Your Miles May Vary—A Lot for Opel Ampera-e EV

The driving range of the Opel Ampera-e—Europe’s version of General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet Bolt electric hatchback—can vary by nearly 250 miles, depending on outside temperatures and other conditions.

A calculator on Opel’s website allows users to compare mileage projections based on seven temperatures, four vehicle speed ranges and whether the cooling/heating system is on or off.

At its worst, the Ampera-e has an estimated range of 167 km (104 miles) when driven at low speeds with the heater on and an outside temperature of -20°C (-4°F). This compares with an estimated 565 km (351 miles) between charges when driving at low speeds with the HVAC off and an outside temperature iat a balmy 20°C (68°F).

Turning on the heater at low temperatures alone can cut mileage by nearly one-third. Using the air conditioner at 20°C (104°F), reduces the driving range by 55%.

Opel's calculator is based on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Testing Procedure, which is touted as more aligned with real-world results than the New European Driving Cycle. Opel expects the Ampera-e to have a WLTP combined range of 240 miles, which is slightly better than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating of 238 miles (386 km) for the Chevy Bolt.