The new Opel Ampera, the European version of Chevy Volt, has received its initial charge Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters, as it prepares for a 370-mile journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. This is probably the best way for Opel to show off capabilities of the Ampera, which is powered by an electric motor backed by 16kWh lithium-ion battery, with the internal combustion engine acting only as an electricity generator when the charge gets low.

The Ampera will be driven by Opel/Vauxhall Director of Electric Vehicle Implementation, Gherardo Corsini:

“I am really looking forward to putting a lot of miles on our first Ampera prototype during this maiden test on public roads,” said Corsini. “With 370 Nm of instantaneous, electric torque under my right foot, it promises to be an interesting and almost silent drive to Geneva.”

Opel Ampera’s journey to Geneva stats at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 28, and continue until March 3 when the motor show opens. Opel has also stated a blog in which they keep the enthusiasts updated about the trip: opel.posterous.com