AMP Electric Vehicles was established in 2007 as a developmental-stage vehicle electrification company. We first experimented with adding battery-electric power to two-seat roadsters.
In 2009/2010, Progressive Insurance sponsored a rigorous nation-wide competition for clean, “production-capable” vehicles. Our 100% electric GM Sky was the only mass-produced vehicle in the competition. All other vehicles were primarily prototypes or concept vehicles not suitable for driving on public roads. We were one of eight finalists in the Side-by-Side seating category. Our Sky achieved four times the fuel efficiency of an internal combustion equivalent with zero emissions (96 MPGe vs.19/24 city/highway for ICE version).
We followed the electrification of the Sky Roadster with the design and implementation of systems capable of powering larger vehicles. This led to the creation of electrification packages for the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mercedes Benz ML350. These development activities resulted in the successful execution of the concept for SUVs.
AMP Electric Vehicles went public in 2010 trading on the OTC market under the AMPD symbol. When the economic benefits of conversion became less certain, we pivoted away from passenger vehicles and began to focus on electrifying commercial vehicles. This led to a development agreement with Navistar, a major U.S. truck OEM. Under the development agreement, the initial project was to re-power a 1,000 cubic foot delivery van.
The first vehicle was delivered to them in August of 2012 and successfully passed Navistar’s requirements and performance test. Navistar’s top management changed at precisely the same time the project vehicle passed its performance test and Navistar tabled the electrification project. They did however, introduce us to their client and AMP began to work directly with the end-user. As part of the end-user’s requirement, the battery-electric test truck successfully passed a 4,000-mile durability test at TRC, Inc.’s automotive test facility in East Liberty, OH.
AMP acquired the Workhorse brand and the Workhorse Custom Chassis assembly plant in Union City, IN in March of 2015. The asset acquisition made the company an OEM and enables the company to manufacture new, medium-duty truck chassis in the 14,500 to 23,500 GVW class.
In addition to the plant assets, our exclusive arrangement with UpTime Parts, Inc. for logistical and spare parts support and our 400+ network of dealers provides AMP with unequaled nationwide support for our vehicles.
In March of 2015, AMP formally changed its name to Workhorse Group Incorporated (NASDAQ: WKHS).
