AC Propulsion

AC Propulsion Inc. was an electric vehicle systems manufacturer based in San Dimas, California, founded in 1992 by Alan Cocconi, an engineer who had previously worked on electric vehicle projects at General Motors. The company focused on developing electric drivetrain technology and demonstrating its potential through the production of experimental and limited-production vehicles.

The company's best-known model, the Zero, was introduced at the 1997 Los Angeles Auto Show. This zero-emissions sports car was powered by an electric motor and lead–acid batteries, delivering output equivalent to approximately 220 brake horsepower. The Zero was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and offered a driving range of between 80 and 100 miles on a single charge. Its design featured a removable roof along with compact, upward-hinging doors fitted with removable screens, giving the car a distinctive open-top appearance when desired.

In addition to the Zero, AC Propulsion offered the Long Ranger, a hybrid trailer unit designed to extend the operational range of electric vehicles. By supplementing the onboard battery power, the Long Ranger effectively provided electric vehicles with the capability for unlimited autonomy, addressing one of the primary limitations of early electric vehicle technology.

Through its work on the Zero and its supporting technologies, AC Propulsion contributed to the development of electric vehicle engineering during a period when the automotive industry was beginning to explore alternatives to internal combustion power.