History of the Opel Ampera-e

The journey of the Opel Ampera-e originally began not in Europe, but in the USA. The electric car, known there as the Chevrolet Bolt, saw the light of day in 2016. In the same year, a version for the European market under the Opel brand was announced. This is how the Opel Ampera-e came into play.

Beginnings and Development

The history of the Opel Ampera-e is actually the story of a transatlantic technology transfer. The original, the Chevrolet Bolt, was developed and produced in the USA by parent company General Motors. With its debut in 2016, the electric car ushered in a new era of electric mobility with a range of over 200 miles (around 320 kilometers) on a single charge. In Europe, the decision was made to launch this state-of-the-art electric car under the Opel brand. This decision was based on the desire to give the Opel brand a new face and lead it into the future of electromobility.

The Opel Ampera-e on the European Market

In autumn 2016, Opel officially presented the Ampera-e at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle immediately attracted considerable interest with its impressive performance data and long range. Official marketing began the following year, 2017. Production of the Opel Ampera-e for the European market began in early 2017 at the General Motors plant in Orion, Michigan, USA. Unlike its US counterpart, the vehicle was primarily tailored to the needs and requirements of the European market. The focus was primarily on driving comfort, range, and technical features specifically designed for European conditions.

A Varied History

In 2019, a change in Opel’s corporate structure led to an abrupt end to the Ampera-e’s history. Following the sale of Opel to the French Groupe PSA, the parent company of Peugeot, Citroën, and DS, production of the Ampera-e was discontinued. Since then, the Opel Ampera-e has maintained a unique position in the used car market. The compact 5-door has earned a reputation as a particularly reliable and energy-efficient electric car, impressing not only with its range but also with its spaciousness and features. Thus, the history of the Opel Ampera-e can be seen as a story of progress and change in the automotive sector, documenting the shift toward sustainable electromobility.

All Opel Ampera-e models

Opel Ampera-e (2017 – 2020)

The Opel Ampera-e embodies the first fully electric vehicle from Opel and makes electromobility more attractive and, above all, more accessible in everyday life. This pioneer offers an impressive range of up to 423 kilometers according to the new WLTP cycle, which is a very rare feature in this vehicle class. Despite its efficient 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, the Ampera-e does not lack acceleration power. The vehicle sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Its maximum torque is a commanding 360 Nm. The ample space for passengers and luggage is also a major plus point of this model. However, comfort could be compromised by a somewhat stiff suspension.

Opel Ampera (2012 – 2014)

Before the all-electric era, there was the Opel Ampera, a plug-in hybrid that is considered one of the pioneers of hybrid drive in Europe. It combined an electric motor with an output of 111 kW (150 hp) and a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 63 kW (86 hp). The Ampera is capable of traveling around 40 to 80 kilometers on pure electric power before the combustion engine kicks in as a generator for the electric motor. This technology is known as an “Extended-Range Electric Vehicle” (EREV). The Ampera’s main strength lies in its flexibility, eliminating the fear of a flat battery (range anxiety) by offering the option of driving further on gasoline. However, the model is relatively heavy, mainly due to the dual motorization and heavy batteries. Both Opel Ampera models represent important milestones on the path to more environmentally friendly mobility and have paved the way for further developments and models in this area. In the used car market, both versions have proven themselves to be reliable and robust vehicles that remain a worthwhile option for entry into electromobility.

Used Car Market Analysis of the Opel Ampera-e

Market Position of the Opel Ampera-e

First, we must consider the position of the Opel Ampera-e in the used car market. The Ampera-e occupies a special position as it was one of Opel’s first fully electric cars and a pioneer of e-mobility. Its competitiveness is reflected not only in its modern technology, but also in its cost-effectiveness and popularity among car buyers. Although the Ampera-e is no longer produced as a new car, there remains high demand for the model in the used car market. A solid technical concept, coupled with high safety standards and ecological efficiency, continues to appeal to a broad range of buyers.

ROI Analysis for Used Car Dealers

The Opel Ampera-e is profitable from a dealer’s perspective. Despite the initially higher acquisition costs, these are offset by the low depreciation level and high demand. The Ampera-e’s low depreciation is a prime investment. Used car dealers also benefit from the growing demand for electric vehicles. With the Opel Ampera-e, they can offer a model that impresses with both its range and its features.

Known Issues of Individual Model Series

Despite the Ampera-e’s numerous advantages, there are still some models that have proven problematic due to the aforementioned characteristics. This particularly applies to the early models, which can occasionally experience issues with battery performance. Furthermore, some issues with the Ampera-e’s infotainment system have also been reported. However, these should not be overstated and are considered relatively minor compared to other used cars. Especially given technological advances and the high demand for electric vehicles, the Opel Ampera-e remains an attractive model for the used car market. Despite some known issues, its high reliability and durability make it an attractive option for used car dealers.

Acquiring the Opel Ampera-e

For used car dealers, purchasing an Opel Ampera-e on a used car exchange offers numerous advantages. In commercial B2B exchanges, the purchase process is generally more efficient and smoother than on B2C platforms, where negotiations with end customers are often more complex and time-consuming. In particular, the purchase options, such as trade-ins, lease returns, and financing returns, offer great potential for the efficient acquisition of the Opel Ampera-e.

Buying the Opel Ampera-e on a used car exchange

The efficient purchase of used Opel Ampera-e vehicles is often easier on B2B exchanges. Direct communication with other car dealerships and used car dealers ensures a quick and uncomplicated transaction. In addition to the wide selection of models, dealers also benefit from well-defined usage scenarios, which provide a clear overview of the vehicle’s previous use.

Why you should buy the Opel Ampera-e online

Furthermore, arbitrage transactions enable online retailers to purchase the Opel Ampera-e at profitable prices and thus generate high profits. Arbitrage refers to the additional business in which dealers purchase vehicles in locations with low demand and then sell them at a higher price in locations with high demand – an advantage that can be exploited primarily in the digital age and whose implementation is made significantly easier by B2B exchanges.

Import/Export of used Opel Ampera-e with AudiCarOnSale

When importing and exporting models such as the Opel Ampera-e, the luxury tax applicable in some European countries must be taken into account. For example, for countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark, a luxury tax is levied on car imports. Here, as a used car dealer, you benefit from the support of AudiCarOnSale. The platform is a digital assistant that supports car dealerships in properly complying with tax regulations and even applying for refunds of taxes already paid. This allows you to purchase the Opel Ampera-e easily and securely. Optimizing the customer experience through an efficient and user-friendly platform is always our top priority.

AudiCarOnSale as a partner for online purchases of the Opel Ampera-e

Purchasing the Opel Ampera-e online becomes a straightforward and secure experience thanks to the partnership with AudiCarOnSale. As an innovative digital assistant in the car trade, this platform offers a complete purchase process, including secure payment and even transport upon request.

Profitable Auction Platform

AudiCarOnSale not only acts as a used car exchange, but also as a profitable and intuitive auction platform. You receive a comprehensive overview of the entire purchase process, making the used car auction a smooth and transparent process.

Used Car Source

The vehicles offered through AudiCarOnSale come from reputable car dealers and fleet inventories, as well as lease and finance returns. This ensures high quality and a wide selection of used Opel Ampera-e vehicles.

Security and Trust

When purchasing a used Opel Ampera-e, you can rely on the highest levels of transparency and safety standards. Vehicles bearing the COSCheck seal have been recorded and advertised by our own vehicle evaluators. In addition, the COSCheck Plus warranty, which you can purchase for a small additional charge of just €99, ensures security in the event of undetected damage.

Personal Support

Buying a car is a significant process, and AudiCarOnSale ensures that you are not left alone during this time. A personal contact person is available to you via phone, WhatsApp, or email.

Complete Purchase Process

At AudiCarOnSale, the entire purchase process is managed from start to finish. Secure payment is made via the COSPay system. AudiCarOnSale also takes care of possible tax refunds, document dispatch, and, if desired, even vehicle transport. AudiCarOnSale helps Europe’s commercial dealers and car dealerships trade their used cars on a single, efficient, and secure marketplace. This makes purchasing an Opel Ampera-e a simple, secure, and rewarding experience.