Ampera owners question (or anyone who knows)

[Paul2129]

Just curious, looking at the possibility of a Vauxhall Ampera, wondering how the Internal Combustion engine acts in relation to the all electric side. Assuming fully charged, and attempting to use on a daily basis on all-electric. Does the IC not start at all, even from the outset ? does it only fire up if extra power is required or if the battery is depleted ? that being the case, how does it generate temperature to warm the oil ? surely it doesn't wait, stone cold for you to mash your foot on an overtake ?
I tried a Yaris hybrid some time ago, obviously a more limited electric range, but as I remember, it would start the IC and run for until it had warmed a bit before it would allow the Electric motor.

any help would be much appreciated


Paul

[ex1]

The ice is a range extender, it doesn’t drive the car at all.

It’s very different from a hybrid. The Ampera can only be driven on the electric motor, when the battery runs out the ice kicks in acting as a generator to put energy back into the battery.

[Paul2129]

It uses a 1.4l engine as a generator ? Really ?

[Paul2129]

Indeed, it seems you’re right, sorry, my misunderstanding, apparently it’s a 1.4 because it assists the electric motor over 75mph

Clever stuff

[ArsE92]

Paul2129 said:

Indeed, it seems you’re right, sorry, my misunderstanding, apparently it’s a 1.4 because it assists the electric motor over 75mph

Clever stuff

So it's not just a range extender then?

The i3 has a range extender where the small engine is fired up to charge the battery, but does not power the drive-train at any point.

[MXRod]

Lots of info here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Volt

[danp]

Lots of info/ owners/ buying guide here:

https://www.speakev.com/forums/ampera-volt/

[danp]

Lots of info/ owners/ buying guide here:

https://www.speakev.com/forums/ampera-volt/