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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