Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 4, 2009

Opel has begun testing two development cars (mules) of the Ampera extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) ( earlier post ) at its Dudenhofen proving ground, keeping the four-seater on schedule for a late 2011 production date. The Ampera is based on the Voltec electric propulsion system applied in the Chevy Volt. Ampera and mule.

Li-ion 186

Li-ion Lithium Ion Spain Extended Range 186

Green Car Congress

MARCH 3, 2009

GM Europe staged the world premieres of the Opel Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt, and the Chevrolet Spark mini-car, at the Geneva Motor Show. The Ampera is an extended range electric vehicle based on the Voltec technology used in the Chevrolet Volt. Recharging uses a standard 230V outlet. Opel Ampera.

Chevrolet 150

Chevrolet GM Europe Li-ion 150

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 10, 2011

On the heels officially introducing the Focus Electric last week ( earlier post ), Ford revealed two next-generation hybrids—including its first production plug-in hybrid (PHEV)—at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This allows it to run in electric mode before using the gasoline engine.

Plug-in 231

Plug-in Hybrid Ford Plug 231

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 17, 2009

The Karma, a luxury four-passenger sedan, can be recharged by plugging it in; it can then be driven on power from a battery alone for 50 miles. After that, an onboard gasoline generator kicks on to recharge the battery, extending the range by 250 miles between fill-ups. It takes the Volt about 9 seconds.)

United States 30

United States Plug-in Plug Hybrid 30