Cincinnati Enquirer, The (OH)
May 23, 2007
New local company planning electric cars
Author: Jeff McKinney jmckinney@enquirer.com
It's an AMP 150 miles before recharging BLUE ASH - Hoping to appeal to folks fed up with rising gasoline prices, the nation's dependence on foreign oil and global warming, a new company plans to offer motorists an alternative: a 100 percent electric car.
The newly formed company, Advanced Mechanical Products Inc., or AMP, on Tuesday announced plans to convert gas burning automobiles to electric-powered vehicles. The "AMP Totally Electric Car" concept was unveiled at the company's headquarters along Deerfield Road, where a green Saturn Sky two-door sports coupe was on display.
AMP officials said the car will be the first they will convert from gas to electric power.
AMP, started by local entrepreneurs, engineers and investors, plans to spend about $1 million to complete the first prototype by year's end, said Jack Kuntz, president and CEO. He said production could begin in 2008.
He said AMP plans to use existing Saturn models - including its four-door sedans and small SUVs - and replace internal combustion engines with electric motors, batteries and computer technology.
The converted cars are expected to go from zero to 60 in about six seconds and travel 150 miles before needing to be recharged, says Steve Burns, a software entrepreneur and co-founder of AMP.
He said the cars will be rechargeable almost anywhere by plugging into a standard 110-volt outlet.
Kuntz, formerly president and CEO of Intrieve Inc. in downtown Cincinnati, estimated the cars will sell for under $50,000.
He said AMP plans to initially create 300 electric cars and sell them in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
"We think there's an appetite for these cars," Burns says. "They may not appeal to everyone, but there's a segment of the population that we think will be attracted to them."
CAPTION: The Enquirer/Cara Owsley CAPTION: This Saturn Sky will be the first car converted to all-electric by AMP of Blue Ash. Jack Kuntz, CAPTION: president and CEO of AMP, estimated the car would sell for less than $50,000.
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Record Number: cin117501379
