Advanced Mechanical Products (AMP) is gunning for Nissan and
other automakers for a big share in the green vehicle market. This Ohio-based
firm has developed an all-electric drive system that can be installed in a
variety of cars, trucks and SUVs. AMP notes that it will make a presentation of
this technology across multiple brands at the New York Auto Show in April. In
the meantime, AMP is getting ahead of the Nissan LEAF EV with initial sales of
its all-electric version of the Chevy Equinox.
AMP has focused its early work on American models like the
Saturn Sky and the Pontiac Solstice. The company selected the Chevy Equinox
based on its reliability, safety features and attractive design. The
all-electric Chevy Equinox is currently available for pre-order for under
$50,000. AMP anticipates the first deliveries of its all-electric Chevy Equinox
to take place in June 2010, a quick turnaround for a company without an
internationally known brand.
The AMP version of the Chevy Equinox sounds like it will be
competitive in the still-nascent electric vehicle industry. The drive train is
electronically limited to 90 miles per hour to ensure a maximum range of 150
miles. AMP uses a 37 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to power the Chevy Equinox
and other electric conversions. The all-electric Equinox has sufficient power
to hit 60 miles per hour from a dead stop within eight seconds. The company
works with motor manufacturer Remy International to incorporate small motors
into the rear wheels. AMP representatives note that these motors along with the
absence of a transmission or differential make the all-electric Equinox lighter
and more energy efficient.
We tend to focus on hybrids and all-electric from
established brands like Nissan, Ford and Toyota. Newcomers like Tesla and
Fisker Automotive seem like upstarts but have aspirations to emulate major
automakers in terms of business practices. The EV conversion niche has been the
purview of individuals and small garages for years. Advanced Mechanical Products
looks poised to become a leader in EV conversions by making a big push in the
early going. The company has already said that the all-electric Equinox beats
the Nissan Leaf EV in terms of range. The next step is getting as many
converted models onto streets in the next year to develop a reputation for
quality products at a time when product quality is at a premium.
Any possibility of building a Toyota Tacoma 4×4 access cab with a remy HVH410 series motor?