Wheego Electric Cars Raises An Additional $1.2 Million

Wheego Electric Cars, maker of the Wheego Whip, recently announced that the company had raised an additional $1.2 million from existing investors.  The Whip is expected to be available next month as a low speed vehicle or medium speed vehicle.  Next year, after crash testing is completed, the company hopes to sell the Whip as a full speed vehicle.  Management expects to sell 1,000 of the LSV/MSV version in the first year as they build up their dealership network to 50 dealers.  The vehicle has an MSRP of $18,500 but is also eligible for federal tax credits.  Learn more:  Atlanta Business Chronicle

Comment: Selling 1,000 of these vehicles in the first year appears to be ambitious given the economy and currently lower gas prices.  ZENN recently announced a sharp decrease in sales of their LSV which has a similar price point.  In addition, interviews I’ve conducted with electric vehicle dealers for an upcoming study also indicate a poor sales environment. MC

ZENN Certifies EEStor Technology Milestone

ZENN recently reported that a third party had certified an important technology milestone reached by EEStor.  Independent tests showed that…

…the main material in the ultracapacitor technology achieved relative permittivity of at least 22,500 over an operating range of -20 to +65 degrees Celsius. Permittivity is a measurement of how much energy can be stored in a material.

Per the agreement with EEStor, reaching the milestone triggers an additional $700,000 payment by ZENN and an opportunity to increase their equity stake.  The next milestone is to commercialization of the technology, which according to the agreement, is supposed to start by the end of 2009.  ZENN still plans to incorporate the ultracapacitor technology in vehicles in 2010.  Learn more:  cleantech.com

Road Use Regulations Roundup – May

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • Some cities are expanding road use regulations to include golf cars
  • NEV road use ordinances continue to be passed by local municipalities although safety concerns remain an issue for some
  • Demand is in increasing for allowing utility vehicles and mini-trucks on public roads
  • Another state looking to adopt a medium speed vehicle law

North Carolina – Bill in the state assembly would add Currituck and New Hanover counties to a state law that allows golf cars on streets in several resort communities.

Pontiac, IL – Ordinance being drafted that would allow the use of modified golf cars as NEVs.

Normal, IL – Considering an ordinance allowing the use of NEVs on city streets.

Merrill, WI – City council passed an ordinance allowing the use of NEVs on city streets.

ColoradoHouse passed a bill that would allow NEVs on public highways.

Palm Desert, CA – Safety concerns have stalled a bill in the state legislature that would broaden the use of NEVs on city streets.

Minnesota – Legislation has passed both the state house and senate that would allow counties to permit the use of mini-trucks, but not on interstate and state highways.

New York – The state DMV issued an opinion that utility vehicles are not allowed on roads or ATV trails unless the law is changed.

New Strawn, KS – City council approved an ordinance that allows work-site utility vehicles and micro utility vehicles to be driven legally on city streets.

Cushing, OKPassed an ordinance regulating the operation of mini bikes, golf carts, ATVs and utility vehicles on the streets and highways of the city.

Utah – Cities are debating allowing the use of mini-trucks on public roads. Since they are classified as street legal ATVs there is concern about allowing the use of all types of ATVs.

Oregon – Governor has introduced a transportation bill that creates a medium speed vehicle designation aimed at increasing the adoption of NEVs

MSV Law Speeds Through Texas Legislature

According to reports, a bill that will allow NEVs to operate at speeds up to 35 mph on roads with speed limits of up to 45 mph is moving through the Texas legislature.  The bill was passed unaminously by the Transportation Committee and is expected to pass and become effective in May or June of this year.  Learn more:  houstonelectriccars.net

Evergreen Electromotive Looking To Produce Three-Wheel Utility Vehicles

Evergreen Electromotive based in Bainbridge Island is raising funds to finish additional prototypes and establish production facilities for three-wheeled utility vehicles. Led by Bob Fraik, a former software engineer from Sun Microsystems and NeXT, the company has already produced the ECH, a four wheeled MSV prototype with a carbon composite body and lithium iron phosphate battery pack giving it a range of 80 miles.

Evergreen Electromotives Prototype Four-Wheel Vehicle

Evergreen Electromotive's Prototype ECH - Four-Wheel MSV

The company is finishing work on two prototype three-wheel vehicles and is looking to establish production facilities in the Port of Bremerton, WA industrial center. The production vehicles are expected to have a top speed of over 50 mph but can be calibrated for lower speeds, and will be targeted for government and corporate fleets. Learn more: Kitsapsun.com