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Company type | Private company |
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Industry | Automotive |
Founded | 2020 |
Headquarters | , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Edward Lee (Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman) |
Products | Electric vehicles |
Website | alphamotorinc.com |
Alpha Motor Corporation (commonly known as Alpha) is an American electric vehicle company headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2020 by American entrepreneur and automotive executive Edward Lee, specializes in the production of innovative electric vehicles, recognized for their design, sustainability, and advanced technology. In 2023, Alpha received the Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the United States House of Representatives for its technology and dedication to sustainable transportation. [1]
Edward Lee serves as the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at Alpha Motor Corporation (Alpha). Prior to founding Alpha in 2020, Lee has worked at several automotive companies, notably Toyota Motor Corporation—where he is recognized as the lead inventor of the Lexus LC 500 Production Vehicle, [2] and the 2012 Lexus LF-LC concept. [3] Lee's career spanning over 20 years also includes his time at Audi AG and Hyundai, where he designed the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. [4]
Since founding Alpha Motor Corporation, Edward Lee received multiple awards including "Excellence in Executive Leadership in Innovation" [5] from the Giles-O'Malley Center for Leadership and the "Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Chairperson of the Year 2023 (USA)" from CEO Monthly. [6]
Established in late 2020, Alpha started as an independent automotive technology company that "focuses on creating sustainable transportation solutions that move humanity." [7]
In December 2020, Alpha revealed its first passenger car, the pure electric ACE coupe notably featuring retro styling. The company described the vehicle as “quintessential urban electric vehicle set to transform zero emission mobility." [8] Release of the ACE attracted positive remarks media along the lines of ‘California’s cutest car,’ [9] ‘European-style sport coupe,’ [10] ‘the sort of EV we can dig,’ [11] etc. The release of ACE Performance Edition (PE) followed in January 2021. [12]
In February 2021, Alpha revealed the ACE-based JAX, a crossover quad coupe, as a 3D model. With "JAX" being an acronym for "Junior All-terrain Crossover", it is essentially an ACE with two extra half-doors in the rear for easier rear access, a higher suspension, and off-roading accessories. [13]
In March 2021, Alpha revealed the WOLF 2-door pickup truck, based on the company's previous vehicle platforms (JAX). [14] The company later revealed two variants of the WOLF; the WOLF+, an extended cab version in April, [15] and the SUPERWOLF, a double cab version in July. [16]
In November 2021, Alpha introduced the Adventure Series, a special edition package for the ACE and JAX, in partnership with KC HiLiTES and KMC Wheels. The Adventure Series package adds new off-road lights, tires, and wheels to the cars. [17]
"As Alpha Motor Corporation continues to push the envelope with the New Adventure Series ACE and JAX, we immediately knew that it was a natural progression for our lights. We are always all-in when automotive designs go beyond what's normal – it fits our beliefs of Defy Limits," - KC Lights Marketing Activation Manager. [18]
On November 19, 2021, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Alpha revealed its second physical vehicle example, the SAGA, a sedan based on the ACE platform. [19] Additional release of the SUPER SAGA, the sports performance variant, and SAGA ESTATE, a station wagon variant, followed in the same month.
In May 2022, Alpha revealed the REX, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) built on the shared modular platform as the JAX and the WOLF series. [20] With vehicle trim created in collaboration with Los Angeles-based fashion label Free & Easy, Alpha named the off-road focused vehicle an “adventure utility vehicle” — or “AUV.”
In November 2022, Alpha revealed the MONTAGE, the first luxury model in the company's vehicle lineup. [21] The 2-door luxury coupe was announced to undergo US limited production as a special construction vehicle. Montage is planned to be built on a custom-built electric vehicle platform constructed from the ground up using Alpha's proprietary development process involving advanced Computer-Aided Development (CAD). [22] The interior features collaborations with Spinneybeck, a leading supplier of full grain, aniline dyed Italian upholstery leather, committed to working with the highest quality of sustainable and biodegradable materials. Also, Shawmut Corporation, experts in fabric formation, coating, and laminating, delivering high-performance materials and components has joined forces with Alpha to bring forth the latest in eco-conscious CMF (Color, Materials, Finish) solutions.
In August 2021, the first prototype of the Alpha WOLF debuted at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. [23] Due to significant public interest, the exhibition continued until late 2022, marking the competition of Alpha's proof-of-concept stage. Subsequently, Alpha focused on refining its modular vehicle platform technology, enabling the development of various electric vehicles sharing the same platform.
On October 31, 2021, Los Angeles Auto Show, announced the Alpha ACE Coupe and JAX as finalists for its inaugural zero-emission vehicle awards program - THE ZEVAS (Zero Emission Vehicle Awards) [24] On November 18, 2021, Los Angeles Auto Show, awarded the Alpha ACE Coupe as "Top Coupe ZEV," the winner in the electric coupe category for its inaugural zero-emission vehicle awards program - THE ZEVAS [25]
On April 12, 2022, Alpha and Hinduja Tech announced a partnership for the development and production of electric vehicles, post-production support, joint research, and development of other mobility projects. [26] And on May 22, 2022, Alpha Motor Corporation and Ultimate Hydroforming, Inc (UHI) entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as UHI will manufacture and validate Alpha Motor Corporation's production-ready electric vehicles. [27] To expand manufacturing, Alpha formed strategic alliances with Tier 1 vehicle manufacturing plants and e-mobility vehicle production engineering firms. These collaborations bolstered capacity and widened Alpha’s manufacturing scope.
In March 2023, Alpha exhibited the two vehicle prototypes (WOLF and WOLF+ Electric Trucks) at the Seoul Mobility Show in South Korea, attracting over 500,000 attendees. [28] By July 2023, Alpha achieved a significant milestone by unveiling a functional, driving prototype of the WOLF Electric Truck, affirming its high-performance drivability. Subsequently, Alpha intensified its efforts to refine the SUPERWOLF, the third vehicle variant sharing the same platform as the WOLF and WOLF+ electric trucks.
In July 2023, Alpha Motor Corporation premiered the first driving footage of the WOLF electric truck. The truck driving in full off-road conditions confirmed Alpha's promise to have a working prototype by the end of 2023. [29]
In November 2023, The WOLF electric truck was exhibited at the SEMA Show as a highlighted display for the HOONIGAN booth. In collaboration with HOONIGAN and Black Rhino Wheels, the WOLF truck was on display accessorized in Black Rhino Wheels and Morimoto Lights for the 160,000 visitors that year. [30]
In February 2024, Alpha released the first test-ride videos of various participants experiencing the WOLF electric truck for the first time. Taking place in varying weather conditions ranging between 41°F (5°C) and 63°F (17°C) with an average humidity of 54%, the course featured multiple 90-degree turns and straight paths where the vehicle accelerated to high speeds. The event spanned eight hours, during which the WOLF truck continuously traversed the course. Impressively, it utilized only 20% of its battery capacity and underwent a total charge time of 30 minutes. [31]
This strategic initiative involved extensive engineering development to optimize vehicles for streamlined production, aligning with Alpha's established process for efficient vehicle production development. With over 75,000 vehicle preorders received by 2024 Q2, Alpha has demonstrated robust demand for its vehicles, especially the WOLF Truck Series, positioning the company strongly in a market anticipated to surpass US $1 trillion by 2030 [32] , driven by global government mandates for mass electrification of cars. This strong market potential affirmed Alpha's trajectory toward bringing compelling EV solutions to market fruition.
Alpha Motor Corporation has received numerous recognitions from the automotive industry, business sector, and U.S. government.
Alpha Motor Corporation has engaged in strategic partnerships and collaborations aimed at advancing sustainable transportation solutions and mobility technologies. Uniquely, Alpha's collaborations are not only limited to the automotive industry but also, creatively intertwined with fashion, outdoor culture & lifestyle, F&B, etc. The diverse spectrum of collaborations aligns with Alpha's vision to advance sustainable transportation solutions and mobility technologies under the ethos of "Move Humanity."
Hinduja Tech and Ultimate Hydroforming Inc (UHI): In 2022, Alpha forged a partnership with Hinduja Tech (HTI) and Ultimate Hydroforming Inc (UHI) to facilitate the advancement of pre-production vehicle development. [34] [35]
Peicher Automotive: Also in 2022, Alpha established a vehicle distribution partnership with Peicher Automotive to broaden the distribution of Alpha electric vehicles within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region). [36]
Additionally, Alpha Motor Corporation has fostered collaborations with several innovative companies in automotive manufacturing and aftermarket industries: KC HiLites, Rigid Industries, Wheel Pros, HOONIGAN, Black Rhino Wheels, Rotiform, KMC Wheels, DMOS Collective, ROAM Adventure Co., BF Goodrich, etc.
Alpha's unique collaborations beyond the automotive industry include: Mattel, AMD, Free & Easy, Onyx Coffee, HEIMPLANET, Alubox, Michael J. Fox Foundation, etc.
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