By Rob Dunn

Contributing Writer, [GAS]

Phoenix Motorcars, based in Ontario, California, has created a line of electric vehicles squarely aimed at utility services that maintain a automotive fleet for their employees in the field. When will the vehicles be ready? In a few short months.

The SUT (Sport Utility Truck) model will be released to select commercial customers in late 2007, and will be ready for full deployment in 2008. By using the off-board charger, the vehicle can be recharged to 95% capacity in, while a 220v on-board charger will recharge the battery in 6 hours. Actual consumer models will be available in late 2008. If you are interested as I am, you can sign up for their waiting list here

A quick list of specs:

Zero emission

Zero emission All-battery power NanoSafe™ production battery pack system

130 miles per charge

Speeds of 95 m.p.h. carrying five passengers and full payload

High torque: 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 10 seconds

Long battery pack life: 250,000 miles/12+ years

Off board charger: 10 minutes to recharge to 95% capacity

On board charger: 6 hours to recharge from 220V plug-in

On board charger: 6 hours to recharge from 220V plug-in Available configurations: Mid-Size 4-Door Pickup (SUT) Mid-Size SUV (shown at right)



Thankfully, a 130 mile range is enough for a medium-length commute. However, finding a 220V outlet at your workplace may not be so easy. All in good time…

One thing I’ve noticed is that electric cars (with exception to the Chevy Volt) normally are very unattractive. While yes, I don’t mind being a geek, I want to be stylish too! These vehicles actually look pretty normal and are more attractive than half of what most American manufactures have put out in the last 20 years.