Phoenix SUT to get smaller battery pack, new motors, no supplier named
We heard yesterday that Phoenix MotorCars had canceled their order for motors from UQM Technologies. Now Phoenix has issued their own press release revealing that they are adopting new motor technology. The new motors are apparently lighter and more compact than the UQM units although Phoenix is not saying where they are coming from. The motors now have a peak power output of 200 kW and should be less expensive to manufacture. Phoenix is sticking with the Altairnano battery although the pack size has been made smaller and lighter as well.
Interestingly the press release only quotes a range of over 100 miles as opposed to the 130 miles previously claimed. All of this points to the likelihood that Phoenix, like Tesla before them, has struggled to meet their cost and range targets with the original design. So they are probably now scrambling to cut weight and manufacturing cost. ABG will continue to try and get a more definitive response from Phoenix.
[Source: Phoenix Motor Cars, thanks to Domenick and Jacob for the tip]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
robert beechler 7:53PM (3/04/2008)
Hello, Phoenix Motors. I am looking for a company that I can share my invention with. I'm trying to market my invention and if you are interested in this device, it can make any 100% electric car get endless miles wihtout stopping. It's batteries are always charging and it does not run off fossil fuels or produce emissions. Please contact if interested.
Thank you.
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Kardax 11:28AM (11/02/2007)
Having seen Tesla go through a similar phase, I'm not really all that shocked here. Unfortunately for Phoenix's customers, this suggests a delay until 2009.
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Paul 2:51PM (11/02/2007)
I read between the lines here that 1) the "more compact packaging" of ALTI batteries is marketing speak for "smaller capacity to save money per vehicle" and 2) this smaller capacity is leading as much as anything else to the decrease in range. The new engine and the smaller batteries are cost saving measures aimed at delivering vehicles with some semblance of a profit margin given their current price-level commitments.
Do note, however, that Phoenix states in their press release that they are delivering vehicles in early 2008, though the way it is worded stops short of stating that they WILL deliver then.
"Phoenix Motorcars has taken orders for over 500 fleet-ready vehicles for delivery beginning in early 2008 to premier fleet companies..."
However, I'm still hoping for positive results here.
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Chris M 4:56PM (11/02/2007)
There are several possibilities for new motor suppliers:
AC Propulsion has high efficiency AC induction motors and a supurb combined motor controller and charger system. Located near the Phoenix motors headquarters.
PML Flightlink has compact lightweight hub mounted motors.
Raser Technology has a compact motor using their patented "Symetron" technology.
Of course, there are hundreds of other motor manufacturers out there, but few make motors designed for high speed EV use.
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Aldo 12:44PM (11/03/2007)
At a recent showing of the car I overheard that they may be changing to a FWD drive-train. That would free up the driveshaft tunnel for batteries making it possible to have a one piece battery pack. I think the current battery system has two modules, one module on each side of the drive shaft tunnel. A one module pack could be cheaper and easier to manufacture. The pack could be thinner, which would improve ground clearance, lighter overall, and still have the same capacity.
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