Category Archives: electric vehicles

UK’s ePower Trucks Launches New Vehicle

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ePower Truck XT320E

ePower Truck XT320E

ePower Trucks based in the UK recently launched the ePower Truck XT320E, a battery powered vehicle with a 1,000 kg payload.?? The vehicle features a 13kw battery pack and an estimated range of 60 miles.?? Battery packs can be swapped out using a forklift and an additional battery pack can be added to extend the vehicle’s range. The vehicle costs an estimated $47,000 US.

The company expects to expand the product line in the future with three more electric trucks.?? ePower Trucks is a division of LiftSafe, the lifting and handling equipment supplier and specialises in the supply of golf buggies, electric trucks, electric vehicles, electric tugs and a wide range of utility vehicles.?? Learn more:?? Logisticsmanager.com

California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Projects Gets More Funds

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The California Air Resources Board recently added $5 million to the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP).?? The funds are in addition to the $4.1 million originally put into the program.?? Some of those funds have already been distributed for qualified vehicles.?? According to project management eligible vehicles include medium duty all-electric vehicles, zero emission motorcycles, NEVs and full function light-duty vehicles.?? The Nissan Leaf will be eligible when it comes to market and is likely to account for a large portion of the rebate funds distributed in the future.

Learn more:?? Green.autoblog.com



Zap Acquires 51% Stake In China’s Jonway Auto

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EV manufacturer Zap recently announced an agreement to purchase a 51% stake in Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd for $29 million.?? The deal gives Zap an entry into the fast growing electric vehicle market in China and access to high volume production capacity.?? According to Zap,

The ZAP Jonway merger accelerates cost-effective manufacturing of ZAP???s electric vehicles and gives ZAP access to the Chinese market through Jonway???s distribution channels of more than 80 factory direct dealerships that feed into hundreds of factory authorized dealers. Jonway???s volume manufacturing capacity gives ZAP a strong manufacturing base with the means of commercializing its innovative EV technologies.

Zap will be able to purchase the remaining 49% of the Jonway by march, 2011 at?? the same evaluation.?? Jonway had revenues of $40 million in 2009 and $20 million in the first quarter of 2010 alone.

Jonway Automobile, with approximately 800 employees, is currently manufacturing approximately 1,000 vehicles per month and has a capacity to produce up to 30,000 vehicles per year at its modern, 3.6 million square foot plant in Sanmen on approximately 141 acres of land. Focused on quality, Jonway is ISO 9000 and China Compulsory Certification (CCC) certified. Jonway distributes through a nationwide network of auto dealerships in China and distribution partners in Europe and Egypt. Jonway???s 3-door SUV has been CE approved in Italy by its European partner for the European market.

Learn more: Zapworld.com


New Polaris Offerings For 2011

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Between family vacation and the launch of our latest STOV study It’s been a few weeks since my last post so there have been some developments in the market to catch up on.?? I’ll start with the introduction by Polaris of their 2011 product line.?? Despite a down economy they have been able take market share and be aggressive in the product development with new vehicles targeting specific market segments and improvements to existing models.?? New vehicles include the RANGER 500 EFI, RANGER CREW 500 and RANGER Diesel. The latter targets the agriculture segment where diesel is the preferred fuel.

Enhancements to current product offerings include increased power to RANGER XP 800 and RANGER XP 800 EPS, and power steering on the Polaris Pursuit Camo RANGER CREW 800. All 2011 RANGER products, with the exception of RANGER EV, will be outfitted with easy-buckle driver and passenger safety nets.

The RANGER RZR line will have even more razor sharp performance with a new look that increases cooling airflow by 29 percent, provides a 30 percent improvement in range and delivers increased performance as a result. The RANGER RZR 800 will receive six percent more power with the addition of the 800 H.O. engine and be more trail-friendly with new rear rack extenders. ??RANGER RZR S 800 will feature new big bore shocks, be the first stock vehicle to feature ITP 900 XCT tires and will be available in two premium painted editions along with a standard edition, which will receive a new lower price. For razor sharp performance for four, Polaris will offer the RANGER RZR 4 800in two Robby Gordon packages, a painted black and red limited edition and a power steering version that includes Robby Gordon-inspired graphics.

The company also launched the civilian version of their EV LSV which originally targeted the government market and added new parts and accessories for vehicles across the product line.?? Learn more:?? Motorsportsnewswire.wordpress.com

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STOV Manufacturers Report Earnings

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In the past few weeks a number of publicly traded STOV manufacturers have reported earnings. While the economic downturn has significantly impacted the market, both Polaris and Arctic Cat report gaining market share in ATVs and UTVs during this time. Both companies have also embarked on programs to develop more frequent dealer ordering cycles to reduce dealer inventories and better react to market demands by creating a more desirable model mix at the retail point of sale.

Arctic Cat reported that through the first half of the year the ATV sales declined 20% but in the side by side market some segments have actually shown growth. Artic Cat reports gaining market share in both the ATV and UTV markets.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com

Polaris reported in their earnings call with analysts that the ATV market was down more than 15% while the side by side market was making some gains. Management expects the economic recovery to be choppy. Polaris reports taking market share in the ATV and UTV markets while Honda and Yamaha are struggling. The LSV market has been smaller than expected in the short term, but management expects it to be a growing niche market that they are taking the time to learn before developing growth strategies.

Polaris is also starting to roll out vehicles for their partnership with Bobcat. The initial dealer reception to the vehicles has been positive. An offshoot of that development program was the addition of diesel powered vehicles in the Polaris line-up targeting work customers in North America and global markets as well as the military market where diesel is the fuel of choice. Yanmar is providing Polaris with diesel engines. The electric Ranger LSV serves the military market as well. During the call management also noted that some production had been moved to Mexico since much of their growth in the US is occurring in the southern part of the country.

Learn more: Polaris Industries

Road Use Regulations Roundup – August, 2010

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Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • More public road access for mini-trucks, UTVs and less frequently ATVs
  • More public road access for golf cars which, if it becomes more widespread, could reduce demand for LSVs.
  • Some municipalities rejecting use of golf cars and off road vehicles on public roads because of safety concerns

San Juan Islands, WA – Bill passed state senate that will allow NEVs on roads with speed limits up to 45 mph. In some cases the use of NEVs had been limited because a short drive on higher speed roads were required for local trips.

Nebraska – A bill is moving through the legislature that would allow the use of golf cars or LSVs during daytime on streets with speed limits up to 35 mph.

Wisconsin – Governor signed a bill in March that allows farmers to use light utility vehicles, like Gators, on roadways for agricultural purposes.

Chillicothe, MO – City council passed an ordinance that allows golf cars and UTVs on city streets. Drivers of the vehicles must be insured and registered.

Cedaredge, CO – The municipality which allows NEVs on local low speed roads is considering allowing golf cars as well.

Englewood, CO – The city council is considering a law that would allow LSVs and golf cars on city streets.

Carlton County, MN – The county board approved the use of mini-trucks on county roads.

Highland City, UT – ATVs have been approved for use on city streets. Under city regulations mini-trucks are considered ATVs and were the original impetus for the ordinance.

Lyon County, MN – An ordinance was drafted earlier this year to allow golf cars, ATVs and mini-trucks on some public roads. Permitting of vehicles would be left to local municipalities.

Otter Tail County, MN – Officials are re-examining the use of mini-trucks on country roads. Previously they declined to allow their use.

Williamsville, IL – Considering ordinance allowing the use of golf cars and ATVs on municipal streets.

Creston, IL – Village board is developing an ordinance to allow golf cars and utility vehicles, but not ATVS, on city streets.

Mason City, IA – City council is considering ordinance allowing the use of ATVs on city streets but support is mixed.

Carman, Manitoba, Canada – The town is developing a pilot project to test the use of LSVs on town streets.

Vernon, British Columbia, Canada – The city council rejected a proposed law to allow LSVs on city streets citing safety concerns.

Tampa Bay, FL – Golf cars will remain illegal to drive on public streets on Davis Island.

Clare City, MI – The city council voted to keep a ban against allowing off-road vehicles on city streets. While the county allows their use, municipalities do so on an individual basis and the city council had safety concerns.

Seoul, Korea – In April a law went into effect allowing NEVs on certain designated roads.

EVI Announces $1.5 Million In State Grants For Vehicle Development & Job Training

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Last week, Electric Vehicles International (EVI) announced grants to develop two demonstration vehicles and provide job training for new workers. Some new workers will come from the recently closed NUMMI auto plant and suppliers as EVI has an agreement with Kyoho Manufacturing California, an auto parts supplier which shutdown when NUMMI closed.?? The grants total over $1.5 million with about two-thirds targeted for the development of two medium-duty pickups for Pacific Electric & Gas and the remainder for job training. EVI currently offers a medium-duty truck, a walk-in van and a light-duty utility vehicle. The company has a number of demonstration vehicles currently out in the field. Learn more: Recordnet.com

LSV Market Shows Growth Potential

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I came across a couple of stories recently that highlight the growth potential in the LSV market. One story features the market in Southern New Jersey where state and local LSV laws have paved the way for use in island communities. This represents an expansion beyond the traditional campground market which was mainly served by golf carts that have become more customized as the market developed.?? As one recent LSV buyer from Ocean City remarked in the article,

???I think it???s going to be good over here. We???re in the north end and anticipate going to the beach and downtown to shop, wherever a regular vehicle is used but this should be easier because its smaller and more environmentally friendly.???

The other story highlights efforts by community planners in Southern California to use LSVs to improve air quality and reduce traffic. They see potential for households using the vehicles as a second vehicle.

In both cases the ability to drive the vehicles on public roads is key. This is one reason why golf cars for use as personal transportation are likely to be displaced in growing numbers by LSVs. The added versatility and convenience of being able to use LSVs on local roads in addition to one’s own property or a gated community will allow more and more customers to justify the higher cost of LSVs relative to golf cars. The advent of LSV compliant off-road utility vehicles will only add momentum to this trend.

Learn more: Findashorehome.com

Learn more:?? Press-Enterprise

News Briefs

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Wheego On GSA Schedule – Wheego Electric Cars recently announced that the irWheego Whip LSV is now on the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule 23 for LSVs. Learn more: PRWeb.com

Ruff & Tuff Has New COO – Ruff & Tuff Electric Vehicle has named Shane Michelli as their new COO.?? Learn more: Theoutdoorwire.com

Electrovaya Adds Former GEM CEO – Electrovaya has named Bruce Coventry as Vice President of Operations.?? Electrovaya is a developer and manufacturer of lithium ion battery systems for the clean transportation, smart grid power, consumer and healthcare markets. Learn more:?? Marketwire.com

The Peapod Demise Explained

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A recent story explains what happened to the Peapod LSV.?? The vehicle, originally slated for a late 2010 launch, never made it to the launchpad,?? apparently the victim of Chrysler’s bankruptcy filing and subsequent reorganization.?? The old GEM business unit was dissolved and a new one created but without the Peapod.?? The impetus behind the vehicle was Peter Arnell and he was closely tied with the former CEO Robert Nardelli, so when he went out the door the Peapod followed.

What is unfortunate is that the timing of the consumer targeted vehicle would have been perfect.?? The vehicle would have been eligible for significant tax credits in 2010 and the consumer market for LSVs is primed for growth for a variety of reasons notwithstanding a somewhat slow economic recovery.?? Learn more:?? Green Car Advisor