BETTER PARTSWith Flash, but without price
Rüsselsheim, Germany, 14 February 2017
Kinda weird: On the one hand electric cars in Germany are a flop in terms of sales, on the other hand, the interest of the audience is oversized. One reason for the reluctance is probably the low range. Here, the new Opel Ampera-e promises remedy.
Electric range: 520 km
For the first time, there is now an officially certified range: 520 km are in the NEDC driving cycle, valid from autumn 2017, realistic WLTP cycle it should be about 380 kilometers. Is the lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 60 kilowatt hours roughly twice as large as when a BMW i3 (94 AH) or a Mercedes B 250 e. To charge a large battery is advisable only to a limited extent the wall outlet: 30 minutes charging just enough for a range of six kilometers. Better to use a fast charging station with 50 kilowatts of power, then the range increased in the same period around 150 kilometres.
Power and torque top
The maximum torque of the Ampera e is specified with 360 Newton-meter so that the car is far ahead and surpasses even the Mercedes B 250 e still to 20 nm, the BMW i3 provides only 250 Nm. The capacity is 150-kilowatt or 204 HP top, as well as the Sprint to 100 (7.3 seconds). The maximum speed is similar to limited at the above Premiummodellen to 150 km/h.
So much trunk as in the VW Golf
The battery is located on the underbody, which saves space. The 4.17 meter long MPV offers 381 to 1,274 litres luggage compartment approximately as much as in the VW is golf. Because electric cars are often bought by techies, Opel offers several electronic helpers. These include a parking Assistant, a collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection and emergency brake function (only for city tempo), a lane and a cross traffic Assistant to the reverse parking. There is also a traffic sign recognition, a lane change Assistant and a blind spot detector.
Connectivity must be
Contemporary "Connectivity" and large displays must also be. In the middle of the dashboard there is a 10.2 inch touch screen. The mobile can be connected using Apple CarPlay or Android car. Also the rear-seat passengers in the Internet can go over the Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition can be connect by pressing a key with a service representative. He books hotel rooms or helps to find the next charging station.
And the price?
Because electric cars in Germany not to run, will the Ampera e first introduced in Norway, where electric cars are strongly subventioneirt. But soon scheduled for launch in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. After proven salami tactics Opel however does not reveal the most important figure yet: the price. One must assume that he will be the hook of the car. A BMW i3 or Mercedes B 250 e costs around 36,000 and 39,000 euros respectively. The battery of the Opel is twice as large, he will probably significantly more expensive. Even if one subtracts the 4,000 euro of environmental bonus, so a car probably does not pay off, but remain an ecological statement. (sl)