VAUXHALL has pledged to cover the majority of running costs for Ampera customers with a new ownership package for its extended-range electric vehicle.

Available on Positiv and Electron trims, private buyers will be entitled to three years or 60,000 miles free servicing and a £2,000 fuel contribution - enough to cover both electric and petrol costs for three years for an average Ampera driver.

Other benefits include a Type-2 charging cable which will enable customers to charge their Ampera at the vast majority of public charging points and a £335 allowance equivalent to the 25 per cent funding gap on domestic home charging installations announced after last month's Budget.

The benefits are in addition to the brand's Lifetime Warranty and Ampera's eight year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

Vauxhall's environmental strategy chief Ian Allen said: "Thanks to this fantastic ownership package, the only running costs Ampera customers will need to find in the first three years of ownership is insurance.

"We are delighted to cover the majority of running costs for Ampera customers, which will undoubtedly help smooth the transition into owning an electric vehicle."

The Ampera, which arrived in UK showrooms last year, has a real-world battery range of between 25 and 50 miles, after which a small range-extending generator intervenes to provide up to an additional 300-plus mile range.

At all times the Ampera's wheels are electrically driven, setting it apart from conventional hybrid vehicles.

Prices start at £29,995 - including £5,000 Government grant - for the Earth model.