AMP Holding Inc., an OEM manufacturer of alternative fuel trucks, under the Workhorse brand, announced that its 100 percent electric medium duty step van has successfully completed accelerated durability testing at Transportation Research Center, a world-class independent testing facility in East Liberty, Ohio.
AMP engaged TRC Inc. to simulate the rigors of package delivery in an environment where it is common to keep their vans in service for 20 years or more. The accelerated durability testing ran for 4,000 miles during the Ohio winter from February to April. The comprehensive tests included running 2,000 miles at curb weight and 2,000 miles fully loaded. Each durability cycle was just under 10 miles long and consisted of traversing a series of resonance, chatter, impact bumps, a series of moderate washboards, frame twists, dips, inverted chuckholes, stopping and starting on a 20 percent brake slope, "lock-to-lock" figure-8 maneuvers, a short slalom course and traversing gravel roads.
AMP's all-electric proprietary system is unique in that it incorporates a dual-motor system that produces 250 kw and accelerates the 19,500 GVW vehicle faster than the original factory-installed diesel engine. The system has a total energy storage system of 100 kwhr that can push the 1,000 cubic foot vehicle 100 miles on a single charge.
The durability testing during the winter demonstrates, on an accelerated time frame, the ability of AMP's powertrain, battery management system and related all-electric components to successfully withstand the rigors of operating under extremely demanding conditions while maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle and AMP's all-electric system.
Stephen Burns, CEO of AMP stated that "the testing is key validation for the durability and engineering integrity of the AMP all-electric system."
AMP plans to produce Step-Vans and other vehicle types using the AMP Workhorse Custom Chassis plant in Union City, Ind.
With the acquisition of the Workhorse brand and factory facilities, AMP will be positioned to be the first truck OEM in the United States to offer a range of alternative fuel vehicles produced in an automated assembly plant.
