GM's Opel to build next generation electric car in 2017

General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra

Bochum, Germany: General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra on Thursday said the company`s European division Opel would build an affordable five-seater electric car, the Ampera-e, in 2017.

The car shares the same underpinnings as GM`s other electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt.

"Like its twin, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Ampera-e promises to transform the electric vehicle market in Europe as the first EV that combines long range at an affordable price," Barra told an industry conference.

Barra said the Ampera-e would offer a greater electric range than the vast majority of electric vehicles currently available in Europe, and offer room for five passengers and trunk space comparable to that of a compact car.

General Motors said it would announce further details about Ampera-e’s range and price at a later date. Production is set to start in 2017.