Rüsselsheim. Opel today announced enhancements to the Ampera that are designed to further reduce the potential of a battery fire days or weeks after a severe accident.
The enhancements address concerns raised in the USA by GM and NHTSA about post-crash battery performance of the Chevrolet Volt.
Last year the Ampera already received the maximum five-star safety-rating from Euro NCAP. The enhancements announced today include modifications to the vehicle structure and the battery coolant system, which would provide the battery system with additional protection in a severe side impact.
The modifications in detail:
- Strengthening of an existing portion of the vehicle safety structure
- An additional sensor in the reservoir of the battery coolant system to monitor coolant levels
- A tamper-resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant reservoir to help prevent potential coolant overfill
“The Ampera has always been safe to drive. Now, our customers will have the additional peace of mind that the Ampera is equally as safe in the days and weeks following a severe crash,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel Chief Executive Officer.
The enhancements are being incorporated into the Ampera manufacturing process as production resumes this month after the Christmas break. Cars produced earlier will be retrofitted in Europe, before delivery to customers.
Opel plans to begin delivering the Ampera to customers from February onwards.
