Viridian Motors: Electric Truck Start-up

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Viridian Motors of Virginia expects to enter the small, electric utility truck market early next year. Similar in design to a mini-truck, the Work Ready truck comes in two models, the WR100 and WR200, has a top speed of 25 mph and is priced at $13,500. Target markets include farms, golf courses and apartment complexes. The vehicle is a mix of US and China sourced parts with the assembly being performed in Norfolk, VA.

According to the company president Terry Langhorne the chassis and cabin are made in China and Chinese sourced parts constitute 15-20% of the sales price. Parts sourced from the US include electric AC motor, controller, contactor, wiring harness, seats, transaxle rear end, fuse links, tires, brake lines, interior sheet metal components, steel chassis modifications, 12v battery system, throttle plates, gauges and dashboard switch assemblies. Learn more: Hamptonroads.com

Polaris Targets India For Growth

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Marc Cesare

In August Polaris introduced a broad selection of their off-road vehicles (ORVs) to the Indian market. The company expects to have twenty-five “sales touch points” in the country by the end of the year. Management has a goal of $100 million in ORV sales by 2016. They are also studying the feasibility of selling LSVs, leveraging their recently acquired GEM product line. Mahindra Reva is currently selling similar vehicles with a sales target of 3,000 vehicles per year. The government provides some incentives but infrastructure issues are an obstacle as well. Learn more: Business-standard.com

Arctic Cat’s New Wildcat Designed To Take On Polaris RZR XP 900

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Last week more information came out about Artic Cat’s Wildcat, an “ultra-performance” side-by-side, which is targeting the same market as the Polaris RZR XP 900. According to Arctic Cat management the vehicle is designed to exceed the performance of the Polaris offering. Some of the key features and capabilities include:

Engine: 951 cc, V-twin, SOHV, four-stroke, four-valve
13 inches of ground clearance
Full perimeter frame
5-point multi-link trailing arm suspension with 18 inches of travel
17 inches of travel in the front suspension
Walker Evans Racing shocks in the front and rear
Electronic power steering
LED headlights and taillights
300 lb cargo bed capacity

Learn more: ATVMagonline.com

Polaris Introduces New 2012 RZR & Ranger Models

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Continuing their history of introducing new models and upgrading older ones, Polaris announced a number of new models and improvements to existing ones for their RZR and Ranger product lines. For the RZR line they have added the RZR 570 targeting consumers looking for the ride and dimensions of the RZR 800 but without all the power.

Polaris introduces the new RZR 570

The RZR 570 has an all-new ProStar 570 engine that’s a 4-valve DOHC unit which can power the side-by-side from 0 to 35 mph in 4 seconds according to Polaris. Other features include:

A new, lightweight transmission
9 inches of suspension travel front and rear
Front and rear anti-sway bars for flat cornering
On-demand all-wheel drive
Width of only 50 inches

The MSRP is $9,999 for the base vehicle. Other changes to the RZR lineup include upgrades to the 900 XP with Fox 2.0 shocks that feature new, convenient compression adjustment knobs for tool-less tuning, a rubber isolated prop shaft, new front suspension geometry and a new passenger grab bar tube with an anti-rattle bushing for reduced noise. The various RZR 800 models will all have

“…the new grab bar, improved cockpit fit and finish to reduce dust and heat on the operator, a front drive cage made from zinc for added durability, a durable dual clutch inlet for low and high speed cooling, and a 33-percent thicker skid plate. The RANGER RZR 800 also will receive a rubber jounce bumper in the shock assembly for improved durability and the RANGER RZR 4 800 also will feature the improved Fox 2.0 adjustable shocks with compression adjustable knobs.”

For the Ranger line Polaris has updated the Ranger 800 HD with their new Engine Braking System (EBS) which controls downhill braking to provide optimum control and smooth, even deceleration during descents. Polaris has also added the Ranger Crew Diesel with a 904cc, three-cylinder YANMAR engine, a fully-sealed, fixed center distance clutch driveline, a 55 amp alternator to operate electric powered accessories, one-ton towing capacity, 2 inch hitch receiver and a 1,000 lb cargo dump bed with gas-assist dumping. Learn more: ATVMagonline.com

Can-Am Adds Model To SxS Lineup

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Marc Cesare

For the 2012 model year Can-Am adds the Commander 1000 LTD

For the 2012 model year Can-Am is adding a Limited model to their Commander 1000 lineup. The company refers to the new addition as the “…industry’s first luxury, touring side-by-side.” The Comander 1000 LTD is similar to the Commander 1000 XT but adds the following package of features:

Front and rear Air Control Suspension (ACS) with Fox Racing Shox
Two-piece roof
Half windshield
Rear net
Removable Limited seats
Custom steering wheel
Two premium painted-plastic color options (Pure Magnesium and Orbital Blue)
Analog / digital gauge
Garmin GPS
Sound system with four speakers

The LTD’s suspension offers up to six different preset suspension preload levels selectable via a LCD display. Other features available across the Commander product line include a 85 hp engine, selectable 2WD/4WD and a dual level cargo box with tilt assist for dumping that can handle 400 lbs up top and 200 lbs below. Learn more: Motorcycle-USA.com

Comment: I would anticipate that we will see more “luxury” UTVs coming into the market moving forward. After adding performance features of on-road vehicles such as electronic fuel injection, I anticipate that they will follow the pattern of both pick-up trucks and SUVs which moved from utilitarian models to those with more comfort, convenience and luxury features. Of course, the slow economic recovery may put a damper on this trend in the short term.

Wheego Starts Selling Highway Capable Vehicle

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Wheego's Highway Capable LiFe Electric Vehicle

LSV manufacturer Wheego has started selling their LiFe electric vehicle to customers. The two-passenger vehicle is capable of speeds up to 65 mph and has a range of 100 miles. The car is priced at $32,995, on par with the Nissan Leaf, but for two passengers instead of four. Learn more: Blogs.WSJ.com

RMD Technologies Takes First Order For Their Electric UTV

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Marc Cesare

RMD Technologies Utility Terrain Electric (UTE) Vehicle

RMD Technologies recently announced that they had received their first order for their Utility Terrain Electric (UTE) vehicle. The five vehicle order came from a rental company in Las Vegas where the vehicles will be rented to tourists on an hourly basis for driving around the Vegas Strip. The UTE is classified as a low speed vehicle. Originally started as an electronics recycling services business, RMD Technologies has branched out into alternative energy vehicles and uses a high percentage of recycled materials in their vehicles. Learn more: Globenewswire.com

NJ Assembly Bills To Promote Electric Vehicles

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Marc Cesare

A package of bills are being proposed in the New Jersey State Assembly to support electric vehicles. They include tax credits and tax deductions for charging infrastructure and the purchase of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as well as requirements for shopping center developers and the Turnpike Authority to install electric vehicle charging stations.

The most relevant for LSVs/NEVs are the tax credits for business and the tax deductions for individual tax payers for the purchase of electric vehicles. According to the office of Assemblyman Daniel Benson, one of the bill sponsors, and my own reading of the bill, LSVs/NEVs would be eligible for these tax credits and deductions. As currently written, for businesses, the tax credits would be available for three years starting with a $5,000 tax credit in year one, then declining to $3,000 in year two and $2,000 in year three. For individuals the numbers are the same except it is a gross income tax deduction instead of a tax credit. Learn more: Paramuspost.com EV Tax Credit/Deduction Bill

Update: The bills related to the tax credits and tax deductions for purchasing electric vehicles passed the Assembly on Thursday. If the bills are passed by the Senate and signed by the governor, the credits and deductions will start in 2012 and run through 2014. Learn more: Paramuspost.com

KYMCO To Launch 700cc UTV In The US

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. (KYMCO), the largest powered two-wheeler manufacturer in Taiwan recently announced major 2011 marketing initiatives including the introduction of a 700cc UTV in the US market. The company which took over the remaining share of KYMCO US in 2010 expects to sell 1,000 UTVs in the US this year. Management expects UTVs to eventually replace ATVs in the market. Total revenue for the company is about $1 billion a year. Learn more: News.cens.com

Tata Launches Electric Mini Truck

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Indian manufacturer Tata is planning on launching an electric mini truck based on their Ace light commercial vehicle in March 2011. The UK will be the first market followed by Scandinavia.

The zero emission Ace is powered by an 85 Ah battery that produces 25kW of maximum power and a top speed of 25mph. With only a 25 mile range, on the European Combined Drive Cycle, the Ace EV is designed primarily for use by Local Authorities in town centres, parks and university campuses.

The vehicle will initially be sold directly to customers from the manufacturer. Learn more: Articledatabase.com

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