Opel’s suggested retail price throughout Europe for the base model starts at 42,900 euros ($59,600), including national VAT. Customers can register their reservation for an Ampera at www.opel-ampera.com, where they will receive the title of ‘ePioneer’, together with the chance to test the electric car. The actual cars will begin selling starting from the fourth quarter of 2011.
“The Ampera defines a new class of e-mobility. No other electric vehicle provides the freedom of individual transportation as the Opel Ampera,” according to Alain Visser, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Opel. “We have compromised on nothing. The Ampera is a beautiful car that is as fun to drive as it is packed with premium content.”
The Ampera only promises 40-80 km (25 to 50 miles) of range on a full electric charge. Opel justifies this, saying that “about 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 kilometers per day, so the Ampera would meet their requirements.” When you want to take a longer trip, the Ampera’s range can be extended by the use of a gasoline-fueled engine/generator, improving the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank.
However, we find the EUR42,900 ($59,600) price tag to be unjustified, seeing as the Ampera is based on the Chevrolet Volt, which is expected to cost $41,000 (EUR30,000). Furthermore, the Volt should also benefit from a $7,500 ( federal income tax credit in the US.
Google News