Ten best electric cars rated

The Vauxhall Ampera is possibly the strangest car in this round-up. It's driven entirely by electric energy, but it isn't an electric car in the traditional sense. Power to its wheels is provided by a battery that's charged either via the mains or, more likely, via an on-board petrol engine.

Design

The Ampera looks good. Based on the forthcoming Astra platform, it eschews the Prius' bizarre wedge silhouette -- a shape adopted by many hybrid rivals -- for a more muscular, dynamic design. We're not too sure about the 'tears' streaking from the headlights but, on the whole, the Ampera has a design that's bold without looking too experimental.

Technology

Vauxhall hasn't skimped on the technology inside the Ampera. The car has a pair of video screens that provide all the feedback you'd get from a traditional analogue instrument binnacle. One screen, mounted behind the steering wheel, relays all the same information as a conventional set of gauges, while the other is a touch-sensitive infotainment centre that'll provide access to a wealth of multimedia sources, including your iPod.

Performance and batteries

Once topped up for 3.5 hours at the mains, the Ampera will run in electric-only mode, with its petrol engine switched off, for up to 40 miles. Following that, its internal combustion engine will kick into life, topping up the battery level so it can provide even more thrust -- for a maximum range of 350 miles.

The Ampera may have a huge, 181kg lithium-ion battery pack and an equally hefty internal combustion engine, but it's pretty nippy. It'll finish the 0-60mph spring in 9 seconds and carry on until it reaches a top speed of 100mph.

Pricing and availability

The Ampera will go on sale in 2012 for a price somewhere in the region of £35,000.

Should I buy one?

The Ampera is an intriguing prospect. Its ability to run on electric power for up to 40 miles makes it a credible rival to electric-only vehicles, and its 310-mile range in petrol-to-electric mode will give drivers peace of mind.

EV rating: 3/5