An electric Can Am Commander will be available in limited markets starting this July according to BRP management. The electric side-by-side will have top speed of about 25 mpg (40 km/hr) and a range of 25 to 100 miles depending on terrain, driving behavior and other factors. The vehicle will be produced at a new assembly plant located in Sherbrooke, Quebec, which will be used for gas vehicles as well. Select dealers will be used to launch the vehicle in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas and Virginia. Electric technology for the vehicle was developed at Centre de technologies avancees BRP-University de Sherbrooke (CTA). Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com
Category Archives: electric vehicles
Tomberlin Launches Emerge E2 XRLE Model
Tomberlin just announced the newest addition to their LSV product line, the Emerge E2 XRLE. With this model Tomberlin has introduced an AC drive system to their LSV lineup. The new model is similar to the Emerge E2 LE in terms of creature comforts and the features and options but offers extended range and improved driving performance.
The main difference is the AC drive system which is paired with a Curtis controller. The powertrain also features a new axle design for less noise and more energy efficiency. The battery pack consists of eight 6-volt batteries for a range of 50+ miles depending on driving conditions. Learn more: Tomberlin.net
Club Car European News
Club Car has launched www.clubcar.tv to showcase the company’s electric golf cars and utility vehicles. The microsite provides information about the Club Car’s latest technologies as well as news and case studies from vehicle operators at various European and Middle Eastern golf facilities. Learn more: Worldgolf.com
Also in the European market, the PGA announced the purchase of an eleven vehicle fleet of Club Car vehicles for use at PGA events. The vehicles will be distributed to various regions in Great Britain and Ireland and the PGA headquarters. A number of the vehicles feature Club Car’s Delta Q on-board charging system. Learn more: Worldgolf.com
Washington State Considers Electric Vehicle Fee
The Washington State Senate has passed a bill that will charge electric vehicle owners a $100 fee to compensate for lost gas taxes. The bill reportedly does not apply to LSVs. The revenues would be used to fund road repair and related services. The bill still has to pass the House. Learn more: Plugincars.com
“Silver Tsunami” To Lift LSV Sales?
An important driver for the consumer LSV market has been the growth of retirement and over 55 master planned/gated communities to serve aging Baby Boomers. While many of these communities have been associated with retirement areas in Florida, California, Arizona and the Carolinas, a recent planning document from Washington state points to more widespread potential outside those states and master planned communities. Recently the Clark County Aging Readiness Task Force presented over 90 recommendations to county officials to address the county’s aging population. A number of the recommendations deal specifically with transportation issues and one of the general recommendations is to support the use of neighborhood electric vehicles. County officials expect that by 2030, 25% of local residents will be 60 or older compared to around 16% today. “Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the local population and, statewide, Washington will rank 11th in the nation.” Learn more: Columbian.com
Cushman Hauler UTV Line Launched in UK
As part of a recent overhaul of their product lines in the UTV market, Textron, through it’s Ransomes Jacobsen subsidiary, recently launched their new Cushman Hauler line in the UK. The line features four models: Hauler 800, Hauler 1000, Hauler 1200 and Hauler 1200x. The Hauler 800 comes in electric or gas versions with a vehicle payload capacity of 363 kg. The Hauler 1000 is electric powered with a 465 kg payload capacity. The Hauler 1200 is gas driven with a 544 kg capacity. For rougher terrain the Hauler 1200x is offered in gas or electric versions with 15.2 cm and 13.5 cm of ground clearance and 454 kg and 363 kg payloads respectively. All but the Hauler 800 offer a larger volume cargo bed as an option. The electric powered models feature 48 volt systems and the gas models have 13 hp Kawasaki engines. Common standard features include:
- Limited slip differential
- Brush guard and integrated front bumper
- Large integrated headlights
Other accessories are available for customizing. Learn more: Pitchcare.com
Electric Vehicles International Expands Facilities
Electric truck manufacturer Electric Vehicles International (EVI) has expanded their manufacturing capacity by adding 30,000 square feet and new equipment to their Stockton, CA headquarters. The company also opened a sales office in Michigan. EVI produces larger electric trucks than what we see in the STOV market such as medium duty delivery trucks and walk-in vans. For the STOV market they offer their E-Mega, a light duty, 72 volt truck with a top speed of 35 mph that is powered by a lithium battery pack. Learn more: CVBizjornal.com
E-Z-GO Developments
Towards the end of last year E-Z-GO initiated a rebranding of some of their product lines. They introduced their Terrain line of vehicles for what management describes as “trail-utility” applications and their Express line of vehicles for “trail-leisure” applications. The Terrain line consists of the Terrain 250 and 1000 in gas and electric configurations and the Terrain 500 and 1500 in gas only configurations. The Express line consists of the L4, S4, L6 and S6 models which all come in gas or electric versions. One dealer’s website describes the Terrain line being for cargo and the Express line being for people.
From my understanding the old E-Z-GO ST product line has been rebranded as E-Z-GO Terrain & Express models, and as the Cushman Hauler models, and some as Bad Boy Buggies. While the guts of the vehicles have not been changed substantially, the front body panel, the cowl, headlights and canopy top have been changed and the top supports are beefier as well.
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E-Z-GO's Exceed Hybrid Technology Range Extender
E-Z-Go has also introduced a range extender technology for their Freedom RXV golf car and 2Five LSV. The Exceed Hybrid Technology™ is a fully integrated supplemental power source which can extend the range of these vehicles up to 150 miles based on E-Z-Go’s test results. The Exceed features a 6 hp, 205 cc gas generator which can recharge the batteries on the fly and provides a 400-watt power source for charging electronic devices. System controls and the power source outlet are located on the dashboard. The generator fits into the vehicle’s bagwell with a custom cover. Learn more: Ezgo.com
Columbia ParCar Recalls Vehicles For Steering Issue
Columbia ParCar, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling nearly 1,400 golf, service and utility vehicles produced between July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011, which includes 2009, 2010 and 2011 models. The vehicles are being recalled because “…the lower steering yoke can loosen where it attaches to the steering rack and pinion, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.” No injuries have been reported related to the issue. Models involved in the recall include the Eagle (P4E) Golf Vehicle, Shuttle (C6E) Personnel Carrier, Tram (C10E) Personnel Carrier, Summit (SM/SUV) Utility Vehicle, Utilitruck (EU4, EU24) Utility Vehicle and Scout (S10E) Utility Vehicle. Check the following link for specific VINs involved. Columbia ParCar dealers will be conducting free inspections and repairs as required. Learn more: CPSC.gov
New Vehicle Introductions
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T-Sport LSV recently introduced by ACG Cars
ACG Cars – ACG Cars of California recently launched their T-Sport LSV, a four passenger all electric vehicle. Features include including a 17.5 hp brushless A/C motor, Sevcon computerized controller and LCD in-dash display. The vehicle has a top speed of 25 mph and an estimated range of 40 miles. MSRP is $7950. Learn more: News.yahoo.com
AGT Electric Cars – AGT Electric Cars of Ontario, Canada recently introduced their Marrow Waste Management Vehicle. The company usually manufacturers manufactures low-speed vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles, utility task vehicles, burden carriers and golf cars. The new vehicle is based upon their Marrow Electric Industrial Vehicle but is fitted with a 1-ton capacity trash bin. The vehicle is powered by 12 6-volt batteries and management reports a range of 35 miles when fully loaded. The vehicle is currently undergoing pilot tests and will be launched in Canada this month with a price of around $25,000. The company is talking with potential distributors for the US market. Learn more: Wastecyclingnews.com