Cub Cadet Challenger Targets The UTV Value Segment

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger 700 utility vehicle.

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger utility vehicle.

SVR recently interviewed Jeff Salamon, Director of Marketing for MTD Products, the manufacturer of the Cub Cadet brand of products including the new Challenger series of UTVs, which we discussed at length. The Challenger represents a renewed commitment to the UTV market for Cub Cadet whose Volunteer line of UTVs has been on the market for a number of years. While the Volunteer is more of a heavy duty work UTV, the new Challengers, the 500 and 700, are more of a mixed use line that can be for both work and recreation. As Salamon states “Whereas we say work and off-road for the Volunteer we say task and off-road trail for the Challenger.”

With MSRPs starting at $8500 and $9500 respectively, the 500 and 700 are clearly priced for the value segment of the UTV market. But that is not to be confused with being low quality or bare boned in the features department. In fact, one of the prime selling points for the Challenger is their wealth of standard features including large 26″ off-road tires, alloy wheels, windshield, roof, 3,500 lb. winch, horn, digital dash display, bumper guard, halogen lights and hand brake. They also beefed up the vehicle’s hardware with a reinforced frame, high-strength steering components and dual row wheel bearings.

At these price points Cub Cadet is competing against the value priced imports from the likes of Kymco and CFMoto as well as the lower priced UTVs of the major players in the market like Polaris and John Deere. Against the former Salamon believes Cub Cadet has an edge with their strong and established American brand combined with a well-trained and well-stocked dealer network. Against the more established brands, the wealth of standard features gives Cub Cadet the advantage.

Cub Cadet expects to launch a crew version of the Challenger in the near future and will be building out the Challenger line on an ongoing basis driven by consumer demand and dealer feedback. Learn more: Cub Cadet Interview

Arctic Cat Recalls Prowler 500 HDX Side-by-Sides

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX is being recalled due to a fuel leak issue.

The 2014 and 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX is being recalled due to a potential fuel leak issue.

Arctic Cat is recalling approximately 2,700 model year 2014 and 2015 Prowler 500 HDX side-by-sides due to an issue with the fuel fitting at the throttle body than can cause a fuel leak and create a fire hazard. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact a local dealer for a free repair. For more information Arctic Cat can be contacted at (800) 279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.arcticcat.com and click on Customer Care, then Product Recall and List of Safety Bulletins for more information. The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details: About 2,700 units

Description: This recall involves model year 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX and model year 2015 Prowler 500 HDX models. The recalled vehicles include vehicle identification numbers (VIN) from 303194 through 305166. The VIN number is located on the rear frame tube under the rear of the box. The vehicles are green, red, vibrant red metallic, or emerald green metallic. “Arctic Cat” is printed on each side of the hood. Also 500 is printed on each side on the front fenders, HDX on each side of the rear cargo box, and “Arctic Cat” on the cargo box tail gate.

Hazard: Fuel can leak from the fuel fitting at the throttle body, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Prowlers and contact an Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting its customers directly.

Sold at: Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from August 2013 to July 2015 for between about $11,000 and $12,400.

Manufactured in: United States

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Comment: While this isn’t a large sized recall in the context of the side-by-side industry, it isn’t helpful for Arctic Cat as the management is in the middle of turning around their ATV/ROV business. Most of their issues have happened on the ATV side of the business, and the Prowler 500 HDX has been a solid performer. What is also notable is that many of the recalls in the side-by-side industry involve potential fuel leaks and fire hazards.

Polaris Announces New Side-By-Side Models For 2016

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris has announced their model year 2016 line-up including a new turbocharged RZR, the RZR XP Turbo EPS. The RZR XP Turbo EPS is powered by a turbocharged Prostar engine that produces 144 hp. Additional key features of the vehicle include:

Fox Podium Internal Bypass Shocks
Lighter-weight progressive rate upper spring and stiffer main spring
New front swaybar and re-tuned rear swaybar
Bolstered seats
Tilt steering
Factory installed quarter doors
MSRP $24,999

The new 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS

An additional new model is the 60 inch wide RZR S 1000 EPS featuring a 100 hp Prostar engine, Dual A-Arm rear suspension, Fox 2.0 Podium X shocks, True All-Wheel Drive, bolstered seats and factory installed quarter doors. The MSRP is $17,999. The 2016 RZR line also includes some comfort and ergonomic improvements including:

New seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position for the RZR 1000 EPS, RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR XC 900 EPS, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP Turbo EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles.
Adjustable seatbelt sliders for the RZR XP 1000

The value priced 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 Full-Size

The new 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Stealth Black for mud riding.

In the Ranger lineup Polaris is adding the Ranger 570 Full-Size with a 60 inch three seat chassis, tubular ROPS, 44 hp Prostar 570 engine, 1,500 lb. towing capacity, 800 lb. cargo bed capacity and value targeted MSRP of $9,999. They are also adding a three-seat mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black. This model features reduced gearing for more mud-specific torque with an added a heavy-duty reverse chain, high engine air and clutch intakes and outlet, arched lower A-Arms, 28 in/71.12 cm High Lifter Outlaw II tires and an improved drainage skid plate. The vehicle also features a Pro-Lock™ On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for quicker four-wheel drive engagement in the mud, electronic power stering, 4,500 lb. winch with integrated in-dash switches, specially designed front bumper to allow winch access, rear bumper, half doors and special graphics kit.

Another Ranger addition for 2016 is the pure electric Ranger EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo. This model includes:

48-volt Ac-induction motor
Battery management controller to more accurately represent battery life
Vehicle Control Module with new digital gauge and better accessory integration
On-vehicle diagnostics
MSRP $22,999

A Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo is new for model year 2016. This model includes Active Descent Control for more control in mountainous terrain, Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, 3,500 lb. winch, and dual Lock & Ride Scabbards.

Other Ranger models will get a power boost in 2016 with the addition of high output Prostar engines for the Ranger Crew 900-5 and Ranger Crew 900-6 (68 hp) as well as the Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6 (46 hp). Other Enhancements to the Ranger line include an updated hood design with an aggressive new look for the Ranger XP 900 and Ranger XP 570 and Crew vehicles. For maximum power delivery to the ground, the Ranger XP 900 EPS and Crew 900 painted models are now equipped with Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

The 2016 Polaris Ace 900 SP adds power and high performance features.

There is also a new Polaris ACE model for 2016, the ACE 900 SP, which features a 60 hp Prostar 900 engine with electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control. Notable features include:

Front stabilizer bar
New dual rate springs in the independent rear suspension
25 inch tires
Polaris’ High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
MSRP $11,499

Learn more: UTVguide.net

Comment: Polaris continues to add to their armada of vehicles. The turbocharged model is a response to Can Ams turbocharged offering. Their other new models demonstrate how they pursue market niches with very specific models such as those for hunting or mud riding. They also make a number of tweaks to the rest of their lineup, many of which focus on comfort or ergonomics. Combined, the niche marketing and tweaking, I believe demonstrate the level of customer research that they put into their product development. Many of these changes are quite specific which I don’t believe they would be making without customer research to justify them.

The new value priced Ranger is most likely a response to the increased competition in this segment of the market where promotions from established brands and offerings from companies like Kymco and CFMoto may be impacting sales. The new electric Ranger injects some of the Brammo acquired expertise in lithium ion technology into their side-by-side product line. It will be interesting to see how the vehicle sells with an MSRP that’s over $10,000 more than their lead-acid battery based EV Rangers. The pricing makes it a niche vehicle and its wise that it is essentially a high-end, electric hunting vehicle where the extra battery range can make a difference and possibly open up new markets, where electric hunting vehicles previously may have struggled to gain traction because of range issues. The new ACE model indicates a demand for and expansion into higher performance riding for the one-seater market.

John Deere Updates Gator RSX Line

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new RSX860i from John Deere replaces the RSX850i.

The RSX860i is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage.

John Deere announced the new model year 2016 RSX860i which replaces the RSX850i. The new RSX860i features a number of improvements including:

Increased top speed of 60 mph by increasing the maximum engine rpm to 7750 from 7250.
Optional Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which adjusts steering effort based on vehicle speed and has an anti-kickback feature which reduces the amount of unwinding steering.
EPAS equipped vehicles are winch-ready with pre-installed wiring harness, negative battery cable and disconnect wiring harness.
Backlit toggle switches for dawn/dusk vehicle use.
Spiral bevel differential design to reduce vibration and noise.
12-month or 1,000 hour factory warranty

Pricing starts at $12,299. The RSX860i will be available at dealers in mid-July in traditional John Deere green and yellow or Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage. Learn more: Johndeere.com

Comment: It’s somewhat surprising that there weren’t more changes to the Gator product lines announced. Even with the new model, the RSX line does not include a four-person vehicle. Given Deere’s significant position in the market and the rate at which competitors are introducing new vehicles, I expected to see more significant model changes and/or new model introductions. Perhaps we will see some more from Deere in the second half of the year.

Mahindra Launches Jeeto Mini-Truck

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Jeeto mini-truck from Mahindra & Mahindra.

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched their new commercial mini-truck, the Jeeto, targeting the sub one tonne load mini-truck segment. The Jeeto comes in eight different variations and will be available in S (S6-11, S6-16), L (L6-11, L6-16, L7-11, L7-16) & X (X7-11, X7-16) series, catering to mini-truck, micro-truck and 3 wheelers customers. The vehicles start at 2.32 Lakh or 3,620 USD. The variations include options for powertrains, payload capacity and deck lengths.

Powertrains – 8.2 kW (11 HP) and 11.9 Kw (16 HP)
Payloads – 600 Kgs and 700 Kgs
Deck lengths – 1630mm (5.5ft), 1780mm (6ft) and 1930 mm (6.5ft)

Jeeto also comes with a class-leading warranty of 2 years/40,000km (whichever is earlier). It will be available in 5 colors of Diamond White, Sunrise Red, Mango Yellow, Ultramarine Blue and Premium Beige. The vehicles are targeting the last mile distributor segment. Mahindra & Mahindra spent approximately $8 million US on product development and another $40 million US on the production facility. Learn more: Indiatimes.com and Livemint.com

Eicher Polaris JV Launches Multix: A Personal Utility Vehicle for Indian Market

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The Multix utility vehicle, the first offering from the Eicher-Polaris joint venture.

Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture between Eicher Motors Ltd and Polaris Industries Inc., launched the Multix India’s first personal utility vehicle. The Multix, available in two versions and four colors, is targeting the “independent businessman”. The Multix is being positioned as a versatile vehicle that can be used for both business and family purposes. Management estimates the market size to be 60 million households. From initial idea to launch took Eicher and Polaris about five years and $60 million. Extensive consumer testing was performed to identify the market and test the concept. The Multix is being viewed as launching a new vehicle category. Initial production is expected to be 5,000 vehicles per month and the manufacturing facilities can expand to handle twice that volume.

Key features of the Multix include:

500cc Diesel engine
Cabin space that can comfortably seat a family of five along with luggage
Multix can be adapted to create large storage space of 1918 liters.
X-PORT a unique power-take-off point, which can generate power of up to 3 KW that can be used for lighting homes and powering professional equipment
Pro Ride Independent suspension system
Ground clearance of 225mm,
Mileage of 28.45 kmpl.
Tubular frame structure and Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS)
Flexituff body

The two Multix versions are priced at 3,620 USD or 2.32 Lakh and 4,245 USD or 2.72 Lakh. The vehicle will be launched in 30 cities with test drives starting in July and deliveries in August. Learn more: Equitybulls.com

Comment: In contrast to the US market where a crossover utility vehicle means a vehicle for work and play, in the Indian market it means work and family use. This utility vehicle/mini-truck market is very dynamic. Not only do you have new entrants like Eicher-Polaris with the Multix, but there are also a number of startups receiving venture capital that are targeting the independent delivery/shipping market that utilize these vehicles. These companies are using software and other technology to make the process of locating and quickly accessing a shipper much more efficient. This could prove to be another catalyst for the vehicle market.

Can-Am Announces New 2016 Side-by-Sides

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Can-Am has added to their side-by-side lineup and upgraded some of their existing side-by-sides for model year 2016. Most of the changes were made to the Maverick line as Can-Am is clearly targeting the more purely recreational segment of the side-by-side market for growth. Even in the mixed recreational and utility oriented Commander lineup the major change has a recreational tilt with a new hunting edition model. From a strategic point of view, this is somewhat of a contrast to other powersports manufacturers that have been trying to expand more into pure utility vehicle segments or the recreational/utility crossover vehicle segments. This is not to say others, like Polaris and Arctic Cat, aren’t continuing to pursue the purely recreational vehicle segment, they are, but at the same time making a concerted effort to break into to other segments.

The Can-Am changes continue to reflect the importance of horsepower in the pure recreational segment as they have tweaked their turbocharged 1000R Rotax engine to put out 131 hp. They are also pressing what they see as an advantage, their turbocharged engine, by adding several turbocharged models. Key additions and changes to the Can-Am side-by-side lineup include:

Revised the 131-hp Rotax 1000R Turbo engine with larger injectors, increased boost pressure and re-calibrated the CVT.
A new 60-inch wide model, the Maverick xc DPS 1000R, for use on narrower trails and with 12 inches of suspension travel.
A Dynamic Steering Package (DPS) model variation is available in the Maverick DPS 1000R and Maverick MAX DPS 1000R and includes cast-aluminum wheels, Visco-Lok QE, Tri-Mode DPS and two color options.
The 2016 Maverick 1000R Turbo in White Light Grey – Manta Green

The 2016 Maverick MAX 1000R Turbo in White Light Grey – Manta Green
The Maverick 1000R TURBO and the MAX 1000R Turbo, which seats four, are powered by the revised 131 hp Rotax 1000R Turbo engine and also include:
- Front and rear FOX 2.5 PODIUM RC2 shocks with single-speed compression and preload adjustments
- 14-inch painted black cast-aluminum wheels
- 28-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- The 2016 Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black – Can-Am Red
  
  The 2016 Maverick MAX X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black – Can-Am Red
Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo and MAX X rs 1000R Turbo models feature:
- 131-hp Rotax 1000R Turbo engine
- Longer 88 in. wheelbase
- Torsional Trailing A-arms independent rear suspension with sway bar and 16 in. of travel
- 4-point harness system
- Yoshimura exhaust
- Rear bumper
- A suspension calibration tuned in partnership with FOX
- Carbon Black & painted Can-Am Red color pattern
- MSRPs: X rs 1000R Turbo – $23,999; MAX X rs 1000R Turbo – $26,599
- New for 2016 is the Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition
Commander line adds a Mossy Oak Hunting Edition which features:
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo
- Gun scabbards
- Front bumper
- Aluminum skid plate
- Roof
- Half-windshield
- Bed rails
- Mudguards
- 14 inch cast aluminum wheels and Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- 4,500 lb. Warn winch
- MSRP: $18,849
New electronic belt drive protection for the Commander MAX models is now standard. It offers belt-spotting protection for when a driver is in high gear, but should be in low gear. The vehicle will not move and a “LOW GEAR” message will appear on the gauge, alerting the driver.
New & updated color schemes
- Light Grey (Commander 800R base)
- Viper Red (Commander DPS 800R / 1000)
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo; (Commander XT 800R / 1000 and Commander MAX XT 1000, Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 1000)
- Matte Black & Octane Blue; (Commander XT 800R / 1000 and Commander MAX XT 1000)
- Cognac (Commander Limited 1000)
- Light Grey (Maverick 1000R base)
- Light Grey & Can-Am Red color option (Maverick DPS 1000R and Maverick MAX DPS 1000R)
- Light Grey & Octane Blue (Maverick X xc 1000R)
- Hyper Silver, Black & Octane Blue and White, black & Can-Am Red color option (Maverick X mr 1000R)
- White, Light Grey & Manta Green (Maverick 1000R Turbo and MAX 1000R Turbo)
- Hyper Silver & Octane Blue (Maverick X ds 1000R Turbo and MAX X ds 1000R Turbo)
- Carbon Black painted & Can-Am Red (Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo and MAX X rs 1000R Turbo)

Learn more: BRP.com

Kawasaki Reveals New 2016 Side-by-Side Models

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Kawasaki announced an extensive lineup of new 2016 side-by-side, revealing new models for both work and recreational uses. Kawasaki filled out their full size work utility vehicle offerings by adding single seat Mule FX and DX variations to their Mule FXT and DXT models. If you recall, the FXT and DXT models can fit three people or be reconfigured to fit six by transforming the cargo area into an additional bench seat with a smaller cargo bed. For those buyers who only need three person capacity, the FX and DX variations offer a less expensive option for essentially the same vehicle. Offerings in the traditional Mule 4000 and 4010 work utility vehicle lineup remain essentially the same, although a couple of special edition models were added.

In the recreational Teryx and Teryx4 product lines the 2016 models offer a mix of changes in performance, styling and ergonomics. Performance changes include optimized shocks and larger tires for certain models. The front of the vehicle has been restyled and certain models add LED headlights. The vehicle cockpits have been redesigned with tilt steering, new steering wheel, easily adjustable driver’s seat and new dash layout. Kawasaki is the first of the major manufacturers to launch a full complement of 2016 models.

Here is a summary of some of key features of the 2016 models

The Mule Pro FX lineup is a variant of the existing FXT lineup.

Mule Pro-FX Models

Single-row seating allows for larger steel cargo bed with 1,000 lb. capacity
New 3-cylinder 812cc fuel injected engine
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes, CVT
Electric Power Steering for most models
Tilt-steering except non-EPS model
LCD Display
Multiple 12 volt outlets
Pro-FX line includes four models: Base non-EPS, EPS, EPS LE and EPS Camo
EPS model adds EPS and tilt steering
EPS LE further adds LED auxiliary headlights, aluminum wheels and a composite sun top
EPS Camo adds EPS, tilt steering, LED auxiliary headlights and Realtree Xtra Green Camo color scheme
MSRPS: Mule Pro-FX, $11,999; Mule Pro-FX EPS Camo, $14,199; Mule Pro-FX EPS, $12,999; Mule Pro-FX EPS LE, $14,199

The Mule Pro DX, a variant of the existing diesel powered DXT lineup is also new for 2016.

Mule Pro-DX Models

New three-cylinder 993cc diesel engine
55-amp alternator
Cargo bed with 1,000 lb. capacity and fits standard pallets
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes, CVT
Electric Power Steering for most models
Tilt Steering
LCD Display
Multiple 12V outlets
Pro-DX line includes three models: Base non-EPS, EPS, and EPS LE
EPS model adds electronic power steering and Timberline Green color option
EPS LE further adds LED auxiliary headlights, a composite sun top and Dark Royal Red color option
MSRPs: Mule Pro-DX $13,199; Mule Pro-DX EPS, $13,999; Pro-DX EPS LE, $14,899

The Mule 4000 and 4010, (shown here) models have minor changes for 2016.

Mule 4010 & Mule 4000 Models

These models are similar to the 2015 models with the exception of the special edition 4010 4×4 SE and 4010 Trans4x4 SE which feature LED headlights and a composite sun top.
Depending on the model available colors include Timberline Green, Dark Royal Red, Realtree Xtra Green Camo and Super Black
Trans models allow for re-configuration of the seating and cargo area to carry 2 people and 800 lbs. of cargo or 4 people and 400 lbs. of cargo.
MSRP: Mule 4000, $8,999; Mule 4010 4X4 SE, $10,549, Mule 4010 4X4, $10,199; Mule 4010 TRANS4X4 SE, $11,999; Mule 4010 TRANS4X4, $11,199 ($11,699 Camo model)

The new 2016 Teryx with redesigned front.

This earlier version of the Teryx shows the design differences in the front of the vehicle.

Teryx Models

A number of new features have been introduced for the 2016 models
New redesigned front face
New dashboard layout
Tilt steering is standard along with thicker and sportier steering wheel
Electronic Power Steering on all models
New tool-free adjustment for driver’s seat
New optimized setting for the Fox Podium 2.0 shocks
Bigger 14″ wheels on the Teryx LE
Four LED headlights on LE and Camo models
Standard hard top on LE and Camo models
Available in three models: EPS in Bright White; LE with 14″ aluminum wheels, LED headlights, hard top and choice of Candy Lime Green or Metallic Flat Raw Graystone paint; Camo with LED headlights, hard top and Realtree XtraGreen Camo
783 V-twin engine remains the same
MSRPs: Teryx EPS, $12,999; Teryx Camo, $14,299; Teryx EPS LE, $14,999

The new 2016 Kawasaki Teryx4 Camo.

Teryx4 Models

Key features of the 2016 Teryx4 lineup include:

New redesigned front face
New dashboard layout
Tilt steering is standard along with thicker and sportier steering wheel
Electronic Power Steering on all models
New tool-free adjustment for driver’s seat
New optimized setting for the Fox Podium 2.0 shocks
Bigger 14″ wheels on the Teryx4 LE
Four LED headlights on LE and Camo models
Versatile cargo bed and large storage area behind front seats
Standard hard top on LE and Camo models
Available in three models: EPS in Bright White; LE with 14″ aluminum wheels, LED headlights, hard top and choice of Candy Lime Green, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone or Candy Persimmon Red paint; Camo with LED headlights, hard top and Realtree XtraGreen Camo
783 V-twin engine remains the same
MSRPs: Teryx4 EPS, $15,799; Teryx4 Camo, $16,299; Teryx4 EPS LE, $16,999

Learn more: Kawasaki.com

Value Priced UTVs & Cargo Capacity In The Work Segment

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Marc Cesare

A new UTV from Cub Cadet's new Challenger series.

UTVs from Cub Cadet’s new Challenger series are part of a cost/benefit analysis.

My colleague Stephen Metzger has performed a cost/benefit analysis of the light duty utility vehicle segment with a focus on price versus cargo box capacity for vehicles priced between $5,200 and $10,000. He used the mid-point in the price range to examine two sets of vehicles from a range of manufacturers. Comparing the two price ranges, vehicles in the lower price range had a slightly higher variation in price but a lower variation in cargo box capacity. The higher priced vehicles showed a significant variation in cargo box capacity. In conclusion he states:

In comparing the two sets of vehicles, it appears to be more difficult to place a superior cost/benefit value in the lower price range. The variation in the cost/benefit ratio is relatively small. Yet the opportunity lies in raising the cargo box capacity, while maintaining price. Then lower price range vehicles begin to encroach on capacity featured in the higher priced models.

To see the full analysis view the article.

Oregon Electric Vehicle Incentives Would Include NEVs

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Having established a sizable EV charging infrastructure, Oregon now may provide incentives for purchasing or leasing EVs.

A House bill working its way through the Oregon legislature would provide cash incentives for purchasing a range of alternative vehicles including NEVs. House bill 2092 would provide different levels of incentives for all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles. The incentives would be applied at the time of sale against the down payment or to reduce the amount financed. The incentive levels are as follows:

All-electric highway capable vehicle – $3,000
Hydrogen powered vehicle – $3,000
Plug-in hybrid – $1,500
Electric motorcycle – $1,000
NEV – $750

This is the first time that Oregon is providing incentives for purchasing electric vehicles. In the past they have encouraged the development of charging infrastructure in the state, which is now one of the best in the country. The incentives are deemed necessary if the state is to meet their zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate that requires 15% of the new-vehicle mix in 2025 to be ZEVs. Learn more: Greencarreports.com

Comment: Historically incentives have provided a boost to NEVs sales, although they typically have been worth more money. At the $750 level this incentive amounts to about 7.5% of the cost of an NEV. It may be enough of an incentive for someone to already considering purchasing a vehicle to choose an NEV over a new or customized golf car, but may not be enough to encourage a new purchase that wasn’t already being considered.

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