Vauxhall Ampera sales tipped to surge
Sales of electric vehicles such as the Vauxhall Ampera will ‘sky rocket’ in the next five years, according to Pike Research.
A report by Pike Research suggests that the worldwide uptake of electric vehicles will be healthy, with 3.2 million expected to be on the road by 2015.
The Ampera is Vauxhall’s first electric vehicle and is expected to hold a big share of the market when it is released in 2012.
Although it is powered by a lithium-ion battery and a small petrol generator, it doesn’t work like a hybrid as the generator powers the battery when it is depleted after around 40 miles.
As a result of this, the Ampera – which shares its underpinnings with the Astra hatchback – boasts a range of around 350 miles, while emitting less than 40g/km. It is also capable of returning 175mpg and reaching 100mph. 0-62mph takes around nine seconds.
Prices for the Ampera are expected to be around £25,000 after government incentives, though this hasn’t been confirmed. The Astra hatchback retails from £13,995.