[ausev] Texas unveiling of the Phoenix Motor Cars SUT...

[KensCircus at aol.com]

Heidi and I attended the Phoenix Motor Cars SUT (Sport Utility Truck) 
unveiling in Farmers Branch Texas (Dallas) last Thursday, March 8, 2007.  The 
unveiling, very appropriately, took place at the Sam Pack Automotive Museum.  Quite a 
range from the past to the future! 
They brought two vehicles, one for test-driving and one to be unveiled inside 
the museum.  KTLA-TV was there to document the event and the news story can 
be seen at _http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/_ 
(http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/)  as well as some photos. 
It was a very well presented event and everyone was there to eagerly answer 
any questions including Daniel Elliot, the CEO of Phoenix Motor Cars. 
The test-driving only paused for the unveiling, otherwise it was continuous 
from before 5:45 PM till after 9:00 PM.  That is, it was going for at least the 
duration that Heidi and I was present.  Everyone that registered to test 
drive got a number to define his or her place in line.   
Apart from being so quite, the truck drove much like an average ½ ton pickup 
with a big V6 and an automatic transmission.  The action is very smooth and 
positive.  The regen braking is a function of the accelerator petal.  Pressing 
the petal accelerates the vehicle, just like we are all used to.  As you let 
off the petal, you decelerate, somewhat like letting off the gas in a regular 
ICE vehicle with a manual transmission.  The action is sufficient, however, that 
pressing the brake petal is mostly needed only after the vehicle has stopped. 
 The action between acceleration and deceleration is very smooth.  Unless you 
make abrupt changes in the petal position, it is hard to tell when it 
switches from go to slow.  Most everything else on the vehicle is traditional and 
familiar.  Even a “gear shift” is included with only three positions; Forward, 
Neutral and Reverse.  This is a very positive, viable  “workhorse” addition to 
the EV movement! 
What I found to be most fascinating about this unveiling is that it took 
place in Texas!  Dallas Texas no less!  Right here deep in the OIL state!  Things 
are truly starting to look up! 
Ken 
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