The Amp

[DDB]

If I had a Sky with a blown warranty, I'd be in... I'm from Dayton, OH. But as it were, no dice.

 

[doug]

These guys seem to make a little peep about once a year. Now some local type news about them competing for the X-Prize.

Blue Ash firm has car in 100 mpg contest | Cincinnati.com | The Cincinnati Enquirer

"We're thrilled," said Burns who with a group of local investors started AMP several years ago with the dream of mass-producing electric vehicles.

Despite some bumps in the road, AMP's plans are moving ahead. The company's initial strategy of converting Saturn Sky roadsters to its electric motor and battery system was dealt a setback in July when struggling General Motors Corp. stopped producing Skys at its Wilmington, Del., plant ever [sic. even?] before plans to sell Saturn to auto magnate Roger Penske unraveled.

The company, which has limited initial orders to the Cincinnati area to stay on top of technical issues, has begun production conversions. It hopes to have the first vehicles ready for delivery next month.

As with last year, I'm left wondering what progress these guys have made. If I remember correctly, the only technology they were working on was some control software for the two independent rear motors. Of course now it's about getting money.

Two of AMP's bigger rivals, Fisker Automotive Inc., which is developing plug-in hybrids and Tesla Motors, which is attempting to develop an under $50,000 all-electric sedan, received $500 million and $465 million in loans, respectively, earlier this year. AMP, which originally sought $20 million, has increased its request to $100 million.

Burns said that funding would allow the company to convert 6,000 vehicles a year initially to electricity, generating about 1,000 jobs.

 

[JRP3]

1000 people to convert 6000 vehicles? Unless they are doing all 6000 at the same time that sounds like a lot of people standing around doing nothing.

 

[dpeilow]

Back again.

AMP Electric Vehicles announces all-electric (con)version of the Chevy Equinox *UPDATE - Autoblog Green


If they can deliver those specs for $50k, it would be pretty decent value.

 

[JRP3]

Forgot about these guys, thought they went under. Glad to see there is still some life. AMP will use Remy's electric motors in Saturn Sky, Pontiac Solstice conversions — Autoblog Green

 

[vfx]

Back again.

AMP Electric Vehicles announces all-electric (con)version of the Chevy Equinox *UPDATE - Autoblog Green


If they can deliver those specs for $50k, it would be pretty decent value.

As cars like the Leaf roll out I'm less interested in conversion. Even professional ones. I can see a use for a classic car conversion to keep beautiful cars on the road cleanly but if buying new, ground-up cars are the way to go.

 

[dpeilow]

Quick Spin: Amp Equinox shakes, rattles but doesn't roll us

"We think it's going to be a Leaf-beater."

The "it" here is the converted Chevrolet Equinox that Amp Electric Vehicles is turning into an electric vehicle (EV) and will begin selling later this year. The speaker is Amp president Steve Burns, who is obviously confident in the product his team is working on in Ohio. Of course, Burns was quick to clarify that he didn't mean the Amp'd Equinox would beat the Nissan Leaf in number of units sold, but in performance. Burns said the Equinox will be able to go further – it has an estimated range of 150 miles – and that it's quicker off the line. It's bigger, too. There's one more way the Equinox "beats" the Leaf: price. The Leaf costs $25,280 after tax incentives, but the Equinox will run you about $50,000 (after taxes). Read on after the jump to see if you agree with the ambitious start-up team that they've got what it takes to compete in today's EV world.

 

[AnOutsider]

FedEx gets amped about electrifying its step vans -- Engadget

 

[VolkerP]

Good idea to remove the diesel engine on that van before rust makes it fall off all by itself.

 

[dpeilow]

Saw a tweet today saying these guys have withdrawn from the passenger vehicle market. Were they ever in it?

 

[doug]

Saw a tweet today saying these guys have withdrawn from the passenger vehicle market. Were they ever in it?

Sorta. They first appeared in 2007 claiming they would sell a converted Saturn Sky. Advanced Mechanical Products Inc., or AMP New Totally Electric Sports Car Plann

They'd pop up again every year with some press release but no real deliveries as far as I could tell. I think eventually I saw someone had posted on ABG that they got a vehicle from them, but it somehow was unsatisfactory.

I guess now they've moved exclusively to trucks.

 

[Babylonfive]

Good idea to remove the diesel engine on that van before rust makes it fall off all by itself.

Volker, you are a hoot.