AMC Amitron

Amitron
File:AMC Amitron Concept.jpg The Amitron as shown in 1967
Overview
Manufacturer	American Motors (AMC) and Gulton Industries
Production	1967 (Concept car)
Designer	Richard A. Teague
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact car
Body style	1-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Doors	Canopy doors
Powertrain
Engine	DC series traction
Dimensions
Length	85 in (2,159 mm)
Curb weight	1,100 lb (499 kg)

The AMC Amitron was an experimental electric subcompact car built in 1967 by American Motors Corporation (AMC) and Gulton Industries. It included a number of advanced features, including regenerative braking and advanced battery designs, to provide 150 miles (240 km) range on a single charge. Development ended because of technology issues and the high cost of batteries.

In 1977, the prototype was updated, and was re-announced by AMC as the Electron to became one of automaker's "Concept 80" show cars.

Design

Impetus

Development of the Amitron was prompted by three bills passed by the 89th United States Congress, described collectively as the "Electric Vehicle Development Act of 1966," as well as a fourth bill that amended the Clean Air Act of 1963. The legislation provided funding for electric car research in response to the rapidly decreasing air quality caused by automobile emissions. Development of electric vehicles was undertaken by the domestic big three automobile manufacturers, as well as AMC. Electrically powered cars were also seen as a way for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on "expensive, undependable oil imports."

Powertrain

American Motors entered into a partnership with Gulton Industries of Metuchen, New Jersey (acquired by Mark IV Industries in 1986) to develop the battery and power handling electronics for the car. Their entry into the electric car market was significantly more advanced than other developments, including two types of batteries for fast and slow power release and charging, as well as regenerative brakes to help extend range.

The primary power source consisted of two 75 lb (34 kg) lithium-nickel-fluoride batteries rated at 150 watt-hours per lb, or 331 watt-hours per kg, with a total capacity of 22.5 kWh. The designers selected lithium for the Amitron because "it is both highly reactive (easy to oxidize) and has high electromotive potential." The downside to these batteries is that they have relatively low instantaneous power, too little to provide reasonable acceleration or be able to handle the rapid recharging during regenerative braking. To handle these higher power peaks, a secondary power source consisting of two 24 lb (11 kg) nickel-cadmium (ni-cad) batteries was used. These batteries could accelerate the car to 50 mph (80 km/h) in 20 seconds. During cruise, the lithium batteries recharged the ni-cads, which continued to power the motor.

The regenerative system would automatically switch the drive motors to generators as the car slowed so that the ni-cads could recharge; thus increasing the range of the car. The regenerative braking control was designed "to provide the same brake pedal "feel" as a conventional car. This was first use of regenerative braking technology in the U.S. automobile industry.

All together, the system provided the car with a range of 150-mile (241 km) when traveling at 50 mph (80 km/h). Its total battery weight of only 200 lb (91 kg) was also light for electric vehicles. The equivalent in lead-acid cells would weigh nearly a ton (907 kg). The entire system was controlled by a solid state power management system.

The first road tests of the batteries and powertrain were in 1968 using a converted conventional Rambler American sedan. At the time, AMC's vice president of design, Richard A. Teague, was working on a car called "the Voltswagon". The supporters of the Amitron were confident and stated that "We don't see a major obstacle in the technology. It's just a matter of time."

Body

The Amitron was designed to minimize power loss by keeping down rolling resistance, wind drag resistance, and vehicle weight. The prototype was a snub-snouted three-passenger urban area vehicle or city car with an overall length of only 85 inches (2,159 mm). Among its unique automobile design features were passenger seats that had air filled cushions, rather than conventional polyurethane (foam rubber). The car did not feature conventional body side doors, but the canopy of the vehicle was hinged up and backward ("clamshell type" on rear mounted pivots) for entry and egress.

American Motors put more effort into making its prototype electric car attractive than its competitors. "The modern looking Amitron was one of the most promising electrics developed in the Sixties." During the December 1967 public introduction of the car, Roy D. Chapin, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMC, stated that the Amitron "could eliminate many problems that up to this point have made electric-type cars impractical".

Potential market

American Motors original plans were to offer the Amitron for sale to commuters and urban shoppers in five years, and Chapin said AMC had discussed the venture with its bankers and creditors and "they are about as enthusiastic about it". The Amitron was also well received by the public. The new technology was still in the infant stage and it was not expected to be popular "until the end of the decade." Competitors were also skeptical of AMC's rapid deployment, stating it would take ten years to have a practical battery. Moreover, research programs to develop clean-transportation in the U.S. ceased. The Amitron did not go beyond the prototype stage. The expensive batteries forced AMC to halt further experiments with advanced technology electric vehicles for several years.

Legacy

File:1977 AMC Electron concept vehicle 2-cars.jpg

The rebadged 1977 AMC Electron gained rear-view side mirrors

The Amitron's short and wide chassis layout found its way into the 1975 AMC Pacer design with the electric's three across seating, thus looking like a mini Pacer. The "chopped off" rear end treatment of the concept car found its way into the 1970 AMC Gremlin.

American Motors' battery powered vehicle development continued under a partnership with Gould (Gould Electronics after selling its battery operations) that lead to the mass production of the Jeep DJ-5E starting in 1974. This rear-wheel drive mini-delivery van was also known as the Electruck. Regenerative braking was effective at speeds above 22.5 mph (36.2 km/h) and the system included current-limiting to prevent overcharging the lead-acid batteries.

In 1977, AMC introduced their "Concept 80" line of experimental vehicles, which included the AM Van, Grand Touring, Concept I, Concept II, and Jeep II. Along with this lineup they renamed the Amitron to be the Electron, added side-view mirrors to the windows, and gave it a fresh paint job. The show car was not driveable because it did not have a power train.

The design has been characterized by some observers as "hot, sexy, cute and practical." "The AMC Amitron had almost 50 years ago all that is still considered indispensable for an electric car if it is supposed to succeed: a decent range, low weight, and a jaunty look."