The benefits of an innovative Vauxhall car part have been recognised at a recent award ceremony.

What Car? honoured the manufacturer’s electric Ampera vehicle for its use of an on-board petrol generator that ensures the battery does not discharge completely.

The magazine also highlighted the fact the device allows the vehicle to cover more miles between recharges.

With an electric-only range of 40 miles, most journeys will not require the on-board petrol generator.

However, the fact it is there aims to give owners peace of mind that they could complete much longer journeys without having to recharge if necessary.

Steve Fowler, What Car? editor, said: "Of the myriad of approaches to cutting CO2 from our cars, the Ampera’s Voltec system is one of the cleverest."

The model is due to go on sale in the UK in 2012.

In the meantime, motorists may find they can cut their carbon emissions by replacing worn car parts – as this can allow vehicles to run at their most efficient.