Vauxhall Ampera helps Carol Vorderman Go Ultra Low

15/10/2014 16:52 Share

Carol Vorderman, MBE, has become the latest ambassador to trial the Vauxhall Ampera extended-range electric vehicle in support of the Go Ultra Low campaign.

Go Ultra Low is a ground-breaking partnership between the UK automotive industry and Government. It is designed to encourage more drivers to consider ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs).

Carol was keen to get involved with the project and said: "I'm obsessed with engines, cars and aeroplanes, and with a degree in Engineering, I've always been fascinated by how things work."

Carol initially admitted she was wary that driving a ULEV would just add to her to do list. However, after a couple of months trialling the Vauxhall Ampera she commented: "Actually quite the opposite is true, it's easy. You come home, plug it in, you go away and come back in the morning and it's fully charged."

Carol added: "Journeys in and out of Bristol are shorter, so the range on the Vauxhall Ampera with the electric motor itself is perfect for me. It gets me through the day and I don't have to go to the petrol station which long-term, saves me a considerable amount of money."

The award winning vehicle is well equipped with voice activated sat navigation featuring street level mapping for 20 European countries, audio/video DVD player, hard drive device with 30GB music file capacity and Bose 'Energy Efficient Series' sound system.

The Vauxhall Ampera has a real-world battery range of between 25-50 miles and can be charged by a 240V plug on a separate circuit in your home. It has a small range-extending generator, powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine, which intervenes to provide up to an additional 300-plus mile range. At all times, the Vauxhall Ampera's wheels are electrically driven, setting it apart from conventional hybrid vehicles.

You can see Carol Vorderman demonstrate why her Vauxhall Ampera is helping her to 'Go Ultra Low' in the video below.