While the meat & potatoes of Truck Trend are half- and three-quarter-ton trucks, every now and then, I come across something of peripheral interest, but just interesting enough to warrant a second look. Such is the case with Vantage Vehicle's new line of electric utility trucks. Per federal regulations, the vehicles are limited to a top speed of 25 mph, which sounds less than thrilling. But after taking one of Vantage's electric passenger vans for a spin around the block, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance.
Granted, if you're expecting neck-snapping acceleration, it doesn't exactly deliver an edge-of-your-seat driving experience. But the vehicle impressed with its quiet, unobtrusive competence and ease of use. The first-generation vehicles utilize a series of lead-acid batteries, which intrude slightly into the cabin, but Vantage CEO Michael Pak promises the company is only months away from rolling out vehicles equipped with lithium-ion battery packs, which in addition to their much smaller size relative to the lead-acid units, allow for a shorter recharge time, longer range, and dramatically lighter weight, from 800 lb to around 160.
We've finally got our exclusive video of the Vantage EV headquarters tour and test drive live on trucktrend.com. Check it out!
SPECS
Vantage Vehicles EV Passenger Van
Price Range: $18-20,000
Range: Up to 60 miles per charge
Maximum Speed: (federally mandated for NEVs) 25 mph
Passenger Capacity: 7
Length: 150 inches
Height: 80 inches
Width: 60 inches
Turning Radius: 32.8 feet
Wheelbase: 98 inches
Steering: Rack & Pinion, unassisted
Brakes: Front Disc, Rear Drum
Suspension: Front Coil & Strut, Rear Leaf
Payload Capacity: 1,000 pounds
GVWR: 3,000 pounds
Towing Capacity: 1,000 pounds
Motor
Type: 3-phase brushless AC induction
Rated Voltage: 72 volt
Output: 26.1 kilowatt (35 horsepower)
Batteries
Type: 12 Volt, Lead-acid, sealed
Battery life (est.): 30,000 miles
Charging Time: 4-6 hours