Opel Ampera-e Gen 1

Overview

The 2021 Opel Ampera-e Gen 1, a European cousin to the Chevrolet Bolt, was a seriously practical electric hatchback known for its impressive interior space and very usable range for its era. Though production ceased in 2021, it made its mark as a straightforward EV, brilliant for city driving and decent for longer trips. Available on the used market in the EU for around €14,900, it offers solid electric motoring value. Its main trick was democratising long-range EV travel in a compact, unassuming package – a bit of an unsung hero!

What's New for 2021?

As the 2021 model year marked the final bow for the Opel Ampera-e Gen 1, there weren't any massive overhauls or flashy new features introduced. Instead, it was more of a continuation of its successful formula, offering the same reliable and capable package that European buyers had come to appreciate. Think of it as the final iteration of a well-honed machine, carrying forward all the traits that made it a sensible electric choice, before Opel moved onto its next generation of EVs under new ownership.

Design & Exterior

The Ampera-e Gen 1 rocks a distinctive, somewhat tall hatchback silhouette that’s big on practicality without being shouty. It measures 4164 mm in length, 1765 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 1594 mm tall, making it a breeze for tight city manoeuvres. This Gen 1 trim featured smart alloy wheels and efficient lighting. While sharing its underpinnings with the American Chevy Bolt, Opel blessed it with a unique front-end design, giving it a proper European look that felt right at home on continental roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Ampera-e, and you’ll find a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin for its compact exterior, easily accommodating five adults. The materials are robust and functional, designed for everyday life. You get a very useful 381 litres of boot space, which expands to a massive 1274 litres when you fold the rear seats flat – perfect for those IKEA trips! Unfortunately, there's no frunk. Tech includes a clear central infotainment screen, typically a 10.2-inch unit, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't be fooled by its sensible suit; the Ampera-e Gen 1 is surprisingly zippy! Its front-wheel-drive system is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering a healthy 150 kW and a substantial 360 Nm of torque. This translates to a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds, making it a right laugh for city driving. The ride is generally comfortable, and the instant electric punch makes overtaking effortless. Strong regenerative braking is standard, often allowing for an engaging one-pedal driving experience to maximise efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Ampera-e Gen 1 is equipped with a 57 kWh (usable) battery pack, which, according to Green Cars Compare's calculations, delivers a real-world range of around 375 km – a very decent figure! Its energy efficiency is rated at an impressive 6.58 km/kWh. For home charging via its CCS Type 2 port, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery fully in approximately 8-9 hours. When you're out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, capable of adding significant range in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the Opel Ampera-e Gen 1 achieved a respectable 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. While it wasn't necessarily kitted out with every latest gadget, it generally came with a solid array of driver assistance systems for its time. Standard kit usually included multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control. Depending on the specific market and any optional packages, features like lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and rear parking sensors were often available to enhance occupant safety.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Opel's warranty for the Ampera-e typically included a general vehicle warranty, often around 2 years with unlimited kilometres in many European countries. The critical battery pack usually benefited from a more comprehensive 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing a minimum of 70% of its original capacity. As an electric vehicle, maintenance is generally less frequent and more affordable than a traditional combustion engine car, thanks to fewer moving parts, meaning less time and money spent at the dealership for routine upkeep – a big win!