The already designated "Car of the Year 2012" in Europe, the Opel Ampera and the Chevrolet Volt twin brother, gained another recognition.
The autonomy expansion engine 1.4 lt won the "International Engine of the Year Award" as the best "green" engine against 45 strong competitors. The Ampera and Volt are the first electric vehicles on the market with so much autonomy, while it is the first time in the 14-year history of the awards institution, The winner is an engine for the expansion of autonomy.
Seventy-six automotive journalists from 35 Countries, from all over the world, are the jury that awards top engine technologies in twelve different categories. The members of the committee admitted that this year was one of the most difficult so far as well 39 new engines entered the competition.
"It is a top solution that combines the performance of purely electric operation with the flexibility and comfort of a gasoline engine", said Bill McKinnon, member of the committee.
The latter distinction comes at a time of rising global fuel prices where small, Eco-friendly electric motors are becoming increasingly important in the international automotive press.
A lithium ion battery 16 kWh supplies power to the electric motor 150 hp of Ampera / Volt. Depending on the driving style and road conditions, autonomy ranges from 40 until 80 km. exclusively in the battery program, with zero pollutants. The wheels are always electrically driven. In the extended autonomy program, which is activated when the battery reaches the minimum charge level, the 86hp 1.4lt petrol engine, drives a generator that supplies power to the electric drive unit. Thus autonomy is achieved up to 500 km.
The Ampera and Volt have also been distinguished for their safety, winning 5 stars in Euro NCAP. Last year, the Volt drive system was one of the ten best engines in the B.. America according to Ward Car Magazine.
The Opel Ampera is in our country but it is expensive due to the luxury tax that we hope will be abolished. However, its price will still be somewhat high, due to high technology. The first Ampera has been delivered to a customer in our country.
