Category Archives: electric vehicles

Work Utility Vehicle Reviews From The UK

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Workman HDX-D 4WD from Toro on a test drive.

Workman HDX-D 4WD from Toro on a test drive.

Horticulture Week based in the UK test drove a Toro Workman MDE and HDX-D 4WD utility vehicles as well as a Brutus HD PTO from Polaris. They were operating in the vehicles in a golf course and park grounds type setting. In general they liked how all the vehicles performed. Here are some highlights from their review.

Toro Workman MDE (electric powertrain)

Likes

  • “nippy and grippy”
  • Low noise
  • Regenerative braking
  • Comfortable and ergonomic layout for driver
  • Performed well on hills
  • Comfortable ride and good handling

Dislikes

  • Play in the accelerator pedal
  • Steel diamond-plate floorboards slippery when wet

Toro Workman HDX-D 4WD (Diesel)

Likes

  • Easy to read gauges
  • 4WD on hills
  • Low engine noise
  • Good turning circle for a long vehicle
  • “But it’s a smooth ride. The steering is light, gear changes smooth and the seats comfortable. It’s a very stable vehicle.”
  • Third gear lockout for novice users cuts out engine
  • 1,229kg cargo bed capacity

Dislikes/Other

  • Looks like an airport baggage-handling vehicle

Polaris Brutus HD PTO

Likes

  • Easy to drive
  • Functionality of the PTO and attachments especially the angled broom
  • Ease of switching attachments
  • Ergonomic seats and controls
  • Smooth ride and light steering

Dislikes/Other

  • Noisy going up hill
  • Some limits to suspension
  • Niche vehicle for those who need attachment specific functionality – sweeping, pallet moving, snow removal and sanding/de-icing

Learn more:  Hortweek.com

China Low Speed Electric Vehicle Market Booming According To Report

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A Chinese low-speed vehicle.

A Chinese low-speed vehicle.

A research report recently published by ResearchInChina estimates that 302,000 low speed electric vehicles were produced in China last year, an increase of 46.6% from the year before. The market has grown rapidly since 2009 and is marked by manufacturers and intense competition. From the report:

At present, domestic LSEV producers concentrate their production bases mainly in Shandong Province, whose LSEV output rose from 16,300 in 2009 to 175,000 in 2013 at a CAGR of 81.0%. Key players there are Shifeng Group, Shandong Baoya New Energy Vehicle Co. Ltd., Shandong Tangjun Ouling Automobile Manufacture Co., Ltd., and so on. At the same time, spurred by the robust downstream demand for LSEV, Chery and BYD have also ventured into this field.

Learn more:  Reportstack.com

Comment:  As we have noted previously, the LSVs in China and LSV compliant vehicles in the US are two different animals. Relatively speaking, the Chinese LSV market is largely unregulated so the quality and safety features of the LSVs are not the same. On the other hand a dynamic LSV market has arisen with a host of manufacturers and component suppliers. China is a very large market so even a niche market like LSVs can result in sizable market demand. The relatively inexpensive LSV option is appealing to those consumers who have some money but can’t afford a highway speed vehicle or don’t need that level of features and functionality. The Chinese government is also encouraging the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles.

GEM Adds Gas & LSV Utility Vehicles to Their Product Lineup

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The new 2015 Polaris M1400, a gas powered utility vehicle being sold by GEM dealers.

The new 2015 Polaris M1400, a gas powered utility vehicle being sold by GEM dealers.

GEM adds an LSV version of the electric eM1400 for 2015.

GEM adds an LSV version of the electric eM1400 for 2015.

The GEM brand of transport and light utility vehicle, owned by Polaris Industries,  recently expanded their product lineup to include a gas powered M1400 and a street legal version of the electric eM1400, the eM 1400 LSV. The eM1400 was introduced last year. The press release follows below with more details. The base MSRP for the M1400 is $7,999 and for the eM1400 LSV is $10,999, which is $1,000 more than the eM1400.

What’s interesting from a marketing perspective is that the gas-powered M1400 is carrying the Polaris brand but is available from GEM dealers and is included on the GEM website. While GEM has always been associated with electric powered vehicles, the distribution network and brand have a strong presence in commercial and institutional venues such as colleges, universities, municipalities and parks where customers are purchasing gas and diesel powered STOVs as well. GEM’s established distribution network and experienced commercial/institutional oriented sales force is an important asset. Polaris is trying to leverage this strength to sell more non-electric commercial vehicles but, at least for now, maintain a distinction between the electric GEM brand and non-electric vehicles. This expansion will also broaden the competition between Polaris and the golf car manufacturers that are already selling both electric and gas vehicles into these markets. Historically Polaris has attacked markets by segmenting them and creating models for specific sub-segments. It is likely that they will continue to add more gas-powered vehicles as well as electrics to be sold under the GEM umbrella.

GEM® Extends Offerings for Dealers with New Gas and LSV Models

Gas-powered Polaris® M1400™, electric eM™1400 LSV now available through nationwide dealer network

 MEDINA, Minn. (Aug. 21, 2014) – Polaris® Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) has expanded its GEM® line product offering of transport and light utility vehicles to include the new Polaris® M1400™ gas-powered commercial side-by-side utility vehicle and the GEM eM™1400 LSV street-legal electric utility vehicle.

 As the first gas-powered utility vehicle available for purchase through authorized GEM dealers, the Polaris M1400 is a 4×2 vehicle designed specifically for light-duty commercial utility applications. The vehicle is equipped to handle the demands of a jobsite with 1,400 pounds of payload, a cargo box capacity of 1,100 pounds and the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

 “Our number one priority at GEM is to help customers find the right solution for their unique needs,” GEM General Manager Tim Blinkhorn said. “It is very common for accounts to require a fleet with a mix of electric and gas-powered vehicles. By adding a Polaris engineered gas utility vehicle to our line with an extensive range of accessories, GEM dealers are ready to provide the best tool – electric or gas – for the job.”

 The M1400 features a Polaris ProStar 31-horsepower engine with electronic fuel injection and reaches a top speed of 26 mph, which can be limited with the optional Polaris Speed Key. Independent rear suspension and front IFS MacPherson Strut ensures the safe and efficient transport of people and cargo even when hauling at maximum capacity.

 On the electric front, the GEM eM1400 LSV has all the features of the eM1400 introduced last fall, and is also LSV compliant with a horn, headlights/taillights, turn signals, an automotive-grade windshield, a windshield wiper and three-point safety belts.

 Like all of GEM’s street-legal models, the eM1400 LSV reaches a top speed of 25 mph, produces zero emissions, can be driven indoors or outdoors and on most city streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.  

 Available options and accessories make it easy for customers to configure the Polaris M1400 and GEM eM1400 for their specific jobsite application and unique needs. Factory installed options include removable bed sides and a fully enclosed max box. Additionally, both utility vehicles support Polaris’ innovative Lock & Ride® and Lock & Work™ accessories.

 The Polaris M1400 and GEM eM1400 come with a two-year limited warranty and can be ordered through more than 250 authorized GEM dealers in North America. To set up a test ride, or for more information on the complete Polaris GEM lineup, visit GEMcar.com.

Polaris Industries Inc.         Media Contact: Megan Langenkamp
2100 Highway 55              Phone: 414-292-0246
Medina, MN 55340-9770  mlangenkamp@n-s.com

 

ePower Trucks Sells First Ligier Flex L3 Low Speed Electric Truck In UK

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Flex L3 All Electric Truck

Flex L3 All Electric Truck

Earlier this year ePower Trucks became distributor for French manufactured Ligier Flex L3 all electric trucks and they have now announced that Newcastle University’s EAT@NEWCASTLE catering service has purchased the first such vehicle. The Flex L3 is a street legal low speed electric vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph, range of 35 miles and payload capacity of 400 kg. The truck costs approximately 22,500 USD.

The catering service will use the vehicle to deliver hot and cold food and beverages to various venues on campus. For their purposes the Flex L3 has a box body but the vehicle can also be configured with a flat bed, cage or tipper. The electric drive train is powered by a lead-acid gel battery pack which can be recharged in 8 to 10 hours. Learn more:  EVworld.com

GEM Now Offers Solar Panel Option

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GEM now offers a solar panel option for their models.

GEM’s new solar panel option for their models.

As part of their 2015 product line launch, GEM recently rolled out a solar panel option to supplement vehicle charging. GEM is offering two solar panel models, the Ra Power Pro 220 and Ra Power Pro 410 which provide 220 to 410 watts of energy daily to the vehicle’s battery system. The panels are manufactured by SolarDrive US and include their Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller that has been specifically designed and programmed to work with GEM’s 72 volt battery set systems.

The panels can be factory installed when ordering 2015 GEM models:   e4, e4S, e6®, e6®S, eL and eL XD. They can also be retrofitted by dealers for 2005 and newer models.  Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  The solar panel option could be particularly popular in the College/University and Parks market segment and with other commercial buyers that have green or sustainable initiatives. For dealers this option could be a nice little add to their revenue. The installed base of older GEM models at these institutions offer an opportunity for retrofitting whole fleets.

LSVs Popular In China

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A Chinese low-speed vehicle.

A Chinese low-speed vehicle.

A recent article discusses the surprising large size of the low-speed electric vehicle market in China. With over 200,000 LSVs produced there in 2013, it dwarfs the nearly 15,000 sold in the US. Some interesting characteristics of the market include, according to the article, a complete lack of regulation. Not surprisingly, hand in hand with this is a lack of safety features on the vehicles. On a more positive note, a host of component manufacturers and innovative low cost manufacturing processes have also cropped up to support this market and enabled many manufacturers to enter the fray.

A common design for a Chinese LSV is four doors with one seat in the front and two side-by-side in the back. The seating room would be considered small by Western standards. Chinese LSVs typically use lead-acid batteries and are powered by 1.5-kW to 4-kW DC motors with a top speed of around 38 miles per hour and costs range from $2,000 to $12,000. They are particularly popular in rural areas. Learn more:  Green.autoblog.com

Comment:  As the article points out, the small size of the US LSV market makes it a less appealing export market to Chinese manufacturers with so much opportunity at their doorstep. A friend of mine tried for several years to import a quality LSV from China that met the US safety standards and consumer requirements. He had a difficult time finding any company willing to spend the money to do the testing and meet the standards for a relatively small market opportunity. At the time, the quality of many of the vehicles he looked at was also not going to meet the needs of the US market.

Another difference in the markets is that the US market has become more of a commercial/institutional market. In the US, many of the consumer markets where LSVs would be useful are already served by golf cars and from what I’ve seen the trend among municipalities has been to allow golf cars on public streets rather than restrict them. This negates to a large degree the necessity of having purposely built LSV compliant vehicles. The commercial/institutional buyers however are looking for vehicles with those added safety features and official designation as an LSV.

In general, international markets offer greater potential for small electric vehicles than the US. From other developing countries in Asia to urban environments in Europe, from both a regulatory and market demand perspective, these markets are more conducive to creating a substantial market for these vehicles.

Flex L3 Electric Utility Truck Available In UK

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The Flex L3 electric truck produced by Ligier is now available in the UK.

The Flex L3 electric truck produced by Ligier is now available in the UK.

ePower Trucks will be the UK distributor for Ligier’s Flex L3 electric utility truck. Ligier is a French manufacturer. Powered by lead gel batteries, the street legal Flex L3 has a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 35 mph. The target applications for the vehicle, which can come in a flat bed, cage, box body or tipper configuration, are urban delivery and estate management. The payload capacity is up to 400 kg. The Flex L3 is priced at 13,500 pounds and is available in white, red or gray. Learn more:   Transportengineer.org

Comment:  The urban delivery market application is a good niche market for electric vehicles especially for the delivery of goods that are neither too large or heavy. This type of application requires slower speeds and less range so more expensive lithium-based battery packs and more powerful electric powertrains are not necessary. This type of application is more prevalent in Europe and Asia. For similar reasons, light-duty maintenance applications on college or corporate campuses or city parks are also a good fit for this type of vehicle.

Cenntro Motor To Produce Electric Utility Vehicles At Nevada Facility

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Cenntro Motors Kombi EV electric utility vehicles to be produced in Nevada.

Cenntro Motors Kombi EV electric utility vehicles to be produced in Nevada.

Cenntro Motor plans to begin production of 1,650 electric vehicles at a Sparks, NV facility by August or September of this year. The $20.1 million, 150,000 square foot facility will also serve as the company’s headquarters. The facility will employ approximately 100 people and training grants along with tax deferrals were part of a $1.2 million incentive package to attract the company.

Cenntro Motors designs and builds lightweight electric commercial and passenger vehicles and their first vehicle is the Kombi EV designed for maintenance, delivery and light cargo transport. The vehicle currently comes in two configurations, the Green Space Version with a cargo bed and the City Version with a van box. Both vehicles are 2WD and use a 10 Stator KLD DC motor with max power of 12.5 kW. The vehicle’s KLD Energy Technologies oneDRIVE™ propulsion system uses a 48V system with a 6.8kW KLD Li-ion battery pack. Other key features include 800 payload capacity, 4-wheel hydraulic disk brakes, a range of 50 miles and top speeds of 31 mph for the Green Space and 25 mph for the City.

Cenntro Motors also recently acquired SITL-Brandt Motors located in Lyon, France, which will be the headquarters for their European operations. The acquisition was valued at $50 million and management plans to invest an additional $20 million. With the acquisition Cenntro’s lineup in Europe will include an all-electric CITELEC commercial truck, a two-person quadracycle and electric scooters. Learn more:  Reviewjournal.com and Cenntromotors.com

Comment:  The commercial/government market for small electric vehicles is attracting more attention as many companies believe this is where the growth is. From colleges and universities to municipalities and commercial entities organizations are finding these vehicles to be green, safe and cost-effective for applications that do not require traditional passenger vehicles or pick-up trucks. It continues to represent a growth segment for the STOV industry. It is also an international market with arguably better opportunities in European and Asian markets where smaller vehicles are more accepted, prevalent and have been used effectively for many years.

 

Good & Bad Trends For UTVs

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Recent news articles point to a mix of good and bad trends for the utility vehicle market. The good is that UTVs are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of work applications as they increase worksite efficiency. As an article in Rental Management Magazine points out, an increasing number of equipment rental bids for construction, utility, oil and gas, and event planning contracts require a line for utility vehicles. This trend is one of the reasons growth in the UTV market has outpaced the economy as a whole. Buyers have been willing to spend money on the vehicles because it makes economic sense for their operations.

The driving force is increased productivity and efficiency as users are able to more easily move around equipment and people. UTVs have increased their capabilities and versatility with more hauling and towing capacity, crew versions and increasingly the ability to add work attachments. In addition, there is a range of fuel options now available for UTVs with diesel, gas with fuel injection, electric and hybrid powertrains. The trend has been increasing horsepower across all of these powertrains. Electrics have been migrating to 72 volt AC motors which give them more capabilities and expand their potential work applications as some users institute “green” initiatives.

The rental business is an important indicator since it caters to such a wide variety of market segments, exposes customers to new equipment and provides them an opportunity to try out the equipment. The rental business does offer special challenges though because of the variety of work applications. One being the need to correctly match the UTV to the end use depending on key factors such as off-road/on-road use, terrain, people moving, hauling or towing requirements, weather conditions and more. For equipment rental companies this means carrying a range of UTVs to match their regional market needs. Another issue is safety since users may be unfamiliar with UTVs or a particular brand of UTV. A variety of safety options may be available from side netting, three-point seat belts and ROPS to reverse alarms, dynamic braking and light packages and online training/safety material. Different types of speed limiting technology is also available depending on the vehicle brand.

If the UTV rental business is a positive trend, the negative trend is an increase in UTV thefts. A recent article from The State in South Carolina highlights this trend. We have also been tracking this through other local newspaper articles from throughout the country. One of the reasons for the rise in thefts is the increasing popularity of UTVs and thus creating more of a market for stolen vehicles. Some simple actions proposed by law enforcement to reduce thefts include:

  • Do not leave items near or close to the highway.
  • Make sure serial numbers are recorded and stored in a safe place so that the items may be placed into the national computer system if stolen.
  • Please don’t leave any of these items in areas that are easily accessible or near the roadway.
  • If someone approaches you about selling one of these items at greatly reduced cost, please report that to law enforcement.

 

 

E-Z-GO Acquires Tug Technologies Corporation

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The TUG Technologies Corp. M1A tow tractor is used at airports.

The TUG Technologies Corp. M1A tow tractor is used at airports.

E-Z-GO recently announced the acquisition of Tug Technologies Corporation, a manufacturer of ground support equipment for the aviation industry. TUG Technologies Corporation, based in Kennesaw, Georgia, manufactures ground support equipment servicing airlines, air-freight companies, ground handlers, government agencies and airports worldwide. TUG’s extensive product line includes cargo tractors, belt loaders, tow tractors, pushback vehicles, air-starts, ground power units, and mobile heating and air-conditioning units. The company was acquired from a New York based private equity firm but their manufacturing is based in Kennesaw, GA along with approximately 200 people. The terms of the acquisition were not released. Learn More:  Marketwatch.com

Comment:  The acquisition makes sense for E-Z-GO on a number of fronts. They already serve the same markets with E-Z-GO and Cushman vehicles but for different applications with minimal overlap and they are also both Georgia based companies. The greater resources that E-Z-GO has at it’s disposable in terms of product development, manufacturing expertise, sales force and existing relationships should help grow the company. Tug Technologies is a strong brand in their markets that can be leveraged for new products and new markets.