Vauxhall’s Ampera Is Green Car Of The Year

Ampera will be first electric car with zero-emission potential

Petrol-powered booster allows journeys up to 310 miles without recharging. Regenerative braking system converts captured energy into electricity

The electric car made by Vauxhall has been named Green Car of the Year.

The Ampera, which claims to be the first electric car in Europe with zero-emission potential, was named the most eco-friendly motor by What Car? magazine.

The car, set for release in early 2012, can go up to 50 miles (80km) on a full charge with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions.

For journeys that go beyond that range, there’s a compact petrol-powered generator that supplies the battery pack with the minimum electricity charge needed to go the extra distance, allowing journeys of up to 310 miles (500km).

The battery stores energy from regenerative braking, as well as excess energy created during the extended-range mode.

Once run down, the battery recharges at a 240v socket in four hours.

The Kia Picanto 1.0 1 Air was named the top green supermini, with the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion given the award for best green small family car, the Ford Mondeo as best green family car and the BMW 3 Series 318d best green executive car.

Renault’s Scenic picked up the award for best green MPV, while the green SUV award went to Peugeot for the 3008 2.0 HDi Hybrid4, the world’s first production diesel hybrid.

The British-built Mini 1.6D Cooper picked up the fun car award.