The Light Is Green: Electric car update (Part 3): Phoenix Motorcars SUT

September 05, 2007

Electric car update (Part 3): Phoenix Motorcars SUT

News and rumors regarding electric cars have been increasing in these past few months, so I thought I'd do a little research on the most salient models that are being talked about.

This time around we'll look at a sports utility truck from Ontario-based Phoenix Motorcars, that boasts amazingly efficient nanotechnology based batteries.

Phoenix Motorcars SUT

Launch date: At least early 2008.
Price: $45,000
Top speed: 95 mph (155 km/h)
Autonomy: 130 miles (210 kms) between charges
Battery life: 25,000 charge cycles, some 40 years
Battery charge time: 10 minutes
0-60 MPH (0-100 km/h): Under 10 seconds
Chassis: Korean-made, based on the SsangYong Actyon
Technology partners: Altair Nanotechnologies (NanoSafe Titanate Lithium Ion batteries), UQM Technologies (power train)

Company HQ: Ontario, California
Founder: Dan Riegert, Dana Muscato
CEO: Dan Elliot
Sales estimates: 500 in first year
Dealer network: Not announced yet.
Website: http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com

Latest news

The SUT's launch date, previously late 2007, has been pushed back to at least early 2008. Phoenix says:

"We recognize that our product roll out has taken longer than originally expected as we continue to work through certification with the California Air Resources Board (ARB), finalize our financing package, and set up our production facility that will allow us to deliver at the sales volumes we are targeting."

Phoenix also has an electric SUV in the works, plus a hybrid version of their SUT.

Ed Begley Jr. Phoenix SUT Curious fact

The SUT was unveiled at an L.A. event by actor Ed Begley, Jr., an active promoter (and user) of alternative energy.

Phoenix showed off the SUT to President Bush earlier this year, on the White House lawn.

Insightful quote

Dan Elliott, President and CEO, on their plans for a hybrid SUT:

"The development of a plug-in hybrid model of our sport utility truck is an important expansion of our model offering that we expect will meet the needs of a broader range of customers. Plug-in hybrids offer the opportunity to operate the vehicle in the most common driving environments in all-electric mode, saving money and reducing emissions, while maintaining the flexibility to travel cross-country.

"We believe a potentially large market will develop for this category of vehicle and we intend to develop a high performing vehicle that our customers can be excited to own and drive."