Forbidden Fruit: Vauxhall Will Not Receive The Ampera-e
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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.
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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.