Vauxhall Ampera: The electric car with a 350-mile range

Geneva Car Show 2009

One of the biggest stories from the Geneva International Motor Show was the Opel Ampera. The car, which will be available in the UK under the Vauxhall banner, is -- as far as we're aware -- the first of its kind.

It's powered entirely by a 111kW electric drive unit, which has a range of 40 miles. Interestingly though, it also has an internal combustion engine, which works as a generator to deliver further electricity to the drive unit. With the petrol engine continuously generating power, the car has a total range of 350 miles.

For those of you who don't want to rely on petrol, the Ampera, known in the US as the Chevy Volt, can be driven in electric-only mode and recharged at a home power outlet.

We think Vauxhall is on to a real winner here. Have a look at the video and let us know what you think.

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