Second Generation Vauxhall Ampera to Come in 2015

Recent reports have revealed that Vauxhall prepares the second generation of the Ampera model for 2015. The new model is expected to hit the showrooms costing significantly less than the current one. The new Ampera will also feature a more radical design than the current model.

The first generation is on sale now, with deliveries to start next year. The current model has a price tag of GBP28,995(approx. $47.000) including the GBP5,000(approx. $8200) government grant.

It is believed that its battery pack accounts for around GBP7,000( approx $11,500) of the price tag but forecasts are that by 2015 improved technology will cut the costs by half. Further significant steps in costs reduction are expected to come from economies of scale as customer demand picks up.

“We have an education job to do on the technology in the Vauxhall Ampera, but that will come in time. We hope that this first car will establish itself as a market leader, and we’ll be able to capitalise on that with a cheaper, more expressively designed second generation model.” Opel CEO Nick Reilly was quoted as saying by autocar.co.uk.

Reilly also explained that the Ampera’s powertrain is scalable to fit other models. Moreover, it is possible that a whole range of Ampera models could be released. The next version of the car will draw its roots from the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Concept revealed earlier this year in Geneva, showing a more familiar design which also reflects the cutting edge technology which it incorporates.

Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that Vauxhall/Opel will evaluate the sales of the first-gen Ampera before it decides whether to build the model in Europe or not.