Ampera batteries to be US-built

The batteries for the Vauxhall Ampera are to be built at a new factory in Michigan.

General Motors has revealed plans to create the £23m facility where it will also make the lithium ion cells for the Ampera’s sister car, the Chevrolet Volt.

"Developing and producing advanced batteries is a key step in GM's journey to become the leader in electric vehicles," said GM's chief executive Fritz Henderson.

GM will lease the building and once the plant is fully operational it estimates that 70,000 battery packs can be produced per year.

It is hoped that production can begin at the end of 2010 to support the Volt, which is due for release shortly after that date.

GM has not yet revealed where the Ampera itself will be built. Unlike the Volt, it will be made in Europe, with the UK and Germany the leading contenders to land the deal.

The Vauxhall Ampera is expected to go on sale in the UK in 2012.

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