Category Archives: Technology

Kubota Adds RTV 400 To Product Line

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Kubota has added the RTV 400 to their line of utility vehicles.  Using the same chassis as the RTV 500, the RTV 400 features a one cylinder, 404cc, 16 hp engine with electronic fuel injection and a new Kubota designed continuously variable transmission.  The new CVT maintains a taught belt at all times for “…a longer lasting belt and dynamic breaking.”   The RTV 400 has the same cargo carrying capacity as the 500 but 200 lb less hauling capacity.  Other features include:

  • Independent front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension
  • Selectable 2wd or 4wd and a differential lock
  • Compatibility with options for the RTV 500.
The vehicle is targeted for the similar farm and general utility markets as the RTV 500 according to management. Learn more:  Agweb.com

Club Car European News

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Club Car has launched www.clubcar.tv to showcase the company’s electric golf cars and utility vehicles.  The microsite provides information about the Club Car’s latest technologies as well as news and case studies from vehicle operators at various European and Middle Eastern golf facilities.  Learn more:  Worldgolf.com

Also in the European market, the PGA announced the purchase of an eleven vehicle fleet of Club Car vehicles for use at PGA events.  The vehicles will be distributed to various regions in Great Britain and Ireland and the PGA headquarters. A number of the vehicles feature Club Car’s Delta Q on-board charging system.  Learn more:  Worldgolf.com

VP Racing Fuels Announces New Powersports Fuel

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VP Racing fuels recently launched their new T4 fuel for powersports.  The fuel is only for use in competition vehicles such as UTVs, ATVs and motorcycles.  T4 was developed in response to complaints about ethanol in pump gas causing problems with fuel injectors and carburetors.  Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

E-Z-GO Developments

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Towards the end of last year E-Z-GO initiated a rebranding of some of their product lines.  They introduced their Terrain line of vehicles for what management describes as “trail-utility” applications and their Express line of vehicles for “trail-leisure” applications.  The Terrain line consists of the Terrain 250 and 1000 in gas and electric configurations and the Terrain 500 and 1500 in gas only configurations.  The Express line consists of the L4, S4, L6 and S6 models which all come in gas or electric versions.  One dealer’s website describes the Terrain line being for cargo and the Express line being for people.

From my understanding the old E-Z-GO ST product line has been rebranded as E-Z-GO Terrain & Express models, and as the Cushman Hauler models, and some as Bad Boy Buggies.  While the guts of the vehicles have not been changed substantially, the front body panel, the cowl, headlights and canopy top have been changed and the top supports are beefier as well.

E-Z-GO Exceed Hybrid Technology

E-Z-GO's Exceed Hybrid Technology Range Extender

E-Z-Go has also introduced a range extender technology for their Freedom RXV golf car and 2Five LSV.  The Exceed Hybrid Technology™ is a fully integrated supplemental power source which can extend the range of these vehicles up to 150 miles based on E-Z-Go’s test results.  The Exceed features a 6 hp, 205 cc gas generator which can recharge the batteries on the fly and provides a 400-watt power source for charging electronic devices.  System controls and the power source outlet are located on the dashboard.  The generator fits into the vehicle’s bagwell with a custom cover. Learn more:  Ezgo.com

 

Evergreen Electric Vehicles Chooses Solar Drive For Vehicle Solar Panels

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Evergreen Electric Vehicles, an authorized ZAP dealer, has chosen Solar Drive as their provider for roof top solar panels for their vehicles.  The system from Denmark based Solar Drive includes two 100 watt panels and a proprietary controller.  Press release follows.

 

PRESS RELEASE

EVERGREEN Electric Vehicles endorses Solar Drive 

Evergreen Electric Vehicles, LLC endorses the Solar Drive system as the preferred Solar Top for all of its vehicles. “We are very impressed with the quality and performance of the Solar Drive products,” says Keith Andrews, President of Evergreen Electric Vehicles.  “The robust design and attention to detail are qualities that drew us to the product.  The management and support staff are highly professional and forward thinking.  We wanted to give our customers some direction on which of Solar top to consider.”  

The Solar Drive top fits a wide range of vehicles. The hardware to install the top uses top quality stainless steel fasteners and the solar panels are surrounded by an attractive extruded aluminum frame with a Scandinavian flare.  Solar Drive’s home office is located in Denmark.

The Solar Drive top converts solar energy from two one hundred watt PV modules through a proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller to maximize the amps and volts to the battery pack.  

“The use of the latest state of the art solar panels along with a superior management system is what differentiates the Solar Drive system from the others.” says Erik Andersen, General Manager of Global Sales for Solar Drive.  “This free power from the sun can extend the vehicles range five to ten miles per day, depending on a variety of conditions.  By keeping the batteries constantly charged, the rate and level of discharge is improved, which over time will improve the battery life,” adds Andersen.

To learn more about the Solar Drive system or to locate a Solar Drive distributor near you , go to www.solardrive.com .  To find our more about the full line of Evergreen Electric Vehicles go to www.evergreenev.com

More Robotic Military Vehicles

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Robotic "mule" military vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin

I recently wrote a post about a robotic Gator that has been developed for military applications.  Another vehicle with a similar purpose, helping haul gear for combat troops, is now being tested in Afghanistan.  This “mule” was developed by Lockheed Martin and is much larger than the M-Gator, weighing in at 3,800 lbs for the six-wheeled vehicle.

Four of the vehicles will be tested over several months by troops operating in the field.  The vehicles will be used to haul gear, water, ammunition and other supplies.  In addition, the vehicles have a battery recharger onboard for the plethora of batteries that troops now need to operate a range of high tech equipment.  The vehicle also has a “follow me” operating mode. ” The vehicle will memorize the optical profile or shape and size of a person that it is told to follow, and it will track the person and stay a certain distance behind, moving around obstacles that fall in its path.” If the vehicle performs well, the Army could initiate a bid competition in late 2012.  Learn more:  Nationaldefensemagazine.org

GEM To Use ARI PartSmart

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Polaris announced that they have selected ARI’s PartSmart to provide their GEM dealers with parts and service information for the complete line-up of vehicles.  PartSmart is already used by Polaris and Victory motorcycle dealers.  From the press release:

PartSmart is ARI’s premier parts lookup software known to more than 50,000 users worldwide. It provides the fastest way to find the right part the first time by providing more information with fewer keystrokes and mouse clicks. PartSmart interfaces with more than 90 dealer business management systems to drive even more efficiency. PartSmart offers time-saving features, including easy navigation, a single log in, a single and familiar user interface, updates via the Internet, and thumbnail browsing.

Learn more:  PRNewswire.com

ETA Creates Electric Drive Train Certification

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Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA) has completed their new Electric Vehicle Drivetrain Specialist (EVDS) certification.  The competencies for the certification provides for three levels of expertise:   Apprentice, Specialist, and Master Technician.  The ETA expects the certification to provide a blueprint for educators developing curriculum.  They describe the certification content as follows:

In addition to understanding safe working practices in areas such as Personal Protection Equipment and High Voltage Electrical Safety, the EVDS will be required to properly; Identify major components of EV systems; Identify EV types and characteristics; Install basic EV components; Understand EV performance characteristics; Understand EV systems and operating standards; Diagnose and resolve High Voltage System problems and installation concerns. Additionally, ETA requires that the above areas will be proven through the traditional theory based examination as well as a required hands-on skills component. 

Learn more:  Altenergymag.com

Curtis Industries Cab For Polaris Ranger 800 Crew

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Polaris Ranger 800 Crew with Curtis Industries PathProSS Cab System

Polaris Ranger 800 Crew with Curtis Industries PathProSS Cab System

Curtis Industries announced that their PathProSS Cab System is now available for the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew.  The cab systems includes “…steel powder-coated roof and acoustic headliner, a polycarbonate windshield which allows optional wiper use and 30 oz. double-polished vinyl side panels. The cab systems also feature optional heaters, work lights, plows and spreaders.”  Learn more:  Wisconsinagriculturist.com

STOV Market Trender: Solar Powered EVs

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In Huntsville, AL a local hospital purchased three GEMs and are using solar power as their electricity source.  In some instances solar panels are being installed on the roof of LSVs, golf cars or electric UTVs but in this case the solar panels are installed on top of a parking deck.  They are attached to a bank of eight batteries that are used to store the electricity until the GEMs need to be recharged.  As a side note, the GEMs were purchased to replace two gas powered vehicles.  Learn more:  blog.al.com