Electric-Car-Insider.com
Phoenix All-Electric Sport Utility Vehicle and Truck Duo
Phoenix All-Electric SUV Review
Posted 08.22.2009 in Reviews by Christopher
Phoenix Motorcars has announced that it is taking reservations for its pair of all-electric sport utility vehicles that will be targeted primarily at businesses that need larger capacity vehicles than the electric or hybrid sedans currently on the market. The company’s decision to produce larger capacity zero-emission, pure electric vehicles place it in a niche within the quickly crowded electric market, most of whom are producing smaller cars that match the current energy density limitations of battery technology.
Phoenix seeks to differentiate itself primarily on its lithium titanate battery technology, stating that the vehicles will travel over 100 miles on a single 10-minute charge. The battery pack delivers 35kWh at 380V for the traction motor, and standard 13.6V for internal systems and accessories.
Range is approximately 130 miles. Phoenix is working on an expansion pack that will extend the range to 250 miles, which will make the vehicles more appealing for light delivery and field service applications.
The pair of vehicles, which share a common chassis and powerplant, come in two flavors; a sport utility truck (SUT) and sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The cars are fully capable of maintaining freeway speed. Accelleration from 0-60 m.p.h. takes less than 10 seconds. The motor controller is programmed to electronically restrict top speed to under 95 m.p.h. Braking from 60 to 0 m.p.h. can be accomplished in approximately 150 feet.
Each Phoenix comes with an integrated on-board 6.6kW charger that plugs into 220V power for a 5 to 6 hour charge. The cars have a connector to utilize an off-board 10 minute rapid charge. This requires industrial power and specialized equipment to move sufficient power to accomplish a 10 minute rapid charge.
The pair of vehicles, sharing a common chassis and powerplant, come in two flavors; a sport utility truck (SUT) and sport utility vehicle (SUV). Both vehicles are front wheel drive.
The cars have regenerative braking, cabin heating, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers and power windows and locks.
The Phoenix SUT and SUV have a 3 year /36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.
Vehicle assembly will take place in Ontario, California.