By KSPR News

Imperial Coach Builders began its stretch limousine conversions years ago, but the company is about to lead the way with new technology.

“We plan on converting our limousines to full-electric power, which will provide about 100 high-tech manufacturing jobs to the Springfield area,” said Tom Catterson.

And that’s a big deal considering even this company felt the recent economic downturn.

But company higher-ups say making the move to electric, now, is smart for the business.

“The gasoline engine is going to go by the wayside eventually.  It is our belief that pure electric power is going to be the ultimate way to go,” said Catterson.

The new electric engines are also made just up the road in Kansas City by a company called Plug-In Motors.

The first electric engine was put in a Ford Mustang with impressive results.

“It does zero to 60 in just over 5 seconds.  It has more power and more torque than a conventional Mustang engine,” said Catterson.

That makes it ideal for use in limousine manufacturing.

Obviously for someone operating a limousine service, it’s going to be a little more costly up front, but down the line, there are some big savings.

Here the things you have to think about.  You are taking maintenance out of the equation.

Plus, a gas-powered vehicle costs around 25 cents per mile to operate, versus the only 3 cents per mile operating cost of an electric one.

The engines are also expected to last much longer.

“There’s no moving parts in them.  There’s no brushes.  They are pure alternating current electric motors.  So, there is no end of how far they can go,” said Catterson.

It’s estimated the electric engines can run for more than 200 miles on a single night’s charge, and can travel up to 85 miles per hour.

Imperial Coach Builders says it will begin converting the limousines to electric-power in January.

Again, up to 100 new jobs could come as a result of this initiative.