Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last month, the Bolt features a 60kWh battery – twice the capacity of the latest Nissan LEAF – and offers a range of 200 miles (322km) on the U.S. EPA test cycle. Pricing starts at less than $30,000 (€17,676) in the United States and, unlike the Ampera, it’s fully electric; there is no petrol engine.

Opel Group has yet to confirm pricing. However, to compare it fairly, it’s worth noting that the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) typically produces higher range indications than its U.S. equivalent. The Nissan LEAF returns a 107-mile range under U.S. testing, and 155 miles on the NEDC, which means the Ampera-e could launch with a range of almost 300 miles (483km) in European markets.

The drivetrain is unlikely to change much – producing 197bhp and 266lb.ft and reaching 62mph in around seven seconds, which is faster than the BMW i3. Chevrolet has also equipped the Bolt with the Combined Charging system, offering a 7.2kWh AC charge and DC rapid charging capability, and the Ampera-e is likely to offer the same, but with the European Type 2 connector.

Due to the large battery, rapid charging to 80% takes an hour, but the range regained per minute plugged in is the same as most other electric vehicles on the same connection.

Opel group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, said: “Electric vehicles have the potential to make a significant contribution to climate protection and emissions reduction. The new Ampera-e will open the road to electric mobility by breaking down the barriers of high price and short driving range.”