AMP, the EV company best know for it’s Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky conversions, is moving on up in the world… up in size that is. The company has just announced that it will be converting the mid-size Chevy Equinox crossovers to fully electric cars with a 150 mile range, a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds, and a top speed of 90 mph.
Using a car that still exists for an EV conversion sure seems like a better bet to me.
The “AMP’d” Equinoxes will be equipped with 37 kWh lithium-ion battery packs and will have the same dual Remy electric motors that are used in GM’s two-mode hybrid system. AMP has taken those motors and arranged them so that there is no transmission or differential and are back to back on the rear axle with each driving one of the two rear wheels. AMP claims that this configuration is the most efficient drivetrain on the market.
AMP CEO Steve Burns says that the Remy motors are very light, very powerful and very inexpensive… but with an estimated street just below $50,000 after government incentives, the car will still be out of the price range of the vast majority of consumers, although AMP thinks this price makes the car “quite affordable.” Get real. AMP says they view themselves as direct competitors with the Nissan LEAF, but I don’t see how that could possibly be true given that the LEAF has a 100 mile range and will cost somewhere in the realm of $25,000.
Sure the AMP’d Equinox is great technology and functionality wrapped up into an American-sized package, but unless they can bring the price down it will remain a niche toy for the wealthy (no offense wealthy, I appreciate what you do for our economy and for bringing new technology to market).
I’ll be sure to bring you more information after AMP’s full unveiling at next month’s New York Auto Show.
Read the full press release on the next page.
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I agree.
They are saying $50,000 AFTER the $7500 tax credit incentive?
How does that remotely compare to the Nissan Leaf?
Not remotely!
I agree.
They are saying $50,000 AFTER the $7500 tax credit incentive?
How does that remotely compare to the Nissan Leaf?
Not remotely!
I could not disagree more with this author. If these cars can be reliable, there WILL be plenty of affluent early adopters. My own parents, who are well-off, would love to have this car.
I could not disagree more with this author. If these cars can be reliable, there WILL be plenty of affluent early adopters. My own parents, who are well-off, would love to have this car.
Jay Tee,
I never said there wouldn’t be any market. In fact I was very clear in saying that it would be a niche product for the wealthy. Your comment seems to corroborate that sentiment. I think if you read the article again you’ll find that you are actually agreeing with me.
Jay Tee,
I never said there wouldn’t be any market. In fact I was very clear in saying that it would be a niche product for the wealthy. Your comment seems to corroborate that sentiment. I think if you read the article again you’ll find that you are actually agreeing with me.
Jay Tee,
Have your parents contact us if they would like a 100% Electric Equinox.
Jay Tee,
Have your parents contact us if they would like a 100% Electric Equinox.
Do you know if that includes the car that is converted or is it like the AC Propulsion EBox where you had to provide the xB and they converted it.
With the car at $50k it is in the Tesla Model-S market. With options for larger packs and such…
Battery cost is still the big thing here, unless you subsidize it like Nissan et al will have to, the cost is high.
Jeff,
I am almost positive that the 50K cost includes the car. AMP representatives have already commented here, so perhaps they are still keeping tabs and would like to confirm?
Do you know if that includes the car that is converted or is it like the AC Propulsion EBox where you had to provide the xB and they converted it.
With the car at $50k it is in the Tesla Model-S market. With options for larger packs and such…
Battery cost is still the big thing here, unless you subsidize it like Nissan et al will have to, the cost is high.
Jeff,
I am almost positive that the 50K cost includes the car. AMP representatives have already commented here, so perhaps they are still keeping tabs and would like to confirm?
Can’t Chevy just put in an “AMP” line or something, so you can have the ‘option’ (V6, V8, or AMP Electric) so you don’t have to rip the car apart after it’s done? Gutting thousands of dollars worth of paid for hardware? I always thought this with the Escape Hyrbrid Plug In conversion from A123. Ford should have it as an option. Or something like this. No?