Vauxhall has announced that its Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) will cost under £30k when it hits UK showrooms in early 2012.

After taking advantage of the £5000 Plug-In Car Grant, customers will pay just £28,995 for the Ampera. With the efficiency of up to 50 miles range on battery power, free TFL congestion charge, no Vehicle Excise Duty payments and 5% company car taxation, Ampera’s overall running costs should be lower.

Its 50 mile battery electric drive range exceeds the UK’s average commuting distance but when a longer journey is required, Ampera’s range-extender engine/generator produces electricity on board.  The generator engages seamlessly once the battery has reached a minimum level of charge.  The 50-mile battery electric range is thus extended by 310 miles permitting the driver to travel up to 360 miles without the need for recharging or refuelling.

A full charge for Ampera’s battery can be achieved in less than four hours via a domestic 240v electricity socket at an average cost of around £1, depending on tariff.