Power OPEL AMPERA E 2018.5 Owner's Guide

148Driving and operatingDriving and
operatingDriving hints ............................... 148
Driving economically ...............148
Control of the vehicle ...............149
Starting and operating ...............149
New vehicle running-in ............149
Power button ........................... 149
Retained power off ..................151
Starting and stopping the vehicle .................................... 151
Parking .................................... 152
Electric vehicle operation modes ........................................ 154
Operation ................................. 154
Drive modes ............................ 154
Electric drive unit .......................154
Operation ................................. 154
Brakes ........................................ 158
Antilock brake system .............158
Parking brake .......................... 159
Regenerative braking ..............161
Ride control systems .................162
Traction Control system ..........162
Electronic Stability Control ......163Driver assistance systems .........164
Cruise control .......................... 164
Speed limiter ........................... 166
Forward collision alert .............167
Following distance indication ...169
Active emergency braking .......170
Front pedestrian protection .....172
Parking assist .......................... 174
Side blind zone assistant .........182
Lane change alert ....................183
Panoramic view system ...........184
Rear view camera ...................186
Rear cross traffic alert .............188
Traffic sign assistant ................189
Lane keep assist .....................191
Charging .................................... 194
Programmable charging ..........197
Programmed charging override .................................. 204
Charging status .......................204
Charge cord ............................. 205
Electrical requirements ............209
Towing ....................................... 209
General information .................209Driving hints
Driving economically The following advice is intended to
help maximise energy efficiency and
range.
In colder temperatures, while these
efficiency tips will help, the electric
vehicle's driving range may be lower
due to higher energy usage.
The weight of additional cargo in the
vehicle affects efficiency and range.
Avoid carrying more than is needed.
Avoid unnecessary use of electrical
accessories. Power used for
functions other than propelling the
vehicle will reduce electric vehicle
range.
Always keep the tyres properly
inflated and the vehicle properly
aligned.
Driving style
Avoid unnecessary rapid
accelerations and decelerations.
Use cruise control when appropriate.

Driving and operating149Avoid shifting to N to coast. The
vehicle recovers energy while
coasting and braking in D or L.
Efficiency gauge in the instrument
cluster
Driving efficiency gauge 3 74.
Drive mode and gear mode selection
Use normal drive mode when
possible.
Sport mode provides more
responsive acceleration than normal
mode but can reduce energy
efficiency.
Use L in heavy stop‐and‐go traffic or
when travelling downhill. L requires
less brake pedal application and
provides a controlled, efficient way to
slow the vehicle down.
Control of the vehicleCaution
Drive carefully whenever the road
has a steep incline or when driving over a ramp or bump, etc.
Pedals
To ensure the pedal travel is
uninhibited, there must be no mats in
the area of the pedals.
Use only floor mats, which fit properly and are fixed by the retainers on the
driver side.Starting and operating
New vehicle running-in Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km.
Hard stops with new brake linings can
lead to premature wear. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every time you
get new brake linings. Following
break-in, vehicle speed and load can be gradually increased.
Power button
Electronic key must be inside the
vehicle.

150Driving and operatingIf the vehicle will not start, place the
electronic key in the transmitter
pocket inside the centre console.
Starting and stopping the vehicle
3 151.Switching on the vehicle
With the vehicle off and the brake
pedal applied, pressing POWERm
once will switch on the vehicle. When 4 illuminates in the instrument
cluster, the vehicle is ready to be
driven. This could take up to
15 seconds at extremely cold
temperatures.Switching off the vehicle
With the vehicle in P, press
POWER m briefly in service mode or
when engine is running and vehicle is
stationary. Some functions remain
active until driver's door is opened.
If the vehicle is not in P when
switching off the vehicle, P will be
automatically engaged before the
vehicle is switched off.A chime will sound if the driver's door is opened while the vehicle is
switched on. Always press
POWER m to switch off the vehicle
before exiting the vehicle.Emergency shut off during driving
If the vehicle needs to be switched off during driving in case of emergency,
press POWER m for more than
2 seconds or press twice briefly within
5 seconds.
Starting and stopping the vehicle
3 151.
Service mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics and to verify
the proper operation of the service
vehicle soon control indicator as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes.
With the vehicle switched off and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and holding POWER m for more than
5 seconds will place the vehicle in service mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they do when the vehicle is switched on, but
the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The propulsion system will not start in service mode. Press
POWER m again to switch off the
vehicle.Caution
Service mode will discharge the
12 V vehicle battery. Do not use
service mode for an extended
period, or the vehicle may not
start.
Operation in case of failure
If the vehicle does not start due to a
low electronic key battery, a message
will be displayed in the Driver
Information Centre.
To still drive the vehicle, proceed as
follows:
1. Open the centre console and remove the small tray from the
centre console. Place the
electronic key in the pocket with
the buttons facing the bottom of
the vehicle.

Driving and operating151Other objects, e.g. other keys,
transponder, tags, coins etc. must be removed.
2. With the vehicle in P or N depress
the brake pedal and press
POWER m.
To switch off the vehicle, press
POWER m again. Remove the
electronic key from the centre
console.
This option is intended for
emergencies only. Replace the
electronic key battery as soon as
possible 3 19.
For unlocking or locking the doors,
see fault in radio remote control unit
or electronic key system 3 20.
Retained power off
The following electronic systems can
work until the driver's door is opened
or for 10 minutes after the vehicle is
switched off:
● power windows
● Infotainment system
● power outlets
Starting and stopping the vehicleMove the selector lever into P or N.
The propulsion system does not start
in any other position.
Note
Do not try to shift into P when the
vehicle is moving, as the electric
drive unit could be damaged. Shift
into P only when the vehicle is
stationary.
The electronic key must be inside the
vehicle. Depress the brake pedal,
then press POWERm.
If the electronic key is not in the
vehicle or something is interfering
with the transmitter, a message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre.
A vehicle ready light is displayed in
the lower right corner of the
instrument cluster when the vehicle is ready to be driven.

152Driving and operatingThe instrument cluster also displays
an active battery gauge when the
vehicle is ready to be driven.
A chime will sound if the driver's door is opened while the vehicle is
switched on. Always press
POWER m to switch off the vehicle
before exiting the vehicle.
If the vehicle will not start due to a low electronic key battery, the vehicle can
still be driven.
Operation in case of failure 3 149.
RestartingCaution
If the vehicle must be restarted
while it is still moving, move the
selector lever into N and press
POWER m twice without
depressing the brake pedal. The
propulsion system will not restart
in any other way.
Emergency shut off during driving
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may reduce
power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the selector lever into N. This
can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting into N, firmly
apply the brakes and steer the
vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift into P, and switch off the vehicle
by pressing POWERm.
4. Apply the parking brake. If the vehicle cannot be pulled
over and must be shut off while
driving, press and hold
POWER m for more than
2 seconds, or press twice briefly
within 5 seconds.9 Danger
Switching off the vehicle while
moving may disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
propulsion system off in an
emergency.
Starting the vehicle at low
temperatures
It is recommended to plug in the vehicle when exterior temperatures
are below 0 °C to maximise high
voltage battery life.
Should the exterior temperature be
lower than -32 °C, the vehicle must be
plugged in when the vehicle is
switched on.
Parking Note
Do not allow the vehicle to remain in
extreme temperatures for long
periods without being driven or
being plugged in.

Driving and operating1539Warning
● Always apply parking brake.
Pull switch m for approx.
1 second and check if the
control indicator m illuminates.
The electric parking brake is applied when control indicator
m illuminates 3 79.
● Switch off the vehicle.
● If the vehicle is on a level surface or uphill slope, apply
the parking brake and set the
selector lever to P before
switching off the vehicle. On an uphill slope, turn the front
wheels away from the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill
slope, apply the parking brake
and set the selector lever to P
before switching off the vehicle.
Turn the front wheels towards
the kerb.
With the selector lever in P,
press POWER m briefly to
switch off the vehicle. Turn the
steering wheel until the
steering wheel lock engages.
● Close the windows.
● Lock the vehicle.
● Activate the anti-theft alarm system.
● The engine cooling fans may run
after the vehicle has been
switched off 3 212.
It is not recommended to park with the propulsion system running.
If the vehicle is left with the propulsion
system running, follow the proper
steps to be sure the vehicle will not move.
Post-crash label
The post-crash label is located in the
driver's door frame.
After an accident, park the vehicle
with a sufficient distance of
approx. 7.5 m to other objects.
Park on a non-flammable surface.
Call the hotline number given on the
label to get further instructions on how to handle the vehicle.

Driving and operating155The selector lever always starts from
a centre position. The selected gear
is indicated by a yellow LED on the
selector lever. After releasing the
selector lever, it will return to the centre position.
P : This position locks the front
wheels. It is the recommended
position when starting the propulsion system because the vehicle cannot
move easily.9 Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the selector lever is not fully in P with the parking brake
firmly applied. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the propulsion system is running, the
vehicle may move suddenly. You
or others can be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move,
even if you are on even ground,
always apply the parking brake
and move the selector lever to P.
The release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of P
unless the vehicle has been started,
the brake pedal is depressed, and the release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press
POWER m to switch off the vehicle.
The electric drive unit will shift to P
automatically.
The vehicle will not shift into P if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and
shift into P.
To shift into P, press the P button on
the selector lever.
To shift out of P:
1. Depress the brake pedal and press the release button.
2. Shift into the desired gear.
R : Use this gear to reverse.
If the vehicle is shifted from either R
to D, or D to R while the speed is too
high, the vehicle will shift
automatically to N. Stop the vehicle
and shift again.
To shift into and out of R:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. To shift into R, press the release
button and move the selector
lever forward, and then to the left. R is illuminated in red.
To shift out of R, shift into the
desired gear.Caution
Shifting into R while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the electric drive unit. Only shift intoR after the vehicle has been
stopped.

156Driving and operatingAt low vehicle speeds, R can be used
to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the electric drive unit.
N : In this position, the propulsion
system does not transfer torque to the
wheels. To restart the propulsion
system when the vehicle is already
moving, use D only.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in N for extended periods of time. It will
automatically shift into P.
To shift into and out of N:
● To shift into N, move the selector
lever forward until N is illuminated
in red.
● If the vehicle is in P, press the
release button while pressing the selector lever forward until N is
illuminated in red.
To shift out of N, bring the vehicle
to a complete stop and shift into the desired gear.D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing,
and the vehicle speed is:
● less than 56 km/h, push the accelerator pedal about halfway
down.
● about 56 km/h or more, push the accelerator pedal all the way
down.Caution
If the vehicle seems to accelerate
slowly or not respond when you try to go faster, do not continue your
journey. The electric drive unit
could be damaged. Consult a
workshop as soon as possible.
Note
In slippery conditions, operate the
vehicle in D for enhanced riding and
handling performance.
To shift into and out of D:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. To shift into D, move the selector
lever back. If the vehicle is in P,
press the release button while
pressing the selector lever back.
D is illuminated in red.
To shift out of D, shift to the
desired gear.
When stopping on a steep hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
When shifting into P on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle. Then shift
into P.
L : This position reduces vehicle
speed without using the brakes. Use
L on very steep hills, in deep snow, in
mud or in stop-and-go traffic.Caution
Spinning the tyres or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may
damage the electric drive unit. If you are stuck, do not spin the
tyres. When stopping on a hill, use
the brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.

Driving and operating159ABS starts to regulate brake pressure
as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off, the system performs a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 79.
Fault9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS
are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can nolonger be steered and may
swerve.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Parking brake
Electric parking brake
The electric parking brake can always
be activated, even if the vehicle is
switched off.
Do not operate electric parking brake
system too often when the vehicle is
switched off as this will discharge the 12 V vehicle battery.
In case of insufficient electric power,
the electric parking brake cannot be
applied or released.
Applying when vehicle is stationary9 Warning
Pull switch m for a minimum of
1 second until control indicator m
illuminates constantly and electric
parking brake is applied 3 79 . The
electric parking brake operates automatically with adequate force.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the electric parking brake status.
Control indicator m 3 79.
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a
complete stop.
2. Pull switch m for approx.
1 second.

Driving and operating161the parking brake is fully released
and the control indicator m is off
before driving.
Automatic release
The electric parking brake is
automatically released when the
vehicle is running, placed into gear
and an attempt is made to drive away.
Avoid rapid acceleration when the
electric parking brake is applied, to
reduce wear of parking brake lining.
Electric parking brake control
indicator m 3 79.
Electric parking brake fault control
indicator j3 79.
Driver Information Centre 3 82.
Regenerative braking
Some braking energy from the
moving vehicle is turned back into
electrical energy. This energy is then
stored back into the high voltage
battery system, increasing energy
efficiency.
Regenerative power may be limited
when the high voltage battery is near
full charge or cold.Regeneration on demand
Regeneration on demand allows
increased deceleration by pressing
and holding the steering wheel
paddle. It works in D (Drive) and L
(Low). The accelerator pedal must be mostly released for it to work.
If regenerative braking is active, the regenerative active icon with arrowsis shown as green.
Regenerative braking 3 76.
Cruise control will switch off and the
brake lights may come on when this
feature is activated.
If the vehicle is in D (Drive) and is
brought to a complete stop while the regenerative braking paddle is held,
the vehicle will not creep forward
when the paddle is released. The
accelerator pedal must be pressed to
move the vehicle forward.
One-pedal driving 3 154.
If the vehicle is on a steep gradient,
the brake pedal will be required to
hold the vehicle.
The brake controller applies the
hydraulic brakes using a pump. You
may hear the pump during some
braking manoeuvres, such as rapid
brake application or during
regenerative braking as the vehicle
comes to a stop. This is normal
operation.
Hill Top ReserveHill Top Reserve enables you to
maximise regenerative braking
efficiency when driving from a higher
elevation immediately after charging.
When switched on, this feature will
stop the charging process before the