Opel Ampera-e NEDC range confirmed

An impressive range makes General Motor's decision not to offer the pure-electric Ampera-e in right-hand drive form (wearing Vauxhall badges) even more disappointing.

According to the New European Driving Cycle, its 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack stores enough energy for up to 323 miles (520 kilometres) of driving. By comparison, the recently announced Renault Zoe 4.0 achieves 248 miles (400 kilometres) on the NEDC.

Opel Ampera-e (2017) Front Side

The Ampera-e boasts decent acceleration, too. With an electric motor producing 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 360 Nm (266 lb/ft) of torque, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 7.3 seconds. Furthermore, the 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment is completed in only 4.5 seconds, but top speed is limited to 93 mph (150 km/h).

However, could a possible sale of GM's European operation to PSA Group – owner of Peugeot, Citroën and DS – jeopardise Opel's electric car? After all, the Ampera-e is manufactured in Michigan alongside the almost identical Chevrolet Bolt.

Opel Ampera-e (2017) Rear Side

The answer is probably no, because to date PSA's electric vehicle offerings have been largely developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi. The Japanese company's i-MiEV is also available in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero, for example.

That relationship is unlikely to exist for much longer, because Mitsubishi Motors has been part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance since October 2016. Consequently, electrification might become a key element of any future collaboration between GM and PSA.

Related post:
Opel Ampera-e Paris debut confirmed


Images © General Motors.

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