Alt Car Expo 2007: Meet the Boshart Tersus (AKA the mini-Phoenix SUT)
The Boshart Tersus may look like the Phoenix SUT, but it certainly doesn't quack like a Phoenix SUT. Both of these unusual electric trucks are built from the same Ssanyong body, but are totally different under the hood. Well, not completely. Boshart Engineering actually did some engineering work for Phoenix, and decided that there was room in the market for another, um, can't-miss-the-styling electric truck. The difference? This one is an NEV.
The Tersus is not just any low-speed electric vehicle. This one is designed for off-road use, and exclusively on closed campus, privately-owned land (that's how the brochure phrases it). The battery and range specifications for the Tersus are pretty similar to the numbers for a Zenn or Miles NEV. To wit, a maximum speed of 25 mph, full charge in six hours (or two, with a quick charger). The big difference is the price: these trucks cost almost $30,000. With a 72-volt battery system, a 28 kW AC induction drive motor and 220 Ah (C/5) battery capacity, you're paying for a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds and the ability to seat four comfortably. I don't think Boshart has made a mistake in developing this truck, but we're certainly seeing green vehicles being developed for some incredibly specific groups of consumers these days.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lynn Boshart 1:46PM (5/29/2008)
Boshart didn't do some of the engineering of the Phoenix, they did it all. Boshart's EV's were using the Ssanyong platform long before Phoenix even thought about changing from the Ford Ranger they had originally developed to using the same truck platform that Boshart had pioneered. Get your story straight.
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Sal 10:36PM (6/17/2008)
I like the style of the truck. However $30k for offroad only just isn't that marketable. Maybe if the Tersus was a NEV with software limited/adjustable speed (those of us who like to tweak things) and a price around $20k, I would certainly consider one.
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Joseph 5:14PM (10/19/2007)
At 30k and 35hp or so, this NEV better be able to do everything a regular truck can do. (except go above 25mph)
And by the way, what's wrong with Phoenix's styling. I think it's a pretty good looking truck.
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Domenick 8:27PM (10/19/2007)
So, it looks like the Phoenix (which I kind of like) but it lacks all the performance of the Phoenix. And can't be driven on public roads. Can't miss there.
At least it's got some bad-ass off road tires. Err.. maybe not. Ok, like the ICE Ssanyong, it's four wheel drive, right? Right?
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Bill 8:30PM (10/19/2007)
It's a $30,000 Cushman!
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