Electrosport
| Electrosport | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Electric Fuel Propulsion Company |
| Production | 1971 – 1974 |
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | DC series traction |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in (2,743 mm) |
| Length | 181 in (4,597 mm) |
| Width | 70.6 in (1,793 mm) |
| Curb weight | 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) |
The Electrosport (also described as "Electric-sport") was a compact-sized electric vehicle using AMC Hornets that were converted by the Electric Fuel Propulsion Company (EFP) of Ferndale, Michigan.
The zero-emission Electrosport concept cars were made using American Motors (AMC) Hornet sedans and “Sportabout” station wagons from 1971 to 1974.
The Electrosport was designed to be a supplementary vehicle for commuting or daily chores and to be recharged at home using household current as well as at Charge Stations away from home to replenish power in 45 minutes.
The company also established the “World’s First Electric Car Expressway” between Detroit and Chicago - a distance of about 300 miles (483 km) - that consisted of Interstate 94, but with six 50 kW charging stations that were located at Holiday Inn hotels near the highway. Additional charging stations were planned.
An EFP designed 20 hp (15 kW; 20 PS) direct current series-wound traction motor (the size of a one-gallon paint can) was bolted through an aluminum adapter plate to the car’s standard clutch and 3-speed manual transmission. The motor was similar to that offered to teams in the Great Electric Race and capable of speeds up to 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). A total of 24 six-volt “TriPolar” cobalt-lead storage batteries were mounted under the hood and under a plywood floor in the trunk. These improved lead-cobalt batteries recharge fast and can go as many as 250 miles (400 km) between charges. The company, and its president, Robert R. Aronson, was awarded several patents including the "Fifth Generation Lead Cobalt Battery". One 12-volt battery was provided for the car's lights and accessories. The solid-state, stopless controller was a modified unit from a forklift truck. An auxiliary gasoline heater with a one-gallon tank provided heat and defrosting. The system was called "Thunderbolt" by EFP, and was billed as potentially installable in many different standard production Detroit automobiles.
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