It’s the 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of maximum torque that really makes the Opel Ampera-e unique, with the power output of the electric motor a healthy 150 kW/204 horsepower (PS).
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GM confirmed Bolt production in an announcement at the Chicago show in February 2015.
By the time of the European Opel Ampera-e unveiling in October, we’re likely to already have a pretty good understanding of what to expect, as the Chevy Bolt will be more of a known quantity by that point.
If the Ampera name sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the nameplate that Opel (and Vauxhall, in the U.K.) chose for its version of the previous-gen Chevrolet Volt (the current Volt has yet to make its way to the Continent).
GM previously quoted a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of “under 7.0 seconds” for the Bolt EV, and it’s likely the Ampera-e will offer similar performance. The compact auto has unusually quick acceleration rates for an EV, as well, and is capable of going from zero to 50 km/h (31 mph) in just 3.2 seconds, and can speed up from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in only 4.5 seconds.
The Ampera-e, will have a top speed of 150km/h, which will be handful in European unrestricted autobahns.
Opel hasn’t outlined the battery specifics, but the Ampera-e is believed to be identical to the Bolt, with a 60kWh battery pack providing a range of around 320 kilometres between charges.
Since March, the Bolt EV has been in pilot production at the Orion Assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan, which now builds Sonic small cars for GM. Its five-seat hatchback body isn’t changed, either, other than the requisite “Opel” and “Ampera-e” badges. Another impressive detail regarding the Ampera-e is how this auto picks up speed from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph).
Press days for the 2016 Paris Motor Show are September 29 and 30.
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With Opel promising range of over 300km, the Ampera-e rivals the best electric cars on the market, such as the Nissan Leaf, while offering a cheaper alternative to Tesla’s sedans.
