rapid deployment, stating it would take ten years to have a practical battery. Moreover, research programs to develop clean transportation in the U.S. ceased. The Amitron did not go beyond the prototype stage. The expensive batteries forced AMC to halt further experiments with advanced technology electric vehicles for several years. Legacy The AMC Pacer was influenced by the Amitron's short, wide dimensions, along with optionally including three front seats. The abruptly terminating rear end of the concept car influenced the AMC Gremlin. American Motors' battery-powered vehicle development continued under a partnership with Gould (Gould Electronics after selling its battery operations) that lead to the mass production of the Jeep DJ-5E starting in 1974. This rear-wheel-drive mini-delivery van was also known as the Electruck. Regenerative braking was effective at speeds above and the system included current-limiting to prevent overcharging the lead-acid batteries. In 1977, AMC introduced their "Concept 80" line of experimental vehicles, which included the AM Van, Grand Touring, Concept I, Concept II, and Jeep II. Along with this lineup, AMC renamed the Amitron to be the Electron, added side-view mirrors to the windows, and gave it a fresh paint job. The show car was not driveable because it did not have a power train. The design has been characterized by some observers as "hot, sexy, cute and practical." The exterior's angular design was also ahead of its time because it was not until the 1970s that wedge-shaped bodies were finally adopted for production cars. The Amitron featured a polygonal exterior design that "looks like a miniature Cybertruck" that was unveiled in late 2019 by Tesla, Inc. The AMC car "laid down principles that looked to represent the future of urban travel, but it was just too advanced for its own good." "The AMC Amitron had almost 50 years ago all that is still considered indispensable for an electric car if it is supposed to succeed: a decent range, low weight, and a jaunty look." References Further reading External links AMC vehicles Electric vehicles introduced in the 20th century Front-wheel-drive vehicles 1960s cars 1970s cars Subcompact cars Hatchbacks Electric city cars Electric concept cars