THE new director of Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant says the new Ampera electric car will “revolutionise” the electric vehicle market.
Tony Francavilla yesterday welcomed an Ampera that had driven the 175 miles from Vauxhall’s Luton HQ to Cheshire – the longest single journey by an electric car on UK roads.
The Ampera is set to go on sale in the UK from 2012. If it proves a hit and goes into full production, it is likely to be built in Ellesmere Port.
The Ampera E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) uses General Motors’ “Voltec” technology to give it a range of 350 miles.
The car runs on electric power for 40 miles – with no emissions from its exhaust pipe. Its range-extending engine, which can be powered by petrol or ethanol, then kicks in to top up the battery.
Vauxhall, part of US automotive giant General Motors, says its wheels are driven by electricity at all times, with the petrol engine only being used to charge the battery.
Tony Francavilla, who took over as Ellesmere Port plant director in April, completed the last leg of yesterday’s journey as a passenger in the Ampera.
He said: “The Ampera will re-adjust people’s attitudes toward electric vehicles as crude, slow and compromised. It’s none of these, yet has the potential to be used every day with zero tailpipe emissions, and without a trip to the filling station.
“Our workforce here at Ellesmere Port is right behind the Ampera, and we look forward to seeing it on British roads at the start of 2012.”
Before taking over at Ellesmere Port, Mr Francavilla was managing director of GM’s Poland operations and plant manager of its Gliwice site.
He joined GM in 1979 and has worked at manufacturing plants in Canada, Detroit and Flint, Michigan.
Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s managing director, drove the first leg of the Ampera’s journey yesterday.
He said: “This is truly a red-letter day for Vauxhall.
“The Ampera is breaking new ground for us and proves that running an electric car no longer means being anxious about charge levels after the first few miles.
“What’s more, its performance and refinement will surprise motorists, as will its practicality – it’s a genuine proposition for green-thinking families.”
The Ellesmere Port plant, which employs more than 2,000 people, builds the Astra for Vauxhall and its European sister brand Opel. The Ampera is based on the same platform as the new model Astra.
GM Europe president Nick Reilly said last week that the company was “very excited” with the progress of the Ampera – and repeated his message that Ellesmere Port was a “strong candidate” to build the car if it goes into full production.
The car is being produced in small quantities in the US ahead of its worldwide launch.
MIKE TORPEY test-drives the Ampera – see tomorrow’s Daily Post
