DTE Energy Signs Deal To Electrify Fleet Vehicles
Cincinnati-based Amp Holding Inc. and the Detroit utility holding company DTE Energy Inc. (NYSE: DTE) announced Tuesday the signing of an agreement for Amp to "electrify" three of DTE Energy's fleet vehicles.
DTE Energy has selected three SUV fleet vehicles which are being electrified or "Amp'd", as part of the $5 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission awarded to DTE Energy in 2008. Their all-electric DTE Energy fleet Saturn Vues will be powered by Amp's exclusive modular electric powertrain system. The DTE Energy Amp vehicles will have a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge and will be rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets.
DTE Energy has been active in the electrification of vehicles, and through this effort with Amp and the MPSC, is working to ensure the grid is ready for the commercialization of electric vehicles, and the demand created therein.
"Cleaner fuel and zero emissions are an important decision in moving into the future with our fleet vehicles," said Vince Dow, DTE Energy vice president of distribution operations. "Amp's electric vehicles are clearly moving in that direction."
"Amp's electric powertrain was first launched in the U.S. in October 2010, with our Amp'd electric Equinox SUV," said Steve Burns, Amp CEO. "Our electric propulsion system is a perfect answer for fleet vehicles like the Saturn Vue and Ford Escapes, for example. We are very excited to expand the use of our technology to DTE Energy's Saturn Vue fleet vehicles. This represents a much needed solution not only for the environment, but also for the economy throughout the Detroit area."
AMP was founded in 2007 by automotive industry veterans who have created several tech companies. Currently, the AMP team is comprised of top engineers and business executives, as well as two key pioneers of GM's EV1 project. AMP is currently electrifying the GM Chevrolet Equinox; its first models to all-electric were the GM Sky and the Pontiac Solstice. Since its inception, AMP's unique electrification technology has proven to be an idea that has generated an extreme amount of interest, with inquiries coming from around the world. AMP will be electrifying a wide range of OEM vehicles and SUVs, and expects to announce new model additions in 2010.
More at www.ampelectricvehicles.com.
DTE Energy is a diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com.
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