Over the last few years we've seen plug-in car start-ups come and go. Some—such as Tesla, Fisker, and Coda—have managed to stick around, but many have fallen by the wayside seemingly never to return. When California company Phoenix Motorcars came onto the scene a bit more than three years ago with plans to release an AWD electric pickup/SUT and SUV, the world was all rosy.

At that point Phoenix was building relationships with fleet buyers and had already garnered more than a hundred orders for their SUT as well as announced a partnership with Hawaii to bring their vehicles to the state's government fleets by 2009. Even so, early last year, plagued by supplier issues and the economic downturn, Phoenix declared bankruptcy. After no more than a whimper, they seemed to disappear into the dusty pages of history.

But, after Tuesday's surprise press release from the company, it seems that they're still on track to build the Phoenix SUT and the Hawaii deal is still on. Apparently, as part of restructuring, their plans now don't include an electric SUV (at least right away), and the SUT's range has decreased from 100 miles to 70—although an extended range 100 mile battery pack option will be available in 2011. Initially the SUT will only be available to fleet customers and they plan on delivering their first vehicles by the end of this year. In order to drum up demand, Phoenix will be displaying the newly configured SUT at the FedFleet 2010 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, from July 13-15, 2010.

Phoenix has never been that forthcoming with information, but AutoblogGreen was able to get a response from Bryon Bliss, Phoenix Motorcars' VP of sales and marketing. "While many would criticize us for returning again from the 'ashes', we are truly here to stay," said Mr. Bliss. "It's been a long road for us but one well worth waiting for." In addition to being committed to delivering the SUT, apparently Phoenix has also begun other "interesting projects in the alternative fuel industry." Bliss had no comment on what types of other projects those might be, but it seems a stretch for a company that's just emerging from bankruptcy.

While the extra competition in the plug-in space is welcome—as well as the presence of an electric pickup—the world is a much different place now than it was when Phoenix opened shop. Back then they were one of the only kids on the block and it was easy to get the attention of fleet customers. But these days the plug-in world is chock full of major players and, given the perceived weakness, it's going to be very difficult for Phoenix to re-establish themselves.

Reprinted with permission from PluginCars