Will Vauxhall's Ampera revolutionise our view of electric cars ?

We are all familiar with the logic; petrol prices are rising, we need to reduce our emissions and electric cars offer the road to environmental salvation. But while they might promise conscience-clear (or at least clearer) motoring, the latest generation of electric cars is off to a slow start.

Car buyers don't seem convinced, though, and while sales of electric cars grew, barely 1,000 EVs (of 1.96m total cars) rolled off showroom forecourts last year.

Enter the ultra-modern-looking Ampera from Vauxhall, the electric car that is spearheading the company's rejuvenation of its tired range.

Unlike its rivals, the Ampera, which hits showrooms in May, combines a lithium-ion battery (which can be recharged from a domestic socket in six hours), a small petrol engine and two separate electric motors. Essentially, it operates purely on the electric motor until it runs out of juice (40 miles or so) when the petrol engine kicks in to recharge the battery to cover up to 310 extra miles. It's a simple idea but unlike the Leaf or Fluence, Ampera drivers can wave goodbye to "range anxiety" – the fear that your car doesn't have sufficient juice to get you home.