Among the commotion of 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV news, the 2017 Opel Ampera-e was also revealed to feature identical electric range, surpassing 400 km of driving capability. However, cousin Vauxhall will sit this one out, according to the brand itself.
In a release stating Vauxhall’s contribution to the Bolt EV/Ampera-e program, it was confirmed the electric vehicle would not be available in the United Kingdom and would not be produced in right-hand drive. However, Vauxhall left the door wide open stating there is a possibility for a “right-hand-drive model being produced in a future generation.”
‘Vauxhall is committed to having a future EV presence in its range,’ said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. ‘The technology which underpins the new Ampera-e is of great interest to us, and we will be evaluating LHD cars from next spring and demonstrating them to clients. The fact that Ampera-e is not an eco-luxury or second car for customers broadens its appeal greatly, but it’s obviously vital that the car we sell in our market is right-hand-drive, and that won’t be available in the current generation.’
This means we can also mark Holden off of the list as a potential recipient, too, since right-hand drive is off the table for this current generation of Bolt EV and Ampera-e.
The Opel Ampera-e will make its official European debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show this month.
Comments
surpassing 400kms? 238 miles is only 385kms.
cdnsolman,
Over 400 km of range is official from Opel itself. My guess would be a different cycle to rate the EV on than in the U.S.
Cheers,
-Sean
cdnsolman,
In fact, that is the case. The Ampera-e has been rated on the New European Driving Cycle. Further reading if you desire:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/09/2017-opel-ampera-e-range-estimated-at-over-400-kilometers/
Cheers,
-Sean
So GM is still developing left-hand steered only cars? How pathetic!
You know why GM went bankrupt.