Category Archives: Sales figures

New Transmission To Improve Small EV Performance

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Fallbrook Technologies NuVinci Transmission

Fallbrook Technologies NuVinci Transmission Technology

Fallbrook Technologies and TEAM Industries are collaborating to produce a new transmission for small electric vehicles such as golf cars and LSVs.  They will be supplying Tomberlin with the new transmissions starting with a prototype for their Anvil LSV.  Fallbrook is bringing their NuVinci transmission technology to the collaboration while TEAM Industries has experience in designing and manufacturing drivetrains for small recreational and off-road vehicles.  I spoke with Tomberlin and while they do not have a set date for an Anvil with the new technology to hit dealer showrooms they are looking to move to market as soon as possible.

The NuVinci design is similar to “toroidal” continuously variable transmission but Fallbrook CEO claims states that the NuVinci design “…has about half the number of parts as a typical CVT, and that it will ultimately be able to produce its EV powertrain for about half the price.”   Fallbrook refers to the Nuvinci as a variable planetary transmission (CVP), which uses a set of tilting and rotating balls to effect a continuously variable transmission ratio.  Last month Fallbrook reported that it raised about $39 million in equity financing, giving the San Diego-based company a total of about $95 million in financing since 2000.  Learn more:  Autoobserver.com

On a related note TEAM Industries recently received their 10th patent for electronics and control algorithm for TEAM’s SmartLocker electronic traction control differential system which is used for light automotive, recreational and off-road vehicles.

On surfaces with good traction, a vehicle equipped with the SmartLocker system will stay in 2-wheel drive with a turf-friendly, easy steering, open differential. On slippery surfaces, the system will detect the amount of slip and automatically decide whether to send power to the front wheels and decide how tight to lock the differential(s).

Management reports that the technology will be in a vehicle in the spring of this year.  Learn more:  Bemidjipioneer.com

California Energy Commission EV Rebates

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The California Air Resources Board recently announced that $2 million will be available for the California Energy Commission’s 2011 clean vehicle rebate program.  Unfortunately for the LSV market, only vehicles that can carry four passengers and operate at highway speeds will be eligible for the rebates.  Program managers report that in 2010 $1.4 million in vehicle rebates were distributed for 213 vehicles including:

  • 108 Zero Emission Vehicles (LEAFs, Tesla Roadsters, and a handful of Honda Clarity fuel cell cars)
  • 38 Commercial Zero Emission Vehicles (from Smith, Navistar, and EVI)
  • 30 Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
  • 37 Zero Emission Motorcycles

Learn more:  Plugincars.com

Oregon Study Looks At LSV Impact on Transportation Infrastructure & Safety

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A report published in December from the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC) investigated the impact of LSVs on transportation infrastructure and safety on Oregon.

The purpose of the research was to determine positive and negative impacts that LSVs, which include Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) and Medium-Speed Electric Vehicles (MSEVs), are likely to have for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon communities. In addition, the research explores whether adjustments in current state regulations are needed to ensure that LSVs do not negatively impact road safety and traffic operations, or expose the LSV operators to undue risk.

The results of the research included three major recommendations:

  • The State of Oregon’s regulations for LSVs should be amended such that LSVs are limited to public roadways with a maximum operating speed of 25 mph, and they are restricted to crossing higher-speed roadways at four-way stops or traffic-controlled intersections.
  • Local transportation authorities should work with LSV users and members of the bicycle community to develop parallel or secondary low-speed transportation networks that connect residential neighborhoods with major activity centers that include education, employment, retail, medical and recreational facilities.
  • LSV users need to be educated about the safety risks of LSVs, in particular those that have a “car-like” appearance, and the safety risks of modifying the speed regulator on LSVs.

Learn more:  Transportation Research Board – OTREC Report

Bad Boy Buggies Recall & Acquisition

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Recently acquired Bad Boy Buggies announced a large recall to address ongoing acceleration problems with their Classic model.  The recall covers approximately 9,300 vehicles sold from 2003 to 2010 including models involved in a 2009 recall that unsuccessfully attempted to solve the same problem. The vehicles can accelerate without warning and have led to some injuries.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Bad Boy Buggies was acquired by E-Z-Go in October 2010 and now operates as BB Buggies, Inc.  Given the extent of the recall and assuming management new the recall was imminent, being acquired may have been the only recourse for the company.  For E-Z-Go the vehicle line adds a 4-by-4 electric platform to their extensive product line.  In our discussion with executives about the acquisition they remarked that they see potential in the platform beyond its current positioning as primarily a hunting vehicle.  In local newspaper reports E-Z-Go management has stated that for now they will be keeping manufacturing facilities in the Natchez, MS but will be analyzing the best course of action in the future.  Bad Boy Buggies CEO Skrabo noted the top-notch engineering and manufacturing facilities E-Z-Go brings to the situation.  Learn more:  Chronicle.augusta.com

Cub Cadet Recalls Utility Vehicles

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Cub Cadet voluntarily recalled approximately 200 Cub Cadet Volunteer utility vehicles because the front lower ball joint can detach and cause a loss of steering control. No injuries relating to the problem have been reported.  The vehicles were sold between April and September 2010.  Customers should stop using the vehicles and schedule a free repair.  Cub Cadet can be contacted toll-free at (888) 848-6038  or at  www.cubcadet.com .  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Arctic Cat Announces Earnings & New CEO

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Arctic Cat CEO Christopher Twomey announced he will step down at the end of the year and will be succeeded by Claude Jordan who currently overseas the ATV business segment.  Arctic Cat also announced better than expected earnings for their second quarter that ended September 30.  The ATV business, which includes UTVs grew by 9%, from $51.7 million to $56.6 million compared to the same quarter last year.  In their earnings conference call management stated that the growth was driven by sales of their Prowler HDX and growth in international markets.  The HDX targets the work rather recreation portion of the UTV market.   Management also reported maintaining market share in the segment.  In comparing half year totals, the ATV business grew from $83.9 to $84.5 million or 1%, indicating that majority of the sales and growth occurred in the second quarter.  Combined with the recent earnings news from Polaris, indications are that the UTV market is gaining some momentum.  Learn more:  StarTribune.com

What’s Cooking On The STOV

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Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles

Arboretum Mini-truck – The Secrest Arboretum at Ohio State University now uses a Mag International Electric MAG XC mini-truck instead of a full-sized pickup for general work and maintenance.  While helping to meet the university’s sustainability goals, the vehicles can also access areas a pick-up cannot and produces much less noise, which is a plus for the facilities nature walks, gardening classes and other events.  The only downsides are a less than roomy cab and increased battery drain when used on hilly terrain.  Learn more:  Media-newswire.com

Solar Electric Shuttle – Pelican Bay Foundation recently unveiled their solar electric tram system using vehicles from Eco Trans Alliance and Cruise Cars.  The system uses 40 vehicles to shuttle visitors around the 43 acres of park.  Learn more: PRWeb.com

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

Vehicle OEM News

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Kubota Introduces Two UTVs in Australia – Kubota Tractor Australia recently introduced the diesel powered RTV1140 and the gas  powered RTV500.  The RV1140 features four-wheel drive and a 28.5 hp engine along with 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, hydrostatic power steering and hydraulic bed lift as standard.  The smaller RTV500 features electronic fuel injection, a 200 kg payload and can easily be transported to work areas.  Learn more:  Fatcow.com.au

AVID Vehicles e-Warrior

AVID Vehicles e-Warrior

AVID Vehicles of the UK Launches Electric UTV – AVID Vehicles based in Cramlington, UK recently launched their e-Warrior electric utility vehicle.  The vehicle features dual DC motors, a range of 40 miles, a top speed of 25 to 30mph  and a 250kg payload.  MSRP is US$15,600.  The company plans to produce 500 vehicles in 2011 and 1,000 in 2012.  Learn more:  Greencarcongress Journallive.co.uk

LSV Maker Wheego Unveils Full-speed EV – Wheego Electric Cars, manufacturer of the Wheego Whip LSV, will unveil the two-seat subcompact Wheego LiFe at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November.  The car has a 100 mile range, 20 kWh Li-ion battery pack and a MSRP of $32,995.  Learn more:  Greencarcongress.com

Cruise Car Launches All American Line

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This week Cruise Car of Sarasota, FL introduced their new All American line of 15 solar electric LSVs.  The vehicles are produced in the US and feature up to 50% recycled or certified re-manufactured parts and materials.  The All American Line is GSA Schedule approved and Cruise Car recently shipped 30 All American LSV’s to the U.S. Navy base in San Diego, CA.  The LSVs, built on an aluminum chassis, can be purchased with or without solar and can accommodate from 2 to 14 passengers. The vehicles are also eligible for solar tax credits.  Learn more:  PRweb.com