Test drive new Opel Ampera-e increased mileage by 150 km.
German government to invest 300 million euros in infrastructure
What are the two main problems that prevent electric vehicles from becoming commonplace for car owners? Mileage anxiety is the undisputed number one, and potential customers often worry that the available mileage will not be enough to reach their final destination. Opel has managed to allay any concerns about this by unveiling the revolutionary new Ampera-e at the Paris International Motor Show this month. With an autonomous range of more than 500 kilometers (electricity mileage measured on the basis of the European standard NEDC - New European Test Cycle in kilometers - more than 500 according to preliminary data), the star of the exhibition is ahead of its closest competitor in the class. travels on roads for at least 100 km. Another key issue is where you can charge electric vehicles.
As announced at the Paris Motor Show, a 30-minute charge from a 50 kW DC fast charging station will add an additional 150 kilometers (average measured based on preliminary NEDC tests) to the capacity of the new generation lithium-ion battery. Ampera-e battery. And if nowadays fast charging stations can still be considered an unusual sight, then in the not so distant future everything will change. Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure recently announced that 400 fast-refueling stations will be built along the country's major highways by the end of next calendar year, in collaboration with a recreational, service and refueling company. "Tank and Growth". In addition, the German government has announced that it will invest 300 million euros in the coming years in the creation of the necessary infrastructure, including 5000 10 fast charging stations and 000 2020 conventional charging stations, which will be installed in recreational areas around main roads, shopping centers and gyms. and objects, car-sharing stations and train stations, airports and exhibition centers in the period up to XNUMX. This will help provide wide and convenient access to car charging options, such as the revolutionary Opel Ampera-e technology.
Along with the Ampera-e, which is expected to hit European roads in spring 2017, Opel has also decided to equip the company's headquarters with the latest fast charging technology, installing a 50 kW DC charging station and a semi-fast charging station. AC power station 22 kW in Rüsselsheim.
“Ampera-e can convince customers who have never thought about buying an electric vehicle that electric mobility is now possible and feasible thanks to the fact that you don’t have to constantly worry about recharging the battery,” said the CEO. Opel Group Director Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann during the opening ceremony of fast charging stations. “This is a big breakthrough for the Ampera-e – thanks to its sensational autonomous mileage range, you can drive for several days before having to turn it on at night when you are at work or in the store.”
Pam Fletcher, CEO of Ampera-e, added: “I was happy that I was able to drive the new model for a few months and from my experience during that period, most people will only have to charge one or two once a week,” Fletcher said.
In addition to the DC high speed charging station, the Ampera-e 60 kWh battery can also be charged with optional household chargers, also known as 4,6 kW wall chargers, according to standard guidelines. in Germany for the installation of a home electrical network. In addition, the Ampera-e can be charged from publicly available AC chargers throughout Europe. At these stations, the vehicle can be charged from 3,6 kW or 7,2 kW from an on-board single-phase current converter.
With an autonomous range of more than 500 kilometers per NEDC (tentative), owners may almost never need to charge the batteries from 0 to 100 percent, especially given that the average daily mileage is currently 60 kilometers. Opel's flexible charging strategy for the Ampera also allows the new electric vehicle to be charged with electricity from a standard 2,3 kW household electrical outlet, ensuring everyone can charge their electric vehicle with absolute confidence. with maximum convenience.
But the Ampera-e has much more to offer than exceptional battery life and a growing number of battery charging solutions. The new model delivers driving pleasure and dynamics comparable to those of a sports car. The dynamic characteristics of the traction motor are equal to 150 kW / 204 hp. and make acceleration and highway driving the two main advantages of the Opel Ampera-e. The compact electric car accelerates from 0 to 50 km / h in 3.2 seconds, and because the large 60 kWh battery is intelligently integrated into the floor, the car offers ample room for five passengers and luggage capacity comparable to the compact model. with five doors. In addition, the Ampera-e equipment includes excellent Opel brand communications thanks to OnStar and the ability to integrate smartphone functions into the vehicle.
