Vauxhall has today opened its order books for the Ampera E-REV, and announced full specs and pricing, along with details of its 23-strong dealer network and a Vauxhall HQ-based customer liaison for every owner.

Offered in three trim levels, with the entry model available to order from May, the first Amperas will arrive in showrooms on May 1, 2012. Starting at £29,995 (inclusive of the £5,000 government plug-in car grant) even the entry model Ampera comes with a raft of standard features, such as DAB radio, 7-inch touch-screen control monitor, cruise control and alloy wheels.

Adding a standard leather interior, with heated front seats and front/rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, the Positiv model sits in the middle of the Ampera range at £32,250 (inclusive of the £5,000 government plug-in car grant). But topping the line-up will be the Electron, which comes as standard with a state-of-the-art infotainment unit comprising:

• Colour touch screen
• Satellite navigation system
• Bespoke Bose Energy Efficient Series sound system
• DVD video player
• 30GB hard-disc drive storage
• Voice-controlled navigation, telephone and music systems

The Electron costs £33,995 (inclusive of the £5,000 government plug-in car grant) and, like the Positiv, can be ordered immediately.

Backed by Vauxhall’s unique Lifetime Warranty and a 8 year 100,000 mile battery warranty, the majority of Ampera owners will have the convenience of a specialist dealer within a one-hour drive of their home.

“We’re breaking completely fresh ground with the Ampera,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director. “The technology is obviously unique in a production car, but it’s the level of personalised customer support we’re offering that will be just as important to owners. MyAmpera reinforces this personalisation and will help us engage with our new owners throughout their time with the car.”