Opel has launched the new Ampera-e Electric Vehicle early 2017. The propulsion system for this car as well as for the Chevrolet Bolt EV [2] were developed with the experience from the Chevrolet Spark EV battery electric vehicle, but for increased vehicle capability. It now propels a new, larger electric vehicle with significantly greater electric driving range. Through extensive analysis, the primary propulsion system components, which include the drive unit, traction electric motor, power electronics, energy storage and on-board charging module, were optimized individually and as an integrated system. The new design and numerous optimization loops delivered improvements in propulsion system energy, power, torque and efficiency. The results deliver outstanding EV range and fun-to-drive acceleration performance. This paper describes the new propulsion system, starting from its requirement definition all the way down to subsystems design and performance, including remarkable optimization details, resulting from rigorous analysis. The paper compares the performance characteristics with vehicle and subsystem level figures of GM's Chevrolet Spark EV [5,6] which was previously introduced in US, Canada and Korea back in 2014. The new Ampera-e virtually eliminates "range-anxiety" through greatly improved range and great charging options, while it further improves drive performance characteristics in comparison to the Chevrolet Spark. The improved propulsion system and range will make this car eligible for purchase by a much wider audience of customers and thus will substantially contribute to the rising share of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) under the passenger cars.
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