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

Border Patrol: A sheriff’s office in Maine recently used a Department of Homeland Security grant to purchase a Yamaha Rhino to patrol the border with Canada. The vehicle is used to monitor remote border entrances for illegal drug trafficking and other activity and replaces the use of ATVs. The latter required officers to travel in pairs for safety reasons since the vehicles were not as stable. The grant is part of Homeland Security’s Stonegarden Operation which is sending $60 million to local law enforcement in border states to supplement federal border protection efforts. The funds are for both equipment and payroll. Learn more: Morningsentinel.mainetoday.com

NEV Tourist Rentals: An Austin, TX entrepreneur has recently launched E-Cars of Austin to provide NEVs around the city for tourists to rent. The rental fleet currently consists of six GEMs that will be placed in various downtown locations and will be available to rent for $30 for one hour or $50 for two hours. The plan is to eventually have two vehicles at each of 10 downtown hotels. Learn more: AustinBusinessJournal

Meter Reading: Silver City, NM has purchased two LSV utility trucks from Miles Electric Vehicles for use by the town’s meter readers.  The meter readers travel around 24,000 miles each year.  Town officials expect to save on maintenance and operating costs over the years compared to the current vehicles being used.  Learn more:  Silver City Sun News