Why Electric?

Vehicle electrification is aimed at developing and producing various forms of vehicles that are all or in part driven by electricity.

Electricity represents the fuel of the future automobile because it is clean, cheap and domestically produced, and it can come from various energy sources.

Electric driving significantly reduces CO2 and fine particles. While providing practical zero-emission transportation for the majority of Europeans, the Opel Ampera will emit less than 40 grams of CO2/km under the current European Test Cycle (ECE R101).

Electric driving is cost effective. For example, Opel estimates that an electrically driven kilometer in the Opel Ampera will cost about one-sixth the price of an electrically driven kilometer in a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle (at €1.50 per liter).

Electric propulsion is the most efficient way to make use of renewable energies like wind energy and solar energy.  As more renewable energies are supplied in larger quantities, more environmental benefits will be achieved by electrified vehicles.

Examples of electrified vehicles include extended-range electric vehicles like the Opel Ampera, fuel cell electric vehicles like the HydroGen4, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

These types of electric vehicles complement each other. All have promising futures, offering a range of value propositions for customers while diversifying energy use and significantly enhancing vehicle efficiency and emissions (on a total “well-to-wheels” basis).

Key Differences between Hybrid/E-REV/Fuel Cells

The New Automotive DNA

While automotive technology has evolved significantly over the past 100 years, the fundamental DNA of the automobile has remained essentially the same. Today’s cars and trucks still depend on petroleum, are powered by internal combustion engines, are controlled primarily mechanically and hydraulically, and operate independently of one another.

The  change requires replacing the current DNA of the automobile with a new DNA – exchanging:

   • Mechanical drive for electrical drive
   • Petroleum for electricity and hydrogen
   • The internal combustion engine for electric motors
   • Mechanical and hydraulic controls for electrical and electronic controls
   • Stand-alone vehicles for “connected” vehicles

This new DNA stems from the convergence of electrically driven vehicles with “connected vehicles.” Individually, these technology roadmaps promise to significantly enhance automotive transportation. When combined synergistically, they have the potential to transform personal mobility in a revolutionary way.

Vehicles Are on a Path to Ultimate Electrification