Category Archives: Regulation & policy

Polaris Wins National Guard UTV Contract

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Last week the National Guard Bureau awarded Polaris a contract to supply Ultra-Light Utility Vehicles to the Army National Guard.  The five-year contract is topped at $67 million and includes vehicles as well as accessories and training.  The Ranger Crew 800 and Polaris Ranger 6×6 800 produced in their Spirit Lake, Iowa facility will be the vehicles of choice.

I contacted the National Guard Bureau to find out some more contract specifics.  They do not have an estimate on the number of vehicles that will be purchased but noted that it would depend on government funding and mission requirements.  They added that the contract includes pricing for different configurations of the vehicles such as the inclusion of a hard or soft top, track kits, plows, and other components.  Long-term servicing is not part of the agreement.  The contract demonstrates continued success by Polaris as they target the military market as a key growth opportunity for the company. Learn more:  Financialpost.com

Insurance Company Formed To Serve LSV & Golf Car Markets

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Chad Boozer and Jerod Summer have formed LSV Insurance, LLC specifically to offer insurance for the LSV and golf car markets.  The new company offers personal auto protection insurance for the LSV consumer and general liability and inventory coverage for dealers.  Free rate quotes are available on their website, www.lsvinsurancellc.com.  The company currently offers policies in SC, NC and GA with plans to expand into FL and MI.  Learn more:  Golfcarnews.com

Madison, WI To Expand Charging Infrastructure

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Madison Gas & Electric Co. and Coulomb Technologies announced plans to expand Madison’s current number of EV charging stations from 3 to 24.  Originally, plans called for six charging stations, but now an additional eighteen are planned.  The stations are part of a demonstration project to understand study charging patterns and their impact on the power grid. MG&E is looking for owners of plug-in electric hybrids and neighborhood electric vehicles to volunteer for the project.  All charging locations will be free and available to the public.

The project is funded by a portion of a $5.5 million smart grid investment grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The charging stations will be two-tiered charging stations that feature both a standard and a faster charging option.  The stations can charge two vehicles at a time and will be located in high traffic areas.  Learn more:  Carbondayautomotive.com

 

Company News Briefs

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Carrus BV buys golf cars and parts – Carrus BV of the Netherlands signed an agreement with a European supplier to purchase 3,300 used golf cars as well as thousands of parts and accessories.  Carrus is a brand-independent supplier of top brand cars, parts and accessories, and serves various European markets, including the leisure sector, golf courses and industry.  Learn more:  Golfcarnews.com

ZAP truck & van qualify for tax credit – ZAP recently announced that their electric truck and van have qualified for a ten percent federal tax credit, up to a maximum of $2,500, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Vehicles purchased through 2011 will be eligible for the tax credit.  Learn more:  Autorevolution.com

Kawasaki announces new consumer credit program – This month, Kawasaki, in partnership with GE Money, is rolling out a new consumer credit program for purchasing Kawasaki’s motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles and watercrafts.  Learn more:  Marketwatch.com

RMD Technologies selects seat supplier for electric vehicles – RMD Technologies of San Marcos, CA has chosen PRP Seats of Murrieta, CA to provide seats for their small electric vehicles.  RMDT’s core business is providing electronics recycling services to businesses, state and federal agencies.  However in 2007 they decided to branch out into developing an  alternative energy vehicle using a large percentage of materials recycled from electronic waste.  Their electric utility vehicle is expected to hit the market at the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011. Learn more:  Cleanenergynews.blogspot.com

NEV Demonstration Project Begins In LA County

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The Local Use Vehicle Project to demonstrate the efficacy of NEVs recently began in Los Angeles County.  The eighteen month project features six NEVs – two GEMs, two Wheego Whips, a Columbia Summit and a Vantage NEV – will be used in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.  Drivers chosen for the project will use a vehicle for six months, keep a journal about their experience and take a user survey at the end.  The project is being supported by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Learn more:  Hybridmile.com

CARB Increases Rebate For Zero Emission Agricultural UTVs

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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently increased the rebates for zero emission utility vehicles used for agricultural operations from 15% to 25% of MSRP.  CARB funds the Zero-Emission Agricultural Utility Terrain Vehicle (Agricultural UTV) Rebate Program which is administered statewide by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD).  Vehicles that are eligible for the rebates include electric powered models from Bad Boy Enterprises, Barefoot Motors, John Deere, Polaris and ZAP.  According to the program’s website, rebates are given on a first come, first serve basis.  A total of $990,000 has been allocated for the program of which only about $20,000 for 12 vehicles has been distributed to date.  Learn more:  Valleyair.org

California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Projects Gets More Funds

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The California Air Resources Board recently added $5 million to the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP).  The funds are in addition to the $4.1 million originally put into the program.  Some of those funds have already been distributed for qualified vehicles.  According to project management eligible vehicles include medium duty all-electric vehicles, zero emission motorcycles, NEVs and full function light-duty vehicles.  The Nissan Leaf will be eligible when it comes to market and is likely to account for a large portion of the rebate funds distributed in the future.

Learn more:  Green.autoblog.com



Road Use Regulations Roundup – August, 2010

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Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • More public road access for mini-trucks, UTVs and less frequently ATVs
  • More public road access for golf cars which, if it becomes more widespread, could reduce demand for LSVs.
  • Some municipalities rejecting use of golf cars and off road vehicles on public roads because of safety concerns

San Juan Islands, WA – Bill passed state senate that will allow NEVs on roads with speed limits up to 45 mph. In some cases the use of NEVs had been limited because a short drive on higher speed roads were required for local trips.

Nebraska – A bill is moving through the legislature that would allow the use of golf cars or LSVs during daytime on streets with speed limits up to 35 mph.

Wisconsin – Governor signed a bill in March that allows farmers to use light utility vehicles, like Gators, on roadways for agricultural purposes.

Chillicothe, MO – City council passed an ordinance that allows golf cars and UTVs on city streets. Drivers of the vehicles must be insured and registered.

Cedaredge, CO – The municipality which allows NEVs on local low speed roads is considering allowing golf cars as well.

Englewood, CO – The city council is considering a law that would allow LSVs and golf cars on city streets.

Carlton County, MN – The county board approved the use of mini-trucks on county roads.

Highland City, UT – ATVs have been approved for use on city streets. Under city regulations mini-trucks are considered ATVs and were the original impetus for the ordinance.

Lyon County, MN – An ordinance was drafted earlier this year to allow golf cars, ATVs and mini-trucks on some public roads. Permitting of vehicles would be left to local municipalities.

Otter Tail County, MN – Officials are re-examining the use of mini-trucks on country roads. Previously they declined to allow their use.

Williamsville, IL – Considering ordinance allowing the use of golf cars and ATVs on municipal streets.

Creston, IL – Village board is developing an ordinance to allow golf cars and utility vehicles, but not ATVS, on city streets.

Mason City, IA – City council is considering ordinance allowing the use of ATVs on city streets but support is mixed.

Carman, Manitoba, Canada – The town is developing a pilot project to test the use of LSVs on town streets.

Vernon, British Columbia, Canada – The city council rejected a proposed law to allow LSVs on city streets citing safety concerns.

Tampa Bay, FL – Golf cars will remain illegal to drive on public streets on Davis Island.

Clare City, MI – The city council voted to keep a ban against allowing off-road vehicles on city streets. While the county allows their use, municipalities do so on an individual basis and the city council had safety concerns.

Seoul, Korea – In April a law went into effect allowing NEVs on certain designated roads.

EVI Announces $1.5 Million In State Grants For Vehicle Development & Job Training

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Last week, Electric Vehicles International (EVI) announced grants to develop two demonstration vehicles and provide job training for new workers. Some new workers will come from the recently closed NUMMI auto plant and suppliers as EVI has an agreement with Kyoho Manufacturing California, an auto parts supplier which shutdown when NUMMI closed.  The grants total over $1.5 million with about two-thirds targeted for the development of two medium-duty pickups for Pacific Electric & Gas and the remainder for job training. EVI currently offers a medium-duty truck, a walk-in van and a light-duty utility vehicle. The company has a number of demonstration vehicles currently out in the field. Learn more: Recordnet.com

LSV Market Shows Growth Potential

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I came across a couple of stories recently that highlight the growth potential in the LSV market. One story features the market in Southern New Jersey where state and local LSV laws have paved the way for use in island communities. This represents an expansion beyond the traditional campground market which was mainly served by golf carts that have become more customized as the market developed.  As one recent LSV buyer from Ocean City remarked in the article,

“I think it’s going to be good over here. We’re in the north end and anticipate going to the beach and downtown to shop, wherever a regular vehicle is used but this should be easier because its smaller and more environmentally friendly.”

The other story highlights efforts by community planners in Southern California to use LSVs to improve air quality and reduce traffic. They see potential for households using the vehicles as a second vehicle.

In both cases the ability to drive the vehicles on public roads is key. This is one reason why golf cars for use as personal transportation are likely to be displaced in growing numbers by LSVs. The added versatility and convenience of being able to use LSVs on local roads in addition to one’s own property or a gated community will allow more and more customers to justify the higher cost of LSVs relative to golf cars. The advent of LSV compliant off-road utility vehicles will only add momentum to this trend.

Learn more: Findashorehome.com

Learn more:  Press-Enterprise