How is the fuel economy calculated for the Vauxhall Ampera hybrid?

I registered last year as an e-Pioneer with Vauxhall and paid my £150. A month or two ago I got to drive an Ampera at the Motor Expo in Canary Wharf and even had a chance to chat with Quentin Wilson who is an advocate of this car. But something is bothering me about consumption that I can't work out. They say that a full battery will do around 50 miles and full range of 360miles with the 30-litre 6.59 gallon tank gives an extended range of 311 miles. That to me says 47mpg. But I keep reading great figures of 175mpg. I can't work it out, can you?

Asked on 30 July 2011 by MT, via email

Answered by Honest John

The petrol economy depends entirely on how much of the journey you do on the stored energy in the battery, and how much on energy generated by the petrol engine. Running petrol, the economy is about 47mpg. The car can travel about 48 miles at moderate speeds on its battery alone. It's explained here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/vauxhall/vauxhall-.../?

Tags: fuel economy hybrid real mpg

Similar questions

Do hybrids perform well for high-mileage drivers?

My lease car is due for renewal through my NHS leasing scheme. At the moment, I have a diesel Kia Ce'ed, for which I pay £105 per month. Prices have increased and the same car will cost me £165 next time,...

I've got over 60mpg out of my Honda Insight hybrid.

You asked readers to let you know what the true fuel consumption they have experienced. Last December I purchased a Honda Insight hybrid having read about them in one of your articles. The car was nearly...

Will we see any benefit from using the Toyota Yaris Hybrid over long journeys?

We are thinking of trading our Toyota Yaris diesel next year for the new Yaris Hybrid, which is coming soon. However, talking to our mechanic and the Toyota salesperson, we are advised that benefit from...

Related models