Technical data

Questions and answers
Is the Ampera an electric vehicle?
Yes. The Ampera is a full-performance
battery electric vehicle with extended-range
operation. The Ampera can achieve full
performance on battery power alone.
Why is the Ampera not considered a
hybrid?
Unlike traditional hybrids, which use electric
power to supplement the mechanical power
provided by the engine, the Ampera leads with
the battery power, which is then supplemented
by electricity generated by the on-board 1.4
ECOTEC
®
engine. The Ampera cannot operate
solely on power provided by the engine and
as such it is not a hybrid in the conventional
sense.
In what condition and how often is the
Ampera powered by both electrical and
mechanical power?
The electric drive unit always requires the use
of electricity, which under specific conditions
can also be combined with mechanical power
to the electric motors that drive the wheels
to provide a significant improvement in
efficiency. This unique balance of power, only
in extended-range high-speed operation,
also helps to boost fuel economy by upwards
of 15%.
What incentives are available?
The Ampera qualifies for the Government
Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) which provides a
discount on the purchase price of 25% up to
£5,000. The Ampera also falls into tax band A
with zero VED*. In London the Ampera will be
congestion charge exempt (on payment of a
£10 registration fee).
* = Current at time of publication. Company Car drivers benefit
from a discounted Benefit in Kind taxation rate of just 5%, while
companies that purchase Ampera are eligible for First Year
Capital Allowances.
Is there a special infrastructure regarding
the dealer/service support?
Yes. Vauxhall has 25 specially qualified dealers
and service partners who are trained in the
revolutionary propulsion system.
Where can I find out more information
about Ampera?
You can visit our website at:
www.vauxhall.co.uk/ampera or download
the ‘myAmpera’ app, which is free to download
for both Android and iPhone devices.
What is the battery recycling plan at
the end of the battery’s life cycle? Any
European specific recycling plan since
Europe has different infrastructure?
The batteries will have a significant amount of
energy storage remaining at the conclusion
of their automotive life cycle. The energy
storage that remains will have an economical
value to a variety of industries (most notably
the power industry). Processes for recycling
lithium-ion batteries for consumer goods such
as mobile phones occur today with very little
environmental impact. The batteries, following
their post-automotive application life cycle, will
be recycled in a similar manner.
Wouldn’t a diesel engine be more efficient
than a petrol engine?
In an E-REV like the Ampera, the engine
generator runs like a stationary engine in the
most efficient areas of the fuel map. In those
areas the petrol engine is as efficient as a
diesel engine. Also, the emissions of petrol
engines are much lower than those of diesel
engines, which need more sophisticated after-
treatment systems.
How can I charge the vehicle at home?
Whilst the six metre long portable charging
cable stored in the boot is designed to be used
in a three-pin household socket on a separate
circuit, we take our duty of care very seriously
and as neither Vauxhall nor our Retailers are
qualified to give home electrical advice to
customers we have enlisted the services of
British Gas.
All customers are entitled to a free home
assessment, carried out to Institute of
Engineering and Technology (IET) electrical
specifications for charging an Electric Vehicle,
by a British Gas engineer.
Should you have any enquiries, please call
British Gas on 0800 980 8175 quoting
AMPERA.
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