4ekolka: A 3D Printed LSV

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 4ekolka, a prototype electric powered city car.

The 4ekolka is a 3D printed, electric powered vehicle out of Prague from Petr Chladek. The estimated cost to build this prototype vehicle was $12,000 with half of that for the batteries and battery management system. The vehicle is designed for a top speed of 55 km/h or approximately 34 mph. The 9.6 kWh battery pack consists of LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah @ 48V and the estimated range per charge is 200 km or 124 miles. The 4ekolka is expected to consume about 100 Wh compared to 200-300 Wh for most electric vehicles.

The expected market is for intra-city driving and as a secondary car. The designer is also investigating commercial uses. The vehicle is currently being tested on roads in Prague. Learn more: Electrek.co

Maverick X3 Development Process

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Maverick X3 X rs package is designed for riding the dunes or occasionally above them.

An article in PowerSports Business provides some details of the product development process for Can-Am’s recently launched Maverick X3 side-by-side. The process started from scratch and early on the company researched trophy truck, sandrails and dune buggie markets for design input. Side-by-side users have been migrating from these markets. Based on this research, Can-Am engineered a large trailing arm and up to 24″ of rear suspension to the Maverick X3 lineup. The wider 72″ X3 model will also appeal to the dune riding crowd. Another critical design element is the low center of gravity for the passengers.

The overall design revolved around the words defiant, precise and powerful. Since the X3 was positioned as the top of the product line vehicle, Can-Am wanted it to be a statement vehicle with an aggressive and bold look. Precise refers to the suspension and handling characteristics and powerful refers to the turbocharged engine.

According to Can-Am dealer response to the Maverick X3 has been enthusiastic. The MSRPs for the line were less than they expected given the vehicle features they had heard about, and they liked that they can prep the vehicles and put them in their customer’s hands within an hour. The key demographic for the X3 is men in their mid-40s looking for an exhilarating adrenaline rush and most will be migrating from ATVs or replacing another side-by-side. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Hustler Turf’s New MDV UTV

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new MDV utility vehicle from Hustler with a unique cargo bed technology. Photo: Pinkston’s Inc.

More information on the Level Lift technology used in the Hustler MDV. Photo: Pinkston’s Inc.

A frontal view of the Hustler MDV. Photo: Pinkston’s Inc.

Hustler Turf Equipment, a manufacturer of zero-turn mowers for residential and commercial customers, has launched a new utility vehicle, the MDV (Maximum Duty Vehicle) with Level Lift technology. Level Lift technology allows the user to move the cargo bed from the vehicle to flat on the ground and vice-versa. At any point during this movement cargo can be lifted, lowered or dumped. The Hustler MDV was recently shown to dealers at a Hustler company event in Nashville and will be on display at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, KY later this month. Learn more: Pinkstons

Comment: This is another example of a power equipment company trying to take advantage of their unique distribution network. The turf and lawn care UTV market is seeing big name UTV brands using partnerships and contract manufacturing deals to reach this market, as well as, outdoor equipment brands develop their own products. It will be interesting to see how the level lift technology does in the market and whether other manufacturers will develop something similar. It could be popular in larger institutional or other settings where there might be interest in trying to limit work place injuries due to lifting cargo in and out of vehicles.

Kawasaki Reveals 2017 Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Kawasaki expands their Mule Pro-FX line for 2017 with a Ranch Edition model.

A side view of the new Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition.

Kawasaki announced their 2017 Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition side-by-side. This addition to the Mule Pro-FX line includes special features that add styling and functionality such as:

Metallic Titanium paint finish with unique Ranch Edition badging
Two-tone seat cover with embossed Ranch Edition logos
Standard equipment 4000 lbs WARN winch with dash mounted rocker switch, corded remote control and integrated fuse kit
Composite sun top
Aluminum wheels
Auxiliary high-intensity LED headlights

Similar to other Pro-FX models, the 3-passenger Ranch Edition is powered by 812cc engine with 48 lb-ft of torque and has four wheel independent suspension and speed-sensitive electronic power steering. Other features include:

Switch selectable 2WD/4WD with dual mode rear differential
1,000 lb. capacity, pallet sized cargo bed with integrated steel cargo rails
Integrated 2-inch hitch receiver with 2000lb towing capacityTilt steering
10.2″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Spacious cabin
Thick-cushioned bench seat
Two 12V power outlets
Multi-function digital display

The MSRP for the Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition is $14,999 and the vehicle comes with a three year limited warranty. Learn more: ATVconnection.com

Polaris Unveils New RZR XP Turbo Models

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS raises the bar with 168 hp.

The four passenger RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS.

Polaris announced their new model year 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS and RZR XP Turbo 4 EPS. Both models feature the new ProStar Turbo H.O. engine with 168 hp, which is 15% more than last year’s models and the most of any model on the market. In conjunction with the increased horsepower, Polaris improved engine cooling with a more powerful fan, larger front grill and larger radiator, and strengthened the driveline. Other key features include:

FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks (3″ in front, 2.5″ in rear) with five compression zones and three rebound zones
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Electronic power steering with a new 1.5-turn steering rack
248-mm Hydraulic disc brakes with triple piston front calipers and double piston rear calipers
29″ Maxxis Bighorn wheels
14″ cast aluminum wheels
Both models will be available in late 2016 in Titanium Matte Metallic and Cruiser Black
MSRPs: Two-seater – $24,999; Four-seater – $27,499

Polaris also lowered the prices for the model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo and RZR XP 4 Turbo. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: The horsepower battles continue as Can-Am recently released their Maverick X3 with a 154 hp turbocharged engine. While the battle is most prevalent in the sport/high performance segment, it is prominent in other segments as well. One question is if there is a limit to how much horsepower can be put into these vehicles given the terrain and type of riding for which they are used.

CFMoto Reveals 2017 UTVs

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new 2017 ZForce 1000 EPS sport utility vehicle from CFMoto. Photo credit: Powersportsbusiness

At a dealer meeting at company headquarters in Hangzou, China, CFMoto revealed new utility vehicles for model year 2017. The highlight of the line-up is the new sport side-by-side, the ZForce 1000 EPS with an MSRP of $13,999. Key features include:

77 hp
82 foot-pounds of torque
CV Tech clutching
27″ mud tires
14″ aluminum wheels
New seats

The rest of the 2017 sport line-up includes the following models:

ZForce 500 HO Trail EPS, $8,999
ZForce 800 Trail EPS, $10,799
ZForce 800 EX EPS, $11,599

The 2017 utility line-up includes the following models:

UForce 500 HO EPS, $8,999
UForce 500 HO EPS TT Camo/Hunting, $9,449
UForce 800 EPS, $10,799
UForce 800 EPS TT, $11,249

Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Nikola Motor Reveals Electric UTV Prototype

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Marc Cesare

A prototype of the Nikola Zero all electric UTV from Nikola Motor.

A view of the Nikola Zero cockpit.

In May, Nikola Motor, known more for developing an electric powered long-haul truck, also announced that it was developing an impressive electric powered UTV, the Nikola Zero. Now, in September the company has unveiled a prototype vehicle. According to the company, here are some of the key specifications for the vehicle:

100% electric powered vehicle
Range up to 200 miles
400 volts
Up to 520 hp
Up to 467 ft-lbs of torque
72kWh Battery
All-wheel Drive
Instant torque in < 1 sec
0-60 mph in 3 seconds
20″ suspension
32″ tires
14.5″ of ground clearance
Optional 10 degree rear steering box
Waterproof motor and gearbox
Two 7″ displays or one optional 15″ display
Seats 4

A 2-seat version will also be offered according to management. The vehicle will be priced at $37,000 and the target date for deliveries is Q3 2017. A model can be reserved with a $750 deposit. Learn more: Electrek.co

Comment: From the pictures, the Nikola Zero appears to also have solar panels on the roof. At 72kWh the battery pack for the Nikola Zero is very large. By comparison the Ranger EV Li-Ion battery pack features a 30v 8.3 kWh battery and a 15v 4.1 kWh battery. The price point also seems to be on the low side given the size of the battery pack. The Ranger EV Li-Ion with a much smaller battery pack sell for a $11,700 premium over their standard Ranger EV. Given that high performance UTVs sell for $25,000 or more, the price premium of a similar vehicle with a large lithium ion battery pack should place the Nikola Zero at a price point well above $37,000. It will be interesting to see if the vehicle can make it to market. In any case, the vehicle is another indication of a continuing trend of electric UTVs being purposefully built for more demanding applications and uses other than hunting.

Tata Motors Launches SuperAce Mini-Truck in Vietnam

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Tata Motors has launched their SuperAce mini-truck in Vietnam.

Tata Motors, with their partner TMT Motors, have launched the Tata SuperAce mini-truck in Vietnam. The SuperAce is positioned as a versatile replacement for a small pick-up truck. The vehicle has a one ton payload and comes with either a diesel or gas engine and has a top speed of 130 km per hour. The vehicle can be used for inter or intra-city transport and for a wide range of goods including construction material, produce and consumer goods. According to Tata Motors management, “Through our partnership with TMT Motors, we are committed to shaping the commercial vehicles industry here and are determined to build a long-lasting relationship with the customer for competitive business advantages and the trusted credentials of the Tata Motors brand,”. Tata Motors sees a lot of potential in the fast growing Vietnamese economy and announced their intention to enter the market last year.

Learn more: Thestatesman.com

Comment: While not as popular in the US market, in Southeast Asia and in other countries mini-trucks are quite popular. They are integral for delivering goods in the hub and spoke system employed in these countries. The small-sized trucks can more easily maneuver in crowded and narrow city streets to deliver goods the “last mile” from large distribution centers. In the US they can be seen on farms and are usually imported used vehicles. With their top speeds mini-trucks don’t meet the safety standards for full on-road use in the US and are too fast too be considered low speed vehicles. Approximately 20 states allow mini-trucks on roads where it is locally permitted. Depending on the state mini-trucks are not allowed on highways or, in some cases, not allowed on roads with speed limits above 35 mph. Vantage Vehicle International offers vehicles that are mini-truck like in styling but are configured as LSVs.

Garia Launches Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Golf Car

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car

The Garia Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Golf Car extends Mercedes-Benz luxury to the golf course.

Luxury golf car manufacturer Garia has launched a special edition Mercedes-Benz Style Edition golf car. The new golf car is the result of a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Garia that started with a Mercedes-Benz call for submissions for new ideas for the golf car of the future. The Mercedes-Benz Style brand was created to extend the modern luxury associated with Mercedes-Benz automobiles to other product categories.

This excerpt from the press release details some of the key design elements and the thinking behind them.

As a showcar, the new Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car immediately appears distinctly different from conventional golf carts. The driver and passenger have a view through a large, curved windscreen. The carbon-fibre roof is different in colour and form from the base vehicle. With its short front and rear overhangs, it somewhat resembles a sporty baseball cap. The effect is to make the vehicle look low and more sporty.

The sporty impression is heightened by a small rear spoiler which acts as a golf bag holder while being fully integrated into the overall design as a significant feature. It is so constructed that it can accommodate two golf bags slanted rearwards. This slanted position allows golf clubs to be conveniently taken out and replaced. A carbon-fibre diffuser rounds off the lower rear end as a lighthearted reference to the vehicle’s character as a “real sports car”.

The bench seat has a sculptured, inviting look like a lounge chair, and blends in with the exterior design to provide a sensual experience. Other examples of intelligent and useful details: There is a refrigerator under the bench seat, and a stowage tray under the dashboard holds golf balls aligned in a row. Bottle holders on the instrument panel support and on the passenger side provide space for glasses and bottles.

An interior view of Garia’s latest luxury model shows the touchpad and use of leather, metal and wood.

This special edition golf car features a unique seat design including an underseat refrigerator.

Another feature is an integrated 10.1″ touchpad that displays both vehicle information and course related information. There are also Bluetooth enabled hi-fi speakers. The interior is a mix of leather, wood, carbon-fibre and metal. Other key features of this vehicle include:

Double wishbone suspension
3kW electric motor with 11kW peak power
Lithium batteries
Front disc brakes
460 kg payload
Up to 80 km range
30km/hr top speed
LSV compliant for use on US roads

Learn more: Arealsportscar.com

Martex Global Launches War Horse Line of Electric UTVs

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new War Horse 4×4 All Electric is part of a new electric product line from Martex Global Enterprises.

There is also a crew version of the 4×4 All Electric.

Martex Global Enterprise, LLC of Fort Worth, TX, is introducing an all-electric and hybrid line under the War Horse™ brand. The company, under the direction of Ben King, President and CEO,has for many years manufactured and sold the HuntVe™ line of all-electric 4 X 4 hunting vehicles. The War Horse is similar to the HuntVe, as a four-wheel drive vehicle, but as King explains, “Unlike the HuntVe 4×4 line which is marketed to, and targets only, the hunting industry, the War Horse 4×4 has a broader appeal and speaks to commercial/ industrial/ government applications as well as the general trail riding and outdoor loving consumer.” There are four models in the line, two all-electric, one of which is a crew-type vehicle, seating four, and two are hybrid vehicles, a two-seater and a four-seater crew model.

The War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx features a 64 volt electric power train and 460cc gas engine for range extension.

There is a hybrid crew version as well with theWar Horse 4×4 Hybrid Crew Maxx.

The hybrid models, as well as the all-electrics, feature dual, 38 hp, direct drive motors. As King explains, “We considered moving to a single motor with drive shaft like most of the electric 4×4 competitors, but despite the cost savings, found that a single motor electric 4×4 will not perform to our expectations, and it makes so much more noise.” The expected range extension comes from a 480 cc gas generator, which can extend the range by approximately 30 miles. The War Horse specs call for a 20 mile off-road range in electric mode which looks very conservative for the vehicle when not in an off-road environment. Via the convenient on-board charger, the generator will keep the batteries charged for the extra mileage and can be used to recharge the batteries when not driving. In fact, the recharge time from a flat state of charge is only two hours, according to King.

The all electric models feature:

72-volt high performance electric system
38 hp dual direct drive motors
On-board charger
4-wheel independent suspension
Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Protective side doors
Head, tail and brake lights
11″ of ground clearance

The hybrid models feature:

64-volt high performance electric system
38 hp dual direct drive motors
460cc gas engine
4-wheel independent suspension
Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Protective side doors
Head, tail and brake lights
11″ of ground clearance

The MSRPs for the models are as follows:

War Horse 4×4 All Electric $14,799
War Horse 4×4 Crew All Electric $15,799
War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx $16,499
War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx Crew $17,299

To learn more about the vehicle’s development see our article in our Buying Guide section.

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