Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles:

School Safety Vehicle – Vinemont schools in Alabama purchased a Polaris UTV for safety patrols and driver education classes. For safety patrols the vehicle can access campus areas that their existing patrol cars cannot.  The UTV will also be used in their DUI related sessions of their driver education program. Students will use special goggles that simulate driving while intoxicated while attempting to navigate a set driving course under instructor supervision. Learn more:  Cullmantimes.com

Airport Patrols & Maintenance:  Lambert St. Louis International Airport purchased four electric-powered GEMs to be used in their parking operations for patrols and maintenance. The vehicles will be covering two terminal garages and four long-term lots. The GEMs replaced full-size pick-up trucks. The replacement of pickup trucks is an ongoing trend we are seeing particularly in corporate/college campuses and park settings. Learn more:  Bizjournals.com

Scotland Business Park Switches to Electric Utility Refuse Vehicle:  Hillington Park, a business park in Scotland, is replacing a diesel powered van with a new Alke ATX200E battery-powered utility truck. The vehicle will be used for refuse collection on the campus that is home to 300 companies and 6,700 workers. The new purchase also fits in with their award winning environmental management of the business park.

I thought this example demonstrated a number of aspects of the STOV market. First the STOV market is global. As the STOV market continues to grow it is likely that companies will look for export markets for their vehicles. Second a significant portion of the electric powered segment of the STOV market is driven by “green” or sustainability issues. Third displacement of ICE vehicles is a continuing trend that drives sales for STOVs. Learn more:  Fleetnews.uk.co