Why Is THIS Small Company Beating The Big Guns To Market With An Electric Car?

The first major exhibition of the Amp Equinox at the 2010 New York International Auto Show wasn't exactly a surprise; the Cincinnati-based company unveiled the pure-electric SUV, a conversion of the Chevy Equinox, at its headquarters back in February. But parked in the Jacob Javitz Center next to a lineup of electric cars that included the MINI-E, the Mitsubishi iMiev and THINK's City, the Amp's first real appearance spoke volumes.

 While major automakers struggle to bring an EV to market that can seat two, here was an electric truck, a fully-featured, 5-seat Equinox, its cargo space unspoiled by bulky battery packs. Part of Amp's decision to use the Equinox was the SUV's volume—with the engine and gas tank pulled out, there's enough room for 37 kWh-worth of lithium-phosphate cells. The Nissan Leaf, by comparison stores 24 kWh. According to Amp Electric Vehicles CEO Steve Burns, the company is working on a 47kWh-version of the truck, similar to an optional V6, for customers who don't mind even longer recharge times. The truck currently takes 16 hours to charge to full on a standard 110 V outlet, or four hours on a 220 V.




 
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Whelan - 4/6/2010 10:43:36 AM

+5 Boost

Why Is THIS Small Company Beating The Big Guns To Market With An Electric Car?

Easy. They took a COMPLETELY DEVELOPED AND PRODUCTION MODEL SUV and changed the internals and drivetrain. I mean heck, I don't know how to make a circuit board for a remote control, but I can easily change the batteries to make it work.

chewy - 4/6/2010 1:33:10 PM

+4 Boost

Exactly, easier to convert an already made product into electric than make your own vehicle, case in point Tesla. Making your own vehicle that passes safety, rides well and is reliable is completely different.

avm4 - 4/7/2010 12:25:53 AM

0 Boost

easy to convert ???? you must be a great monday morning quarteback - avm

chewy - 4/7/2010 4:18:19 AM

+3 Boost

It's not easy, but you don't see a small company making their own vehicle and even attempting the mechanical and structural parts. Ones that do end up with ugly kit cars that would never pass any safety regulations, have poor fit and finish and come with no warranty.

avm4 - 4/7/2010 12:30:15 AM

+1 Boost

Guys, watch this video and tell me if this sounds like changing the batteries . this car's software was developed by the same guy who created the underlying software for Nuance voice control or better known evolution SYNC!
http://ampelectricvehicles.com/blog/post/The-Amp-Electric-Equinox-Goes-for-a-Test-Drive-at-the-New-York-Auto-Show.aspx

Jodeyodoe - 5/3/2010 6:27:55 PM

+1 Boost

ELCR.OB is also converting cars and limos into 100% electric cars.