Vauxhall Ampera (2012 - )  

First electric car with an indefinite self-powered range. Qualifies for Government £5,000 grant bringing price down to £29,000. VED and London Congestion Charge Exempt. BIK tax on just £1,700.

Not in UK until April 2012.

Introduction

Latest Update 17-3-2012: Shares "lifetime" or 100,000 miles warranty of other Vauxhalls. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt that only carries a three year, 60,000 mile warranty. 

Introduction:

The Ampera is a plug-in electric car that you can simply plug into the mains in your house or garage using a normal plug. That charges it in 4 hours, giving you a 40 mile electric range. As soon as the battery is down to 20% charge, the Atkinson cycle petrol engine cuts in, alone generating the electrical power to turn the car's electric motors, but keeping ther battery at a 20% charge level, and theoretically giving it an indefinite range removing the worry owners of electric cars have of finding themselves stranded. Far cheaper to charge the battery from the mains atoff peak rates than to charge from the power generated by the engine.

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Last updated 8 May 2012
More at the Vauxhall website  

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