Opel to show range-extending hybrid at Geneva motor show

Opel, General Motors' European unit, will unveil its vehicle that uses the range-extending powertrain first shown in the Chevrolet Volt, at the Geneva motor show in March.

On Monday, Opel said that the car will be named Ampera. The Ampera will have four seats and five doors. Opel released a photo showing the front part of the car.

GM is now calling the hybrid powertrain Voltec. The powertrain combines a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor and a small internal-combustion engine that turns a generator to provide electricity to the motor.

The Ampera will travel about 35 miles, or 60 kilometers, on battery power. After that, the engine engages to power the vehicle. The battery pack is recharged by pulling in to standard 230-volt power outlets in Europe.

By Dale Jewett