A couple from Hull, MA became the first people to register a LSV in Massachusetts. Taking advantage of the states LSV law that recently went into effect, the couple purchased a Club Car Villager 2+2.
Massachusetts' First Registered LSV In Use
Impressively, they ventured out in the open-air vehicle in the middle of a New England winter. Club Car reports that versions of the vehicle with doors and vinyl interiors will soon be available. Learn more: Wickedlocal.com
Last week Flux Power of Vista, CA was chosen by Wheego Electric Cars to supply batteries for the Wheego Whip LSV as well as their full speed electric vehicle, the Wheego Whip LiFe FSV, which they expect to ship this summer.
Flux Power will provide Wheego Electric Cars with advanced energy systems that combine high power and energy density with excellent safety and life cycle performance. These systems include Flux Power’s “Cell Guard™” Technology that extends the life of lithium batteries.
Flux Power combines Lithium based batteries with their proprietary management system and claim to greatly extend cycle life.
I came across some new technology developments that have potential applications in the STOV market.
EV Platform for STOV Applications
Trexa EV Platform
The first is a new lithium-powered all-wheel-drive platform developed by Trexa. One area the company is specifically targeting with the platform is STOV for commercial, military and municipal fleets. The platform is made with with carbon steel tubing, aluminum and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. Trexa claims the lithium iron phosphate battery system is capable of range up to 105 miles with dual motors and a top speed of 100 mph. The platform features a built-in 6 kW charger that recharges the batteries in four hours and has the flexibility to accommodate other charging options. Learn more: Blueplanetnews.com
Ultracapacitor Cells for EV Applications
Ioxus, Inc. has introduced a new family of electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC) for transportation and utility applications. The company claims the 1,000-, 3,000- and 5,000-Farad (F) ultracapacitors are smaller in size with increased energy and power density than others on the market. The products can be used as the only energy storage device or in combination with other devices such as batteries. According to the company the 1,000F unit offers the same maximum power as competitive 1,200F products with 24% less volume. This size is targeted towards golf-car type vehicles and utility vehicles. Learn more: Greencarcongress.com
Case IH compact Scout UTV
Case IH has introduced a new lineup of Scout utility vehicles targeting the farm segment. The lineup includes a compact, two-passenger 14-hp (10-kW) gasoline-powered version and an XL version, which is available in two- and four-passenger configurations, with 23-hp (17-kW) gas or 20-hp (15-kW) diesel engines. Learn more: SAE.org
Ranger Crew 800 Limited Edition - Sunset Red with electronic power steering
Polaris Industries has introduced a new lineup of limited edition utility vehicles. Beyond cosmetic upgrades such a new paint schemes some models include performance upgrades such as the Ranger Crew and Ranger RZR with electronic power steering and a 50-inch Ranger RZR with a premium Walker Evans shock package. 2010 Limited Edition models include:
Global Electric Motorcars – Has produced a commercial to promote their vehicles and the federal tax incentives that are currently available for them. Learn more & see the commercial: Zachmarion.com
Valence Technology – Has won a $3.1 million contract to supply the Tanfield Group’s Smith Electric Vehicles with lithium iron magnesium phosphate batteries for their electric trucks. The company also supplies batteries for Tanfield’s joint venture in the US, Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, that makes similar trucks. Learn more: Streetinsider.com
CT&T – Bavarian Luxury Auto Sales LLC has become the first dealer to carry their vehicles in South Carolina, the e-Zone LSV. Learn more: Poastandcourier.com Comment: – What is interesting is that while CT&T has generated a lot of press I have not come across too much hard evidence related to actual vehicle sales. This may be a start. – Marc Cesare
Polaris Ranger RZR 4 - Robby Gordon Edition
Polaris has introduced the Ranger RZR 4 Robby Gordon Edition, a four-seat UTV targeting the recreational market. Identifying an opportunity for a vehicle with a significantly lower price point than an expensive sand car or rail, Polaris teamed up with Robby Gordon to produce this industry first four seat sport side-by-side. Key features include:
The vehicle has an MSRP of $14,999.
I recently came across a story about a Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) developed by The Institute for Affordable Transportation. The organization’s mission is “… to improve the lives of the world’s poor by providing simple, low-cost vehicles to facilitate community transformation.” The BUV is a no frills but practical utility vehicle. The institute has developed a whole turnkey type program that allows local entrepreneurs to become a local distributor or assembler of the vehicles. They typically will assemble, sell and service the vehicles. Some parts are expected to be sourced locally and the vehicle can use 20 different engines without modification. A starter kit for six vehicles can be shipped in one twenty foot shipping container.
BUV at work in Honduras
The first overseas BUV factory is in Honduras and five other groups are planning to launch in Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Haiti, Ethiopia and D.R. Congo. Learn more: www.drivebuv.org/
Polaris – The Ranger HD has been named the “Best of the Best” by Field & Stream magazine. Learn more: UTVWeekly.com
Nemo Motors – As part of a pilot project started in early 2009 Nemo Motors recently delivered an electric truck to the Quebec government. The company is headqurtered in Redwood City, CA but produces vehicle in Quebec. Learn more: Sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com
Oklahoma’s Supreme Court recently ruled that the Garfield County District Court, which had ruled in favor of LSV dealers and customers in October, did not have jurisdiction in the case and vacated that court’s order. For dealers and customers this means that the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s previous letter rulings on qualified vehicles now apply again. Some vehicles purchased with the understanding that they would be eligible for the state tax credit are no longer considered eligible.
It appears that the bulk of the rulings by the commission are not in favor of the manufacturers. For example, the Badboy Buggie XT LSV, the Stealth Patriot LSV, the Fairplay EVE, Fairplay Goat, American Custom Golfcars Hummers H3, American Custom Golfcars Escalade, American Custom Golfcars Roadster Limo and Titan UTV Hunting Buggy do not qualify. Per the commission they do not qualify because…
The term ‘qualified electric motor vehicle property’ shall not apply to vehicles known as ‘golf carts,’ ‘go-carts’ and other motor vehicles which are manufactured principally for use off the streets and highways.
Some of the vehicles that do qualify include:
The complete set of ruling letters for twenty-three manufacturers can be found here. Learn more: EdmondSun.com
Comment: When I first spoke with the Oklahoma Tax Commission after their initial ruling they talked about trying to clarify the law and that revenue concerns were not the issue. When they appealed the district court’s ruling they noted that the tax credit could cost the state upwards of $40 million. In my opinion they are trying to avoid losing revenue from tax credits. It would be interesting to see, in detail, how they are deciding which vehicles qualify and which ones don’t. – Marc Cesare
Tazzari Zero City Car
The Tazzari Zero city car debuted at the Bologna Auto Show earlier this week. Aiming at the high end of the market, the stylish and sporty Tazzari Zero features a 160 Ah lithium battery pack, a range of 88 miles in economy mode and an MSRP of $29,900. The Italian made vehicle has a top speed of 56 mph which can be electronically reguated and operates on a 72 volt system. Standard features include a radio and CD player, leather seats, heating system and anti-theft device. The vehicle will be available in the US in 2010 as an LSV, and will be distributed by Verdek-EV. Learn more: Autoblog Green
Comment: At that price for an LSV it will probably be purchased more by collector types or higher end buyers willing to tinker with the speed controls. If medium speed regulations are adopted, and that’s a big if, the vehicle becomes more viable but still limited to the higher end of the market or perhaps a younger demographic willing to spend extra money for the “cool” factor. – Marc Cesare