Amp Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee Makes It To The Finals Of The Progressive X Prize.
While several new automotive start-ups like Tesla and Fisker have built halo cars to get attention for their brands, Amp is using a different strategy: They're converting existing vehicles to electric power in such a way that they keep as much of the original look, functionality and parts availability as possible. Although the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company made it to the finals of the Progressive X Prize with a converted Saturn Sky, Amp EV's Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee represents a shift away from both GM vehicles and retail sales. Set to debut at this year's Detroit Auto Show, the vehicle will be the first of a full line of commercial vehicles.
Just last year the company began and quickly ended offering a conversion of the Chevy Equinox, saying that difficulties with the automaker made it hard to supply vehicles: Having to buy complete vehicles instead of engine-free "gliders" pushed the retail price of the low-end SUV near the proposed cost of the Grand Cherokee. It should be no surprise that Chrysler has been more receptive to working with Amp: Workers at former subsidiary Global Electric Motorcars were behind the push for electric models during the company's congressional bailout hearings, and many have remained on staff at Chrysler after GEM was sold to Polaris earlier this year. By switching to Chrysler, Amp is able to work with people who really understand the business.
Their drivetrain uses the same Remy AC motors currently installed in the Chevy Volt. With two of these motors installed above the rear axle, the SUV’s total power is 152 kW (204 hp.) Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are mounted where the engine and drivetrain would normally be installed, providing 37.6 kWh of storage. That's almost double the power and just over fifty percent more battery capacity than a Nissan Leaf. Range is estimated at somewhere between 80 and 100 miles per charge.
The company has only released information on a rear wheel drive conversion, although a four-wheel drive version is in the works. Instead of maintaining the Grand Cherokee's sophisticated traction system, it will probably add front-mounted motors. Whether this can maintain the vehicle's renowned off-road prowess remains to be seen, although the motors' ability to provide maximum torque at low RPM should eliminate the need for a low range gear set.
Unlike the Equinox and Sky, the Grand Cherokee is targeted at the commercial market where its parts availability and ability to tackle short-range driving applications make the vehicle an ideal candidate for fleet sales. Shortly after the SUV hits the market, Amp plans on selling conversions the Jeep's platform-mate, the Mercedes Benz M-class.
Final pricing will be announced at the show, but the electric Jeep should be just under $50,000 after a Federal rebate, about the same as a Tesla Model S.