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Opel today formally introduced the RAK e experimental vehicle – an all-new battery-powered electric vehicle that can travel 100 kilometers (61 miles) for one euro ($1.36), weighs a third of a modern small car and can reach 120 km/h (75 mph) in less than 13 seconds. "We want to develop electric vehicles that everyone can afford," said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel CEO, at the world premiere in Frankfurt. "The RAK e experimental vehicle aims to deliver pricing that even younger customers can afford. The RAK e has cool looks and production-potential." Opel's RAK e electric tandem two-seater "is a very serious concept," says General Motors Europe boss Nick Reilly, adding that the company is investigating production feasibility and believes the car could go on sale for around $10,000. The lightweight concept of the RAK e is based on a steel space-frame structure beneath a skin of conventional synthetic material. This allows a high level of safety as well as ...

Vauxhall/Opel is to reveal a striking concept with ‘production potential' at this month's Frankfurt show that could revolutionise urban transport, especially for younger drivers and those on a very tight budget. A battery-powered electric vehicle, the low, rakish concept will be highly affordable, have a 60-mile range and be capable of 75mph, making even the odd motorway trip feasible. Yet despite its aesthetic appeal, the concept will be practical, affording two seats in a tandem layout, and its light weight - around a third of a small modern car's - would allow it to be agile and fun to drive. Inspired by the Ampera, the concept has the potential to create a new class of light-weight, zero-emissions electric vehicles in the UK and Europe. More details will be revealed at the Vauxhall/Opel press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13.

Old Top Gear from 1997 Quentin Willson roadtests the EV1 Electric This clip was extracted from the episode that was first broadcast on the 24th April 1997

Five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time champ Jeff Gordon are both proud owners of Chevrolet Volts. They talk about what they like about their newest cars and how other people respond when they see them driving the extended-range electric vehicle.

General Motors and LG Group will jointly design and engineer future electric vehicles, expanding a relationship built on LG’s work as the battery cell supplier for the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera extended-range EVs. The definitive agreement signed Wednesday will help GM expand the number and types of electric vehicles it makes and sells by using LG’s proven expertise in batteries and other systems. For LG, the arrangement represents a widening of its portfolio as an automotive solution provider. “Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy,” said GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky. ”Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process.” The success of the extended-range propulsion system in the Volt and Ampera led to exploring other collaborations in the electrification of the automobile. Teams of LG and GM ...