully recharge the battery in around nine or five hours respectively and programme the charging time.

Exterior and interior design: Electrifying good looks

Equally as revolutionary as its unique Voltec electric propulsion system was the Ampera’s eye-catching design. Sleek, aerodynamically efficient styling encapsulates a cabin that replaces conventional dials and gauges with high-definition colour displays and touch-screen functionality.

Cabin reflects the ground-breaking nature of the Ampera’s propulsion system. Two interactive, high-definition colour screens denoted the car’s unique character. Replacing conventional instruments in front of the driver is the driver information centre, a reconfigurable graphic display.

Cabin offers all the space, comfort, and convenience features you would expect from a modern compact car: five-door flexibility, comfortable accommodation for four adults, and a seat up/seat down load carrying capacity of 310/1,005 litres.

Fun-to-drive chassis developed for European demands

Ampera handles like a typical Opel. Developed by Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim, its chassis characteristics were honed to satisfy the expectations of discerning customers.

Front suspension is by McPherson struts with aluminium lower control arms and hydraulic ride bushings. Semi-independent rear suspension features a compound crank (torsion beam) which combines the packaging advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle with low weight and consistent wheel camber control.

Advanced friction brake blending system maximizes the energy generated during braking. It allows for maximum regenerative braking through the electric motor, recharges the battery when braking, and seamlessly engages the friction brakes when the pedal is stepped on harder for a fast stop.

!NEW! Premiere of Green Mobility Trophy: Opel Ampera Takes Top Honors

EV suitable for everyday use convinces readers of trade magazine Auto Zeitung

Clear vote for the trailblazer in electric mobility: readers of Auto Zeitung have awarded the Opel Ampera the “Green Mobility Trophy 2013” and named the mid-size sedan the best electric vehicle. For the first time, the trade magazine presented 134 models and engines from 34 brands as candidates in seven categories. In the electric vehicle class the Opel Ampera beat out 18 competitors to take the title. The 18,000 participating readers put the two closest competitors – the Tesla Model S and BMW i3 – well behind the Ampera. With the “Green Mobility Trophy” Auto Zeitung honors models and propulsion concepts chosen by its readers that are trendsetting in their class in terms of particularly eco-friendly use of resources.

Title chaser Ampera: Trophy cabinet is getting crowded

Since its introduction in 2011, the Opel Ampera has become a real trophy collector. Its title highlights include “Car of the Year 2012”, “World Green Car of the Year” and victories in the readers’ choice awards from Auto Bild and Autoscout24.de.

“What customers expect from electric cars is clear: they want technology that is more environmentally friendly while offering all the benefits of conventional propulsion systems. The “Green Mobility Trophy” is latest proof that we more than meet these expectations with the Ampera,” says Andreas Marx, Director Marketing Opel Germany.

Opel Ampera: Impeccable environmental balance and driving dynamics

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that does not require any changes in habit or attitude. A unique 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80 km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged.

In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a gasoline engine. This enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling. The Ampera’s electric propulsion system delivers instant torque of 370 Nm that enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in under 10 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.

!NEW! German Railways (DB) can relies also on Opel Ampera

• Vehicle delivery to the Regional Director of the DB Fleet
• "Car of the Year" segment leader in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland
• Ampera's presence in the European fleets increased by 180 percent

Marcus Ziegler (right), Fleet Sales Director for wholesale and commercial customers of Adam Opel AG of ten pieces of the award-winning Ampera to Regional Director of DB Fleet. Thomas Hofmann (left), Director Field Sales DB Fleet received the symbolic key.

If employees of Deutsche Bahn (DB) use the car, they are on their missions in future electric and therefore emission free traveling. Opel now handed ten  pieces of the award-winning Ampera to Regional Director of DB Fleet. This will take advantage of the renewable electricity powered Ampera now as a service vehicle for customer appointments. "Opel Ampera has doubled the European fleet inventory in more than six months - after about 700 pieces in March were in October has nearly 2,000 Ampera in corporate services on the go. This is an increase of over 180 percent, "said Marcus Ziegler, director of sales at wholesale and commercial customers of Adam Opel AG, at the presentation in Frankfurt. Overall, the Ampera in Europe market share is over 21 percent, making the "Car of the Year" for the full year 2012 remain the segment leader.

Opel now handed ten pieces of the award-winning Opel Ampera to Regional Director of DB Fleet

The Opel Ampera is by far the best-selling electric car in Germany and Europe. A lithium-ion battery with 16 kWh of capacity supplied in the "Car of the Year 2012," the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style and conditions, on average, 40 to 80 kilometers solely on battery power to be covered emissions. When the battery level reaches a defined minimum, the power of the 1.4 liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp and automatically drives a generator to power the electric motor. This range extension a journey of more than 500 kilometers is possible without a prolonged maintenance charging the battery is necessary.

!NEW! Opel Ampera No.1 EV passenger car for more than ten months despite tough environment

• Highest European EV market share with 21% (Jan. - Oct. 2012)
• Ampera is segment leader in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland
• Sales growth for entire EV market is slowing amid challenging conditions

Opel’s revolutionary and award winning electric car, the Ampera, is still at the top of the electric passenger car league table in Europe based on latest available sales figures (Jan. – Oct. 2012). The news comes despite very challenging market conditions for the whole electric vehicle market with car makers reporting lower EV sales growth figures than predicted earlier this year. The Opel Ampera (“Car of the Year 2012”) enjoys more than 21 percent market share in the European EV segment. It is likely to remain the overall leader of its segment for the whole of 2012.

“The Ampera is still the dominant leader of the European electric passenger car segment,” says Opel Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alfred E. Rieck. “Considering that the demand of the EV market is smaller than originally predicted by analysts and car makers, we are extremely pleased that we have consolidated our leadership position in the market.”

Ampera is top of several key European markets

The strong overall European market share of the Ampera is reflected in its leadership position which has been consolidated in several important European markets.

For example in the Netherlands its market share increased to 66%. In Germany, it remains the leader by a wide margin (28% share) and the same is true of Belgium (22%) and Switzerland (31%).

Although total European EV sales have increased by around 130 percent year on year (Jan - Oct 2011 vs. Jan - Oct 2012), this falls well short of industry expert predictions. Sales of electric vehicles differ widely per market. Whereas only one of every 1000 cars sold in Germany is an electric vehicle (EV), its neighbor country Austria already tracks 3 EVs per thousand cars, France 5 and The Netherlands as high as 8 out of 1000. Top of the ranks in Europe is Norway where 30 out of 1000 registered vehicles are electric cars. Despite this very heterogeneous environment, Opel has managed to grow its European Ampera sales by at least twice as much as the overall European EV market growth.

In November, Opel announced that it had more than doubled its Ampera fleet customer base in the space of just six months, from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 in October across Europe. This is an increase of more than 180 percent.

Opel Ampera with revolutionary electric propulsion

A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distances of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery operated mode, free of emissions. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.

!NEW! British Embassy in Germany drive electric

In Berlin, the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald (left) and his colleagues now electrically go. On Wednesday handed Opel supervisory board chairman and GM vice Steve Girsky the representative of Her Majesty celebrated the keys to his new Ampera and extolled the virtues of the "Car of the Year 2012".

In Berlin, the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald and his colleagues are now electrically go. On Wednesday handed Opel supervisory board chairman and GM vice Steve Girsky the representative of Her Majesty celebrated the keys to his new Ampera and extolled the virtues of the "Car of the Year 2012". Especially in the downtown area, the benefits of the permanent electric-powered Ampera show by lowest operating costs and noise, good acceleration and a generous amount of space.

Opel Ampera: fully suitable for everyday use electric mobility

The Opel Ampera is by far the best-selling electric car in Germany and Europe. A lithium-ion battery with 16 kWh of capacity supplied in the "Car of the Year 2012," the 111 kW/150 hp electric motor with energy. Depending on driving style and conditions, on average, 40 to 80 kilometers solely on battery power to be covered emissions. When the battery level reaches a defined minimum, the power of the 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp and automatically drives a generator to power the electric motor. This range extension a journey of more than 500 kilometers is possible without a prolonged maintenance charging the battery is necessary.

!NEW! Opel more than doubles Ampera fleet customer base

• 180 percent increase of Ampera electric vehicle fleet customers
• Rising number of Ampera included in company car policies
• Many companies choose Ampera for usability and green credentials

Opel Ampera as Trigion Airport Security car (NL)

Opel has more than doubled its Ampera fleet customer base in the space of just six months, from around 700 in March to almost 2,000 in October across Europe. This is an increase of more than 180 percent. In Germany, the Ampera’s fleet customer base increased dramatically by more than 50 percent, while in the Netherlands it even grew by 200 percent. The figures include a number of companies that have ordered up to 20 Ampera vehicles. Opel has also noticed an increasing trend that more and more fleet customers include the revolutionary electric vehicle in their company car policies, so that they sit alongside conventional diesel or gasoline powered vehicles as fully usable electric alternatives.

“Not only is the Ampera Europe’s best selling passenger electric vehicle. We now have proof that it is attracting a rapidly growing number of fleet customers,” says Opel Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alfred Rieck. “We are confident that this development will continue because fleet customers understand that the Ampera is one of the very few electric vehicles that is truly suitable for everyday use. Additionally, it is has significantly lower operating costs than equivalent internal combustion engine cars.”

In contrast to many of its rivals, the Ampera is a range extending vehicle. This is extremely important for fleet customers such as Trigion, the subsidiary of the Western European facilities company, Facilicom. Trigion provides security services including video camera monitoring, static guards and mobile patrols.

"Trigion Security is one of the first companies in the Netherlands who deployed the Ampera. We are attracted to its very low fuel consumption,” says Martine Geurts, Vice-President and Director of Facilicom Service Group. “The Ampera is currently being piloted at our Trigion subsidiary and this pilot is being rolled out across the whole group as the next logical step.”

Facilicom is not alone in this view. In early November the Ampera was honoured as Green Vehicle of the Year in the United Kingdom by fleet decision makers at the prestigious 2012 Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) Awards. The awards, which are voted for online exclusively by the ACFO membership, are highly prized because unlike many other awards they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision makers. This prize is the latest in a long line of over 50 accolades for the ground breaking Ampera, which include the current European Car of the Year 2012.

A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor of the Ampera. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distances of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery operated mode, free of emissions. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, power is then seamlessly supplied to the electric drive unit from a generator driven by a 1.4 liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine. Extended range mode enables a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers without refueling.

!NEW! Double win for Opel: ADAM and Ampera awarded “Auto Trophy”

• Auto Zeitung readers in Germany vote for Opel ADAM as the number one city car
• Hattrick for the Ampera: Third successive victory in electric vehicle category
• Opel Mokka takes third place in affordable SUV segment

Opel has scored a resounding victory in the 25^th Auto Zeitung readers’ choice awards. The new chic, urban ADAM conquered their hearts and won the popular “Auto Trophy” in the city car segment. At the same time, the Opel Ampera has now completed a hattrick after the revolutionary sedan emerged as the winner in the electric vehicle category. The Opel Mokka was also voted a runner-up (third place) in the class of affordable SUVs under 30,000 euro. More than 110,000 participants who took part in this competition open to the general public chose their favorites in thirty different categories. Four hundred vehicle models could be selected by the voters.

Double Win for Opel: ADAM and Ampera awarded “Auto Trophy”

The charming ADAM has taken the automotive scene by storm and won by a wide margin against its main competitors in the newly created city car category. With 30 percent of the votes cast, ADAM consigned the VW Up and the Skoda Citigo to second and third place (26.3 and 8.9 percent respectively). The Ampera, which has established itself as a serial winner, also scored a convincing victory. It beat premium segment competitors such as the Mercedes SLS AMG electric drive (15.2 percent) and the Audi R8 e-tron (14.9) with a margin of at least four percent.

Vice President Strategy, Dr. Thomas Sedran accepted the awards on behalf of Opel in the presence of 250 guests at the Duesseldorf Classic Remise. Sedran was delighted by the Opel’s best performance at the Auto Trophy award for a decade.

Vice President Strategy, Dr. Thomas Sedran accepted the awards on behalf of Opel in the presence of 250 guests at the Duesseldorf Classic Remise.

“Our winning cars, ADAM, Ampera and the Mokka, represent three strong personalities that really stand out from the crowd. All the three are of strategic importance for Opel because they are representative of forward-looking mobility which is not just environmentally sound but is fun and makes innovative technologies affordable.”

Opel ADAM: Urban customization champion

With ADAM that has been available to order since October, Opel is opening up the growing A-segment with a chic, urban city car. The ADAM which measures just 3.70 meters and is a nimble three-door car offers more than 30,000 exterior customization options. This makes him a true champion of customization. Inside the car four people enjoy a relatively generous cabin space. The interior can be personalized according to individual tastes with a large array of colors, decors and stylish headliners and lighting effects. Furthermore, ADAM offers premium technologies that are usually only to be found in upper vehicle segments. These include the all new IntelliLink onboard infotainment system that makes ADAM the best-connected small car. Additionally, ADAM is the only vehicle in its segment which not only has been developed in Germany but is also being built there (at the Eisenach plant).

Opel Ampera: Only electric vehicle that can drive anywhere, anytime

The Opel Ampera is by far the top selling electric vehicle in Germany and across Europe.

A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor inside the “Car of the Year 2012”. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the 1.4 liter gasoline engine with 63 kW/86 hp drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers, without the need to stop for a battery re-charge.

Thriftiest Opel diesel ever with only 88 g/km CO2

• New milestone from Opel: Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex consumes just 3.3 l/100 km
• Enhancements to engine and transmission further reduce consumption
• Improved chassis layout ensures more driving comfort

The thriftiest Opel Corsa is now even more economical and environmentally friendly. The 70 kW/95 hp three door Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with Start/Stop technology needs just 3.3 liters diesel per 100 kilometers which corresponds to an exemplary CO₂ value of only 88 g/km (five-door: 3.4 l/100 km and 89 g/km CO₂). This makes the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex the most economical and fuel efficient diesel model Opel has ever built.

1.3 CDTI Opel EcoTec diesel engine

“The 88-gram Corsa once again highlights Opel’s pioneering role in the development of sustainable mobility solutions. In just five years, from the first Corsa ecoFLEX to today, we have been able to reduce consumption and CO₂ emissions by 26 percent – while at the same time increasing performance by over 26 percent. Our customers appreciate this, as does the environment,” says Mike Ableson, Opel Vice President Engineering, summarizing the benefits of the fuel saving star.

Art of engineering according to Opel: Seven percent lower consumption

While the last generation Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX from 2011 was already extremely frugal with consumption of 3.5 liters diesel per 100 km and emissions of 94 g/km CO₂, the latest reductions of 0.2 liters and six grams CO₂ make it the absolute fuel saving champion in the Opel diesel portfolio. A number of enhancements were made to reduce consumption and emissions by almost another seven percent. The turbodiesel was equipped with a variable displacement oil pump that delivers only the necessary oil pressure. It varies oil volume depending on the load in order to reduce the energy needed for oil circulation to a minimum. The use of a special low viscosity transmission oil also contributes to efficient fuel consumption. These measures are rounded off by adjustment of engine mappings in the engine control module.

From November 2012 the Corsa will also feature the new generation of Opel engineered manual transmissions that ensure even more precise and smooth gear shifting. Engineers achieved a reduction of friction and shift forces as well as gearshift travel. The base transmission was comprehensively reworked: new gears and modified parts including shift rods and the fork shaft were used. The end result is high shift comfort and optimized operation in cold and warm conditions. New 185/65 R15 low rolling resistance tires also add to the Corsa’s eco friendliness.

Even with all this economy, performance is not compromised. 190 Nm of torque is available between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The 70 kW/95 hp turbodiesel accelerates the Corsa from zero to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and takes it to a maximum speed of 177 km/h.

Optimized chassis: More driving comfort with agile handling

Opel engineers also optimized the chassis for all Corsa variants (except the OPC Nürburgring Edition). The suspension and damper system now compensates for uneven road surfaces even more gently and smoothly, thus improving driving comfort. This is of particular advantage when driving on rough roads or during low-speed driving in urban areas. It now allows environmentally conscious ecoFLEX drivers to enjoy a chassis that makes no compromises in terms of agility and handling in spite of its comfortable layout.

The Opel Corsa has been an integral part of individual mobility in Europe for 30 years now. Currently it accounts for over 28 percent of Opel/Vauxhall’s total sales volume. Around 12 million units of four model generations have been sold to date. The Corsa is available with diesel, gasoline and LPG propulsion with outputs ranging from 51 kW/70 hp to 155 kW/210 hp.

ecoFLEX models and electric Ampera: Sustainability in best Opel fashion

ecoFLEX are the variants in Opel model lines that are especially economical without compromising driving fun, performance or safety. Currently the automaker offers nearly 70 ecoFLEX variants. In addition to the new 88 gram Corsa, highlights include the Opel Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX with 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp that needs only 3.7 liters diesel per 100 km and emits 99 g/km CO₂, the 70 kW/95 hp Meriva 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX (4.1 l/100 km and 109 g/km CO₂), the Insignia 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp (4.3 l/100 km and 114 g/km CO₂) and the Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with 96 kW/130 hp (4.5 l/100 km and 119 g/km CO₂).

The eco friendly model portfolio is completed by the Opel Ampera. Opel combines everyday suitability with revolutionary, sustainable propulsion technology in the “Car of the Year 2012”, as the Ampera is the first electric car that seamlessly fits into consumers’ lives without requiring any changes to daily habits.

Opel Ampera Wins Rally Monte Carlo

• Four Ampera electric vehicles among the top 10 in rally for alternative propulsion
• French team Darniche/Lambert successful against some 130 competitors
• Debuting Ampera succeed in durability and fuel consumption tests

Opel Ampera won Rally Monte Carlo for alternative propulsion

After winning the “Car of the Year 2012” award, the Opel Ampera has now also won the 13. International Monte Carlo Rally for electric cars and alternative propulsion in which it competed for the first time. Four Ampera ranked among the top 10 vehicles. The French duo Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert managed to beat the entire competitive field. On Sunday, the final day of the contest, the revolutionary electric vehicle reached the finish line in the capital of the Côte d’Azur principality. Some 130 competitors from about 30 manufacturers took part, among them seven Ampera, including one private Ampera team. The other contenders included a Renault Fluence Z.E., a Tesla Roadster sports car, a Mitsubishi I-MiEV and a Peugeot Ion. Apart from the overall victory, the Ampera teams with Charlotte Berton and Olivier Sussot ranked third, Jean-Claude Andruet and Patrick Lienne came in 7^th and Hanns Werner Wirth and Daniel Riesen finished 8^th, completing the fantastic result.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - German Team

“The Ampera’s success in this versatility contest under very challenging conditions proves its impressive balance between durability and fuel efficiency. This underscores our leadership role in the field of alternative propulsion,” says Opel’s Director E-mobility, Enno Fuchs. The “Rallye Monte-Carlo Des Énergies Nouvelles” took place for the 13^th time and has established itself as the oldest motorsport event for vehicles with alternative propulsion. The Monte Carlo Automobile Club has organized the competition since 1995.

Endurance test for alternative propulsion

The rally started in the three towns of Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont Ferrand and Lugano for 550 kilometers via Digne-les-Bains, the capital of the French district (département) Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to Monaco. On the second day, the teams had to complete a distance of 272 kilometers, leading them through Monaco and the original route of the Monte Carlo Rally through the French Maritime Alps. In these two days the teams were subjected to regularity tests and had to prove their driving skills by pushing their vehicles to the limit.

Apart from the regularity tests, the focus lay with fuel consumption. With the help of a ratio derived from vehicle weight, CO₂ emissions, the energy density of the fuel and its consumption, the organizers were able to calculate a comparison value and draw up an overall ranking. “The sophisticated technology of the Ampera was always reliable and enabled our tremendous success,” says the French rally co-pilot, Joseph Lambert who celebrated the victory with driver Bernhard Darniche. Darniche already won the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in 1979 and has more than 10 times been successful in winning the special stage over the famous Col de Turini.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - French Team

 

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers. On the road, the Ampera’s electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm enabling zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - German Team