Vauxhall Ampera on grid for 2011

GM's electric charge is gathering momentum.

As the Chevrolet Volt approaches introduction late this year, the first pre-production version of the UK variant, the Vauxhall Ampera, has just rolled off the line at GM's Pre-Production Operation's assembly line in Warren, Michigan. This is in line with its planned launch in 2011. The German Opel version, also called Ampera and also to be built in Michigan, is likewise scheduled for a 2011 introduction.

And, not far down the track, in 2012, Australia will get its version, also US-built -- the Holden Volt.

The GM "extended range electric vehicles" promise to become the next generation on from now almost-conventional petrol-electric hybrids. They offer better all-round emissions reduction through a greatly extended electric-only range and a drivetrain in which the petrol engine becomes an auxiliary powerplant, playing no role in directly driving the wheels. All motive power is directed to the front wheels via an electric motor powered by a T-shaped Lithium-ion battery pack under the floor.

The petrol engine either charges the battery as it is being depleted, or generates power for the front wheels when insufficient charge is left in the batteries. The car is able to travel for about 60 kilometres on a full battery charge, then a further 480km or so with the petrol engine powering-up the electric motor.

This is compared to Prius-type hybrids that are essentially petrol-powered and occasionally assisted by an electric motor, usually in stop-start traffic. A problem that has been around since the launch of the first Toyota Prius is the matter of absorbing development costs. Toyota bit the bullet by selling Prius at a loss just so customers could afford it, waiting for the inevitable amortisation to start reversing the cash flow.

The rumour mill has it that GM is taking a different approach by setting prices that more directly reflect investment. No-one knows for sure, but the US-built Holden Volt, which is based on the current Cruze sedan to be built locally from late this year, is expected to base its pricing on the Chevy Volt. The Volt's price in the American market is expected to be pegged at something like US$40,000. Our dollar is looking strong against the Greenback these days, but indications are the Holden Volt could still be priced at close to $60,000.

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