Monthly Archives: October 2010

Madison, WI To Expand Charging Infrastructure

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Madison Gas & Electric Co. and Coulomb Technologies announced plans to expand Madison’s current number of EV charging stations from 3 to 24.  Originally, plans called for six charging stations, but now an additional eighteen are planned.  The stations are part of a demonstration project to understand study charging patterns and their impact on the power grid. MG&E is looking for owners of plug-in electric hybrids and neighborhood electric vehicles to volunteer for the project.  All charging locations will be free and available to the public.

The project is funded by a portion of a $5.5 million smart grid investment grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The charging stations will be two-tiered charging stations that feature both a standard and a faster charging option.  The stations can charge two vehicles at a time and will be located in high traffic areas.  Learn more:  Carbondayautomotive.com

 

Sam’s Club Feature Stealth UTV/LSV

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Tom Colangelo, a local LSV dealer in Florida’s The Villages (a master planned community), has teamed up with Stealth Corporation and Sam’s Club to offer Stealth’s electric powered utility vehicles at several Florida Sam’s Clubs.  The vehicles are also part of the store’s auto buying program which can be accessed online.  The Stealths meet LSV requirements so residents of The Villages can use them within the community and venture out onto public roads.

Comment: The combination off-road UTV/LSV is a recent trend, and as the story notes, provides a more versatile alternative to golf cars in these communities.  These combination vehicles will likely start taking increasing market share from golf cars within the master planned community market segment.  While golf cars have traditionally had a cost advantage, as more municipalities open up public roads to LSVs, versatility will start trumping price differences.  Learn more:  PRLog.org

Cruise Car Launches All American Line

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This week Cruise Car of Sarasota, FL introduced their new All American line of 15 solar electric LSVs.  The vehicles are produced in the US and feature up to 50% recycled or certified re-manufactured parts and materials.  The All American Line is GSA Schedule approved and Cruise Car recently shipped 30 All American LSV’s to the U.S. Navy base in San Diego, CA.  The LSVs, built on an aluminum chassis, can be purchased with or without solar and can accommodate from 2 to 14 passengers. The vehicles are also eligible for solar tax credits.  Learn more:  PRweb.com

Company News Briefs

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Carrus BV buys golf cars and parts – Carrus BV of the Netherlands signed an agreement with a European supplier to purchase 3,300 used golf cars as well as thousands of parts and accessories.  Carrus is a brand-independent supplier of top brand cars, parts and accessories, and serves various European markets, including the leisure sector, golf courses and industry.  Learn more:  Golfcarnews.com

ZAP truck & van qualify for tax credit – ZAP recently announced that their electric truck and van have qualified for a ten percent federal tax credit, up to a maximum of $2,500, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Vehicles purchased through 2011 will be eligible for the tax credit.  Learn more:  Autorevolution.com

Kawasaki announces new consumer credit program – This month, Kawasaki, in partnership with GE Money, is rolling out a new consumer credit program for purchasing Kawasaki’s motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles and watercrafts.  Learn more:  Marketwatch.com

RMD Technologies selects seat supplier for electric vehicles – RMD Technologies of San Marcos, CA has chosen PRP Seats of Murrieta, CA to provide seats for their small electric vehicles.  RMDT’s core business is providing electronics recycling services to businesses, state and federal agencies.  However in 2007 they decided to branch out into developing an  alternative energy vehicle using a large percentage of materials recycled from electronic waste.  Their electric utility vehicle is expected to hit the market at the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011. Learn more:  Cleanenergynews.blogspot.com

NEV Demonstration Project Begins In LA County

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The Local Use Vehicle Project to demonstrate the efficacy of NEVs recently began in Los Angeles County.  The eighteen month project features six NEVs – two GEMs, two Wheego Whips, a Columbia Summit and a Vantage NEV – will be used in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.  Drivers chosen for the project will use a vehicle for six months, keep a journal about their experience and take a user survey at the end.  The project is being supported by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Learn more:  Hybridmile.com