Opel is planning to make its Ampera visible on the streets of Europe through a link-up with car hire company Europcar, writes Brian Byrne.
The first units of the extended range EV 4-seater will be available to hire in Germany from this November. The plan is to extend availability through a total of eight European markets through 2012.
The €43,000 vehicle can do local journeys on electric power alone, and an onboard petrol engine will provide on-the-run battery recharging for longer journeys.
The idea is that this will prove the Opel/Vauxhall electric vehicle is completely suitable for everyday use - even as a fleet vehicle in the tough rental car business.
Motorists interested in renting Opel Amperas through Europcar will go through a 10-15 minute introduction to the vehicle before setting off, going through the procedures of safely charging the batteries and energy-efficient driving to maximize the Ampera's fuel economy.
A premium rental price is expected.
