Ampera and Volt Win International Engine of the Year Award

Engine Technology International magazine has awarded the range extended powertrain in the Opel AmperaOpel AmperaGermany, 2011 > present6 photos
and Chevy VoltChevrolet VoltUnited States of America, 2011 > present3 photos
its International Engine of the Year Award. 

“Until the Volt and Ampera the short range of battery electric vehicles has limited their suitability for everyday use. Our revolutionary propulsion system removes this obstacle by uniting the environmental friendliness of electric drive with the long range of a combustion engine. And the Best Green Engine Award is the highest recognition of this achievement," said Uwe Winter, Vehicle Line Director at OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
5151 photos
8 videos
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The award is voted on by 76 automotive journalists from 35 countries. It has awards in 12 different categories, and this year had 39 new engines that were eligible for awards. 

The Ampera and Volt use a 1.4 liter four-cylinder as a generator to top up the car's batteries when it runs out of power. It has a 16kWh battery pack with a 150hp electric motor. In the US, the Volt has a certified range of 380 miles and a pure electric range of 38 miles.