Smith Electric Vehicles has won a $10 million grant from the US Department of Energy for the production of all-electric, zero emissions commercial trucks for a nationwide demonstration project to validate performance across a range of climates and locations. Major purchasers of the vehicles include Coca-Cola, Staples, AT&T, PG & E, Kansas City Power and Light and Frito-Lay Learn more: PRnewswire.com
Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. recently delivered the first six trucks from their Kansas City based plant. The keys to the Smith Newtons were handed over during a ceremony at the Washington D.C. Mall. Companies receiving the trucks include Coca Cola, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T and two utilities, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Kansas City Power and Light.
The Smith Newton features a 120KW motor powered by lithium-ion batteries and has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range in excess of 160 km on a full charge. It can be recharged in six hours. Learn more: Sacarfan.co.az
Roush Electric Vehicle
The Roush Electric Vehicle produced by Roush Industries is essentially a small pick-up truck that conforms to most LSV/NEV standards except GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). With a payload capacity of 1,100 pounds the REV has a GVWR of almost 4,000 lbs which is well over the 3,000 lb limit put forth in NHTSA’s FMVSS 500 regulations that relate to LSVs. The company has been unsuccessful in obtaining an exemption for the vehicle and therefore has put a hold on any further development. Learn more: Automobilemag.com
According to a recent company press release the official premiere of the Garia Golf Car will take place this September at the PGA Golf Show in Las Vegas. The Garia Golf Car was designed in Denmark and is targeting the luxury golf car and gated community transportation markets. Manufactured by Valmet Automotive of Finland the vehicle will offer customers flexibility through a number of customizable features. Learn more
Nemo Motors has signed a development agreement to integrate and test Energy 1 electrical products in their utility trucks. Learn more: globalnewswie.com
Polaris Enters NEV Market With The Breeze
Polaris Industries will enter the NEV/LSV market this September with their Polaris Breeze. The electric powered Breeze will be targeting end use applications such as golfing, transportation and light portage. Master planned communities are expected to be a primary market. The vehicle is the first product from the companies recently formed On-Road Vehicle Division and will be available in select markets. The MSRP is $7,499. Learn more; sidebysideaction.com
Polaris also recently introduced their 2010 line-up of vehicles which will include their first electric utility vehicle, the Ranger EV. The Ranger EV will share the same chassis as the new Ranger 400, a smaller vehicle with an MSRP of $7,999 that is aimed at the hunter, farming and estate segments . The Ranger EV will target similar customers and is powered by a 11.5 KW battery pack and 30 hp AC motor that gives the vehicle a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 25-35 miles. The EV has a box payload capacity of 500lbs and an MSRP of $10,699 or $10,999 depending on color selection. For a short review of the vehicle see can-amforum.com
Other product line changes include the new heavy duty utility vehicle, the Ranger HD, a new Ranger 800 XP, increased horsepower for the Ranger 4×4 and a new 800cc EFI engine for other vehicles in the line. For more specific features and changes learn more at www.sidebysideaction.com