Hi All,
Thought you might enjoy seeing a bit of EV history from our collection. I manage a small group of cars here in Cincinnati that includes this Saturn, an early Tesla Model S and an '08 Roadster. The rest are all gas burners. We are downsizing a couple of our less frequently used cars and this one will be available for sale shortly.
AMP was a local company whose goal was to convert GM vehicles to battery electric. They competed in the first Automotive X prize in 2007 with their prototype, a black Saturn convertible. Our silver car is the second Sky conversion and the first released to the public. AMP built a handful of the Sky/Solstice cars as proof of concept, then moved onto the GM Equinox. From my impression, the program would've been more successful except for issues with GM dealers servicing the converted vehicles. By design, buyers would purchase a vehicle from a local dealer or the secondary market and send it to AMP for conversion. In theory the factory warranty would still apply by prior agreement with GM, which would make service a breeze. But although the electric integration is pretty seamless with existing GM systems, there were some dealers that just didn't want to service what was essentially a new car that had been drastically altered.
AMP later partnered with Mercedes on some EV technology and developed a fleet of EV work trucks for the European market. In the US, they are now building battery electric trucks under the Workhorse brand.
This "AMP'd" Sky features a Li-Po battery pack rated at 37kWh, a Delphi inverter and Remy motor equivalent to about 210hp. Range is around 150 miles. All this is combined in a package weighing under 3000lbs. To better suit the new weight distribution resulting from motor and battery pack, special Koni coilover shocks replace the stock suspension. Electric power steering is substituted. Stock wheels, tires and interior are retained, save for a unique 3-button panel where the shifter once resided. Charges on 120v or 220v through a J1772 plug.
All in all, its a great car that feels like a factory built EV. Unfortunately since it debuted at nearly the same time as the Tesla Roadster, AMP never really completed the circuit with potential buyers, so to speak. In comparison, the Saturn feels more substantial and heavier than the Roadster, with much better ride quality and ergonomics. Its also a little easier for the average person to hop into - and out of - the Sky. Since brakes, tires and other hard parts are GM, they're still readily available.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the car, don't hesitate to ask here or message me. Thank you.
Thought you might enjoy seeing a bit of EV history from our collection. I manage a small group of cars here in Cincinnati that includes this Saturn, an early Tesla Model S and an '08 Roadster. The rest are all gas burners. We are downsizing a couple of our less frequently used cars and this one will be available for sale shortly.
AMP was a local company whose goal was to convert GM vehicles to battery electric. They competed in the first Automotive X prize in 2007 with their prototype, a black Saturn convertible. Our silver car is the second Sky conversion and the first released to the public. AMP built a handful of the Sky/Solstice cars as proof of concept, then moved onto the GM Equinox. From my impression, the program would've been more successful except for issues with GM dealers servicing the converted vehicles. By design, buyers would purchase a vehicle from a local dealer or the secondary market and send it to AMP for conversion. In theory the factory warranty would still apply by prior agreement with GM, which would make service a breeze. But although the electric integration is pretty seamless with existing GM systems, there were some dealers that just didn't want to service what was essentially a new car that had been drastically altered.
AMP later partnered with Mercedes on some EV technology and developed a fleet of EV work trucks for the European market. In the US, they are now building battery electric trucks under the Workhorse brand.
This "AMP'd" Sky features a Li-Po battery pack rated at 37kWh, a Delphi inverter and Remy motor equivalent to about 210hp. Range is around 150 miles. All this is combined in a package weighing under 3000lbs. To better suit the new weight distribution resulting from motor and battery pack, special Koni coilover shocks replace the stock suspension. Electric power steering is substituted. Stock wheels, tires and interior are retained, save for a unique 3-button panel where the shifter once resided. Charges on 120v or 220v through a J1772 plug.
All in all, its a great car that feels like a factory built EV. Unfortunately since it debuted at nearly the same time as the Tesla Roadster, AMP never really completed the circuit with potential buyers, so to speak. In comparison, the Saturn feels more substantial and heavier than the Roadster, with much better ride quality and ergonomics. Its also a little easier for the average person to hop into - and out of - the Sky. Since brakes, tires and other hard parts are GM, they're still readily available.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the car, don't hesitate to ask here or message me. Thank you.
