Photo: Opel
There is a widespread idea that electric stuff and low temperatures don’t mix so well. The Opel Ampera is busting this misconception, as it was tested on the Baltic Sea’s frozen water.
During winter, the seawater between Estonia and the surrounding islands froze. If it gets a minimum of 25 centimeters thick, the green light is given to drive across it, making commuter’s life easier.
As this place is among the last frozen regions in Europe at the moment, a number of journalists were invited to test the Ampera in the difficult conditions.
The Opel Ampera is electrically driven at all times, featuring a unique 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a 111 kW (150 hp) electric motor. Depending on conditions and the charge level of the batteries, the car has a pure electric range of 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 miles). In addition, the car features a range extender 1.4-liter gasoline engine which supplies additional power to the electric motor and charges the battery back. Combined, the Ampera has a total range of 500 km (310 miles), with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of less than 10 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h (99 mph). In terms of economy, fuel consumption is said to be at 1.2 liters per 100 km (196 mpg US or 235 mpg UK) and 27 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Opel engineers thought in advance at the low temperatures the car has to confront, so they have fitted the Ampera with two auxiliary heating systems. One of them is keeping the battery pack warm enough to work at full capacity and the other system is taking care of the cabin temperature.
The electric-driven car successfully took the rough test in its stride. It covered hundreds of kilometers without any problems, proving that it can work well in bad weather conditions and maintain it’s passengers comfort at a good level.
As this place is among the last frozen regions in Europe at the moment, a number of journalists were invited to test the Ampera in the difficult conditions.
The Opel Ampera is electrically driven at all times, featuring a unique 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a 111 kW (150 hp) electric motor. Depending on conditions and the charge level of the batteries, the car has a pure electric range of 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 miles). In addition, the car features a range extender 1.4-liter gasoline engine which supplies additional power to the electric motor and charges the battery back. Combined, the Ampera has a total range of 500 km (310 miles), with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of less than 10 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h (99 mph). In terms of economy, fuel consumption is said to be at 1.2 liters per 100 km (196 mpg US or 235 mpg UK) and 27 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Opel engineers thought in advance at the low temperatures the car has to confront, so they have fitted the Ampera with two auxiliary heating systems. One of them is keeping the battery pack warm enough to work at full capacity and the other system is taking care of the cabin temperature.
The electric-driven car successfully took the rough test in its stride. It covered hundreds of kilometers without any problems, proving that it can work well in bad weather conditions and maintain it’s passengers comfort at a good level.
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