Bochum, Germany  - Opel has presented a road-going version of the clean-drive Ampera, based on the US Chevy Volt, that it plans to introduce on European markets in two years time.

According to Opel, the Ampera would allow clean electric drive for the distances of 50 kilometres travelled daily by most commuters. The 111 kW electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion T-shaped battery unit fitted to the car floor.

If the batteries are empty a conventional 1.4-litre petrol engine takes over, increasing the range to 500 kilometres. It is a fully-fledged four-seater sedan with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in nine seconds. Boomerang-shaped front headlights emphasize the difference to the more conventionally-styled Chevy Volt.

No decision has been made on where to produce the Ampera. The future of General Motors (GM) and its European brands Opel and Vauxhall still remains uncertain. Opel is nevertheless planning to launch the Ampera on the European market in late 2011.

Opel's CEO Hans Demant wants the Ampera to sell in the region of a Zafira diesel which is about 35,000 euros (49,000 dollars). The lithium-ion battery unit alone costs about 10,000 euros with a lifespan of about 240,000 kilometres.

Opel however argues that the additional price would be made up by cheaper running costs with 8 kWh of electricity required for 60 kilometres at a price translating to 0.2 cents per kilometre or less than the price for a cup of coffee. (dpa)