Category Archives: Regulation & policy

LEO Motors Introduces Electric Vehicles with “Swappable” Batteries

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Newly launched electric vehicle from Leo Motors.

Newly launched electric vehicle from LEO Motors. 

Leo Motors  of South Korea, launched a line of electric vehicles with “swappable” batteries. The vehicles include an electric cargo one-seater car, a delivery truck and a garbage truck. The company also introduced two electric fishing boats.

A key differentiator for the vehicles is that customers rent charged batteries from the company’s Battery Swap Centers, thereby reducing their costs. The vehicle lineup includes:

  • E-Dot, a 100% electric cargo one-seater with a cargo space of 7 cubic feet. Its maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds and the cargo space can be replaced with a second passenger seat.
  • LC-1 –  a light delivery truck with low decks and wide ramps for easy loading, and a maximum carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds.
  • LC-2 – Similar to an LC-1 but with an 1,100 pound capacity garbage collection container.

Batteries at Leo’s battery swap stations are owned by the station operators and rented to the electric vehicle owners. This not only significantly reduces the price of the vehicle but also eliminates concerns about battery life span. Leo’s battery swapping machines are carts which replace battery cartridges eliminating the need for expensive large robot arms to handle massive battery packs. Using this shopping cart sized device, a typical 20 cartridge replacement takes 5 minutes. Learn more:  Baystreet.ca

Comment:  It will be interesting to see if the rental battery concept will work. Advanced batteries, such as lithium ion, can be very expensive, especially for LSVs and lower priced utility vehicles where the cost of the lithium batteries compared to the overall cost of the vehicle is very high. A battery rental approach could lower the up front costs of the battery pack.

 

NHTSA Delays Rules for Electric Vehicle Audio Alerts

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The all new 2016 GEM e2.

LSVs like the 2016 GEM e2 may need audio alerts in the future to improve pedestrian safety, but the rules have yet to be finalized by NHTSA.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delaying rules that would require hybrid and electric vehicles to emit sounds during low speed operation to alert blind, visually-impaired and other pedestrians of their “presence, direction, location and operation”. The rules would apply low speed vehicles (LSVs), as well as highway-capable vehicles. Originally, the rules were supposed to be finalized by January 2014 with compliance by manufacturers by September 2018, but the finalization date was pushed back to November, 2015, and now to March, 2016. The chances of hybrid vehicles being involved in pedestrian accidents are 19 percent higher than traditional gas-powered cars, according to the NHTSA. NHTSA expects that the rules, if implemented, would prevent 2,800 fewer pedestrian and bicyclist injuries annually.

Learn more:  Marketbusinessnews.com

Comment:  Market forces could drive adoption of this safety feature by LSV manufacturers faster than regulators. Commercial sales continue to be a growth market for LSVs, and one reason is their safety features. LSVs are a popular vehicle choice in pedestrian heavy environments such as college and corporate campuses, where such a safety feature could be of benefit. Another interesting question is how these regulations will influence vehicles in places like gated communities where many consumers opt for golf cars, which have fewer safety features than LSVs. These communities, which typically have an older population, could potentially benefit from this safety feature as well.

Bureau of Reclamation Goes Green with e-Ride Industries

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The e-ride Industries EXV4 for people transport.

The e-ride Industries EXV4 for people transport.

An e-Ride Industries EXV2 Patriot configured with a sliding cargo tray and roof rack.

An e-Ride Industries EXV2 Patriot at Grand Coulee Dam configured with a sliding cargo tray and roof rack.

The Bureau of Reclamation has purchased a fleet of 27 electric vehicles from e-Ride Industries of Princeton, MN for the Grand Coulee Dam Project in Washington state. With the addition of 130 new employees over the last two years, the management required more vehicles but also need to meet the federal government’s greenhouse gas emission goals. The electric powered, zero-emission LSVs from e-Ride Industries fit their needs.

e-Ride Industries has already supplied 16 of the 27 vehicles under a total contract for $900,000. The vehicles will be a mixture of the EXV2 Patriot designed for maintenance and utility duties and the EXV4 which can transport up to four people.  Both vehicles are ruggedly built for industrial applications, have a top speed of 25 mph and are powered by 72-volt lithium-ion battery packs. The utility version features an enclosed cargo area, 1,000 lb. cargo capacity, built-in toolbox on the outside of the cargo area and a roof rack.

Management expects the fleet of vehicles which will be powered by renewable energy produced by the dam to save 10%-15% in fossil fuel costs, which currently run $111,000 annually. They also expect to save money on vehicle maintenance, and reduce pollution as well. Maintenance on the vehicles requires no disposal of hazardous materials such as used oil, antifreeze, or other liquids associated with gas-powered vehicles. The vehicles are made in America. Learn more:  Grandcoulee.com

Comment:  Federal and state vehicle fleet mandates continue to be a factor in the electric vehicle market, and the LSV market in particular. While the growing array of options of highway speed electric vehicles may cut into LSV sales moving forward, LSVs will continue to be a viable option for government agencies that need to meet greenhouse gas and emission standards. In particular, applications where utility vehicle versatility and functionality is needed and/or where vehicle travel is in a limited area and at lower speeds, LSVs will remain a cost-effective choice.

Road Use Regulation Roundup – October 2015

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The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that has been passed or is being considered at the state, county and city levels since July 2015. Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • Many of the ordinances cover the use of golf cars, UTVs and ATVs on public roads while others only involve UTVs and ATVs. Few involve LSVs or NEVs.
  • In many instances the impetus for the regulations started with local residents approaching local council members or city managers.
  • Regulatory activity is happening primarily at the town or city level, but there is some action at the county and state or provincial level as well.
  • While most of the regulations are in favor of allowing public road use, there is still some resistance from those with safety concerns.

Parsons, KS – The local police chief is pushing for a change in utility vehicle registration rules because of safety concerns arising from utility vehicles being used on local roads. Vehicles such as the Polaris Razor are considered by city staff as worksite utility vehicles, which are legal under an ordinance approved in 2009 as long as they are tagged by the police department after passing a safety inspection. Utility vehicles have been seen on roads where they are not allowed.

Gallipolis, OH – Increased interest in golf cars from residents is driving the city commission to discuss their use on city streets. The city manager notes that they have to be registered to be used on the streets and need turn signals, headlights, brake lights, a license plate, and rear view mirrors.

Houston, TX – The city of Houston passed an ordinance allowing the use of golf cars and utility vehicles on city streets as long as the driver is licensed and insured and the vehicle is registered with the police.

New Braunfels, TX – Driven by increased resident interest and use, the city council is looking at the legality of using golf cars on local streets for trips beyond going to and from golf courses. They are also looking on which streets can golf cars and NEVs be legally driven.

Lynchburg, VA – Local colleges presented a draft ordinance to the city government that would allow the colleges to drive golf cars and utility vehicles on certain local roads near their campuses. There are some safety concerns being raised by council members.

Chillicothe, IL – The city council, in response to a petition, is considering the use of UTVs on public roads but there is significant opposition on the council because of concerns about safety and what type of vehicles would be included by an ordinance. The town already allows golf cars but some feel the regulations are not clear on what is lawful or not.

Osawatomie, KS – The city council is considering an ordinance allowing golf cars and special-purpose vehicles such as UTVs, ATVs and micro-trucks on city streets. Golf carts would be limited to daylight hours, and ATVs would be required to be equipped with lights and reflectors as required for motorcycles. Work-site utility vehicles also would be required to be equipped with lights and reflectors as required for motor vehicles.

Benton County, IA – County supervisors are considering an ordinance that would allow UTVs and ATVs on certain county roads. The rule would set a 40-mph speed limit, require both the drivers and the vehicles to be properly licensed, and prohibit anyone from under age 16 from using county roadways.

Clay County, IA – County supervisors have passed an ordinance that would allow the use of ATVs and UTVs on county roads. Residents who would like to use their all-terrain and off-road utility vehicles on county roads must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and have their vehicle registered with the Department of Natural Resources through the Clay County recorder.

Surprise, AZ – The city is reconsidering their plans to have NEV and bike lanes on Bullard Avenue. The four-lane stretch of road was reduced to two and the other two lanes were used to create a combination of bicycle and NEV lanes, in part to create traffic calming for the three school zones along the road. However, backlash from residents has the city rethinking the plan.

Wasaga Beach, Ontario – The city council has passed an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs to be driven on the shoulder of municipal roads from April through November. Riders will have to be insured, helmeted and have a licensed vehicle. The speed limit will be 20 km/hr for the vehicles and they cannot be driven on the beach.

Nashville, TN – A lawsuit stemming from a golf car overturning is prompting the local licensing commission to review the safety of low-speed vehicles. The golf car belonged to the Joyride taxi service and the driver had two prior DUIs and numerous traffic violations.

Milford Village, IL – The village board voted to ban golf cars and low speed vehicles within town limits.

Quebec, Canada – The provincial government wants to allow LSVs on public roads as part of a five year plan to have 100,000 electric and hybrid vehicles on the road by 2020.

Des Moines, IA – The Des Moine Register published an editorial against allowing ATVs and UTVs to be used on public roadways. Pointing to on-road crash statistics for the vehicles as well as statements from a number of safety related organizations, the editorial takes the position that the vehicles are unsafe when operated on local roads. The editorial is in response to a growing number of laws at the municipal level that allow ATV use on roads. Similar legislation at the state level has failed to pass.

 

American SportWorks Recalls 3,500 UTVs

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One of the UTVs manufactured by Amercican SportWorks that is being recalled.

One of the UTVs manufactured by American SportWorks that is being recalled.

American SportWorks announced the recall of approximately 3,500 utility vehicles because the throttle can fail to return to idle and cause the rider to lose control of the vehicle, posing a risk of injury. The recall includes certain Bulldog 300, Chuckwagon 300, Landmaster 300, Landmaster 400 and Trailwagon 400 UTVs sold between September 2014 and June 2015. Owners should stop using the vehicle and contact American SportWorks at 800-293-0795 to arrange for repairs.

The following information is from Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Off Road Utility Vehicles

Hazard:  The throttle can fail to return to idle causing the rider to lose control, posing a risk of injury.

Consumer Contact:  ASW toll free at 800-293-0795 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.amsportworks.com at the top of the page under the SAFETY tab under Recalls click on “TSB167 & TSB168” for more information.

Recall Details

Units:  About 3,500

Description:  This recall includes six models of American SportWorks Four Wheel Off-Road Utility Vehicles. The name of each model is located above each front fender and along the sides of the dump bed. Affected vehicles include:

BullDog 300, ChuckWagon 300 and LandMaster 300 all powered by Kohler 277cc engines with the last 6 Characters of the product identification number between A11746 and A13294, and LandMaster 400, TrailWagon 400 and ChuckWagon 400 all powered by Honda 390cc engines with the last 6 Characters of the product identification number between A24835 and A26806. The product identification numbers can be found on a sticker on the firewall above the accelerator and brake pedal.

Model                          Color
LandMaster 300          Red, Green, Black, White, Camo
LandMaster 400          Red, Green, Black, White, Camo
BullDog 300                Red
Trail Wagon 400         Red, Camo
Chuck Wagon 300     Red, Green, Camo
Chuck Wagon 300     Red, Green, Camo

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Sold at:  Atwood Distributing, Rural King, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company and other dealers from September 2014 through June 2015 for between $4,300 and $5,300.

Manufacturer(s):  American SportWorks, of Roseland, La.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.com

Comment:  While the size of this recall is typical for the industry, for a smaller manufacturer of UTVs this a significant number. The cost to repair each vehicle will determine how big an impact the recall has on the company. A number of the models were manufactured by American SportWorks and sold under different product line names through retail stores rather than American SportWorks dealers; the Chuck Wagon for Rural King stores, the Trail Wagon for Tractor Supply Co. and the Bulldog for Home Depot.

LSV Road Use Laws Can Come In Bunches

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A story about LSV ordinances in Southern Illinois communities reveals a common pattern of how these laws are passed. It often starts with a municipality that sets the precedent and can be the test case for other municipalities in the area. Once other communities see that the ordinance can have a positive impact for residents, it can provide a catalyst and an easier sell in other nearby cities. Initially, there was a fair amount of pushback against these ordinances because of safety concerns, particularly the mixing of higher speed traffic with low speed vehicles. In part, this stemmed from a lack of safety data related to the use of LSVs in these environments. But once the initial adopters started instituting these ordinances, other communities could make a better assessment of both the pros and cons of allowing LSVs on local streets.

This may point to how to expand the LSV market for personal transportation. If either manufacturers and/or local dealers wanted to build an LSV market, they may want to take the approach of identifying the municipality in a particular area most agreeable to passing an ordinance and use it as a test case. They could then use it as an example to lobby nearby municipalities to do the same. In many cases, the impetus also starts with local residents who want an LSV option. Bringing them into the process would help as well. While it could take some time, once momentum built in a certain area, that micro market could expand quickly.  Learn more:  Thesouthern.com

Arctic Cat Recalls Prowler 500 HDX Side-by-Sides

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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 Recalls Youth Side-By-Side Due To Fire Hazard

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The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in blue that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in blue that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in red that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in red that is part of the recall.

Polaris has issued a recall of approximately 4,300 2015 model year Youth RZR 170 EFI side-by-sides because an issue with the fuel pump poses a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles and contact their local dealer for a free repair. Polaris can be contacted toll-free at (888) 704-5290, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on Product Safety Recalls for more information.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 4,300

Description:  This recall involves Model Year 2015 Polaris Youth RZR® 170 EFI recreational off-highway vehicles with model number R15YAV17AA/AF and VINs between RF3YAV170FT000076 and RF3YAV17XFT005141. To see the complete list, visit the firm’s website. The VIN is on the left-hand front frame tube. They were sold in both blue and red. The blue models have a “170 EFI” decal on the right and left side of the hood and an “RZR” decal on the right and left front fenders. The red models have a “170 EFI” decal on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Polaris RZR vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner of an affected product.

Sold at:  Polaris dealers nationwide from October 2014 through June 2015 for about $4,600.

Distributor(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in:  Taiwan

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Road Use Regulation Roundup – July 2015

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The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations passed or being considered at the state, county and city levels since he beginning of 2015. Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • Many of the ordinances focus on allowing UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks to be used on public roads.
  • There appears to be more regulatory activity with regards to golf cars than low speed vehicles.
  • In a continuing trend, while some people are still expressing safety concerns about these vehicles being used in mixed traffic situations, they seem to be in the minority and most regulatory bodies are passing ordinances in favor of allowing these vehicles on roads.

Ontario, Canada – The province of Ontario will now allow people to drive ATVs, UTVs and multi-purpose off-highway utility vehicles on the shoulder of public roads. All riders and passengers will have to wear a helmet and seatbelt. The law reflects the growing use of the vehicles.

Indiana – The Indiana legislature passed a bill that will allow the use of mini-trucks on state roads and highways. The vehicle must be titled and registered with a ‘mini-truck’ plate.The bill also defines a mini-truck dealer as a person who sells more than 12 vehicles and requires the person to register with the state. A mini-truck is defined as having an ICE of not less than 660cc, a top speed of 60 mph or less, a locking enclosed cab and heated interior. The bill is mainly targeting farmers and hunters.

Alabama – A bill being proposed in the Alabama state legislature would allow cities to decide whether golf cars could be used on certain roads and to post signage declaring their use. It would require drivers to have a license and insurance and the golf cars to have seat belts, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield. The legislation is meant to clear up any confusion related to some cities allowing golf cars on their streets, while others do not.

Chatham County, GA – Police ticketing drivers for using golf cars on public roads use is causing Chatham County officials to consider allowing golf car use on county roads. In general the state of Georgia does not allow golf cars to be allowed on public roads unless a municipality passes a specific ordinance allowing their use. Residents of the Isle of Hope, an island, are a driving force behind the review. With smaller and lower speed roads and less traffic, golf cars have become integrated to some degree into the island’s lifestyle and residents want to be able to use the vehicles without being ticketed.

Swift County, MN – A new ordinance passed by the Swift County board of commissioners allows the use of UTVs, ATVs and golf cars on county roads. The law only applies to county roads, not state or federal highways, city streets, or township roads unless those jurisdictions have also passed laws allowing their use.

Clay County, IA – The Clay County Board of Supervisors is developing an ordinance that would allow the use of UTVs and ATVs on county highways. Public hearings and more fact finding from neighboring counties will be carried out before a final ordinance is proposed.

Nashville, TN – The city council approved regulations governing the use of low-speed vehicles for taxi services. The regulations give the Metro Transportation Licensing Commission authority to determine how many low-speed vehicle certificates are issued in Metro and to whom. The vehicles must also undergo inspections, will be limited to seven passengers and travel no more than 25 mph.

Schuyler City, NE – The city council is considering an ordinance that would require of owners of UTVs or ATVs to purchase licenses at a cost of $75 annually. The intent of the law is to make sure that those who regularly drive the vehicles on city streets get licenses.

Wilmington, NC – A bill moving through the state legislature will allow public safety officials to operate utility vehicles on Wilmington public streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The legislation is mainly targeting the fire department and police department that currently use utility vehicles for events and emergency response. In some cases the UTVs must first be transported to where they are being used.

Montpelier, VT – The village council is considering an ordinance to allow LSVs to operate on the town’s public roads.

Marion, KS – The city council approved regulations that would allow ATVs, UTVs, golf cars and mini-trucks to be used on city streets. The vehicles will have to be register them with the local police department at a cost of $45 for one year or $75 for two years.

New Braunfels, TX – A public hearing was recently held for input into developing an ordinance that would allow golf cars and LSVs to be used on city streets.

 

 

E-Z-GO Recalls Gas-Powered Golf, Shuttle and Utility Vehicles

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E-Z-GO has recalled approximately 8,000 vehicles covering a number of gas-powered golf cars, shuttle and utility vehicle models under the E-Z-GO and Cushman brands. The recall involves E-Z-GO gas-powered TXT Fleet golf cars, E-Z-GO Freedom TXT, TXT2+2 and Valor golf cars, E-Z-GO Express, E-Z-GO Terrain and Cushman Shuttle vehicles with bench seats for the driver and passengers. The vehicle gas tanks can potentially leak and pose a fire hazard. Some of the models involved in the recall are pictured below:

E-Z-GO Terrain

E-Z-GO Terrain

Cushman Shuttle

Cushman Shuttle

E-Z-GO TXT

E-Z-GO TXT

The following are the details from the Consumer Safety Product Commission.

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Golf cars, shuttles and off-road utility vehicles

Hazard:  The gas tank can leak, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:  Repair

Consumer Contact:  E-Z-GO toll-free at (844) 725-7212 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.ezgo.com or www.cushman.com and click on Recall Information at the bottom of the page for more information.

Units:  About 8,200

Description

This recall involves E-Z-GO gas-powered TXT Fleet golf cars, E-Z-GO Freedom TXT, TXT2+2 and Valor golf cars, E-Z-GO Express, E-Z-GO Terrain and Cushman Shuttle vehicles with bench seats for the driver and passengers. The E-Z-GO Terrain and the Cushman Shuttle have a cargo bed on the back. The recalled vehicles have date codes ranging from G2015 through L0515. E-Z-GO or Cushman and the model name are printed on the side and front panels of the vehicles. Date codes are printed on a plate or label inside the cab below the driver’s seat. The first letter of the date code identifies the month of production in sequence, with G corresponding to January and L to May. There is no letter I. The first two numbers in the date code identify the two-digit day of production and the final two numbers identify the two-digit year of production.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact E-Z-GO or an authorized dealer for a free repair. E-Z-GO and E-Z-GO dealers are contacting known owners.

Sold at:  E-Z-GO and Cushman dealers nationwide from January 2015 through May 2015 for between $5,300 and $12,100.

Manufacturer(s):  E-Z-GO, a division of Textron Inc. and Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., of Augusta, Ga.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This is a larger recall than most. While a recall of two to four thousand vehicles is typical, this one is over eight thousand. Luckily there have been no reported incidents or injuries to date. Not sure how much a repair costs, but anything over $100 per vehicle and this could cost E-Z-GO close to $1 million or more.