Low Carbon: Business Minister Ian Lucas test drives new electric car at General Motors testing facility in Millbrook

By Sarah Griffiths on Dec 15, 09 09:39 AM in News

BUSINESS Minister Ian Lucas had a taste of the future of motoring when he was one of the first people to get the chance to drive GM's new electric car.

Driving the Ampera around GM's testing facilities at Millbrook, Ian Lucas got a chance to experience the motoring power that the next generation of electric vehicles is delivering.

The Ampera's electric battery can keep going for 300 miles with the aid of a small petrol engine after the first 40 miles of pure electrical range. The car is expected to be available in the UK in 2012 and the Government remains keen to secure its production at the Ellesmere Port plant.

The Minister was given a tour of the extensive facilities offered by Millbrook and used by companies all over the world. These range from testing vehicles on different types of handling circuits, carrying out crash tests and rating vehicle CO2 emissions to simulating the road conditions to test military vehicles.

Business Minister Ian Lucas said: "Driving the new electric Ampera was a great experience, and one I hope will soon become a part of every day life for consumers in the UK not just a test track moment.

"Despite the challenges the auto sector in currently experiencing, investment in new low carbon products like the Ampera is vital to compete for future consumer demands.

"The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed.

"To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy."

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