AMP Electric Equinox for Dayton Power & Light

As power companies slowly move in to replace oil suppliers, more and more such utilities are trying their best to show their love for the idea of saving the planet. Whether they engage in launching charging stations in cooperation with a car maker or simply buying EVs and PHEV as soon as they roll off the assembly lines, power companies are attempting to create a whole new image for themselves.

Dayton Power & Light (DP&L), power supplier for the Miami Valley for a century or so, announced late last week it has taken delivery of a AMP Electric GM Equinox, to be used as a research vehicle.

"Our goal is to meet the needs of our customers who are interested in purchasing an electric car," said Bryce Nickel, operations vice president with DP&L. "We want to ensure that their electrical service from DP&L will support their charging needs."

The SUV converted by AMP can be recharged from any 110V or 220V outlets and is powered by by two rear mounted Remy traction motors which draw their power from a lithium battery system. The range of the EV is about 100 miles per charge, it can travel at a top speed of 90 mph (electronically limited), and has a naught to sixty acceleration time of under 8 seconds.

"DP&L is taking a leadership role in meeting the needs of owners of electric vehicles," said Jim Taylor, AMP CEO. "The SUV market is very popular in America today. We are proud to have our AMP Electric Equinox SUV as part of DP&L's study."