Category Archives: Technology

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Data

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The US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicle Data Center provides a searchable database for locating fueling stations for various types of alternative fuels, including electric vehicles. Currently the database lists 521 electric vehicle charging stations. Over 80% are located in California, which has 416 stations. The only other states that are in double digits are Oregon with 26 and Texas with 10. Arizona and Illinois are next with 8 each. Twenty-four states, or just under half, have at least one recharging station. Learn more:  AFDC.energy.gov

GatorMoto Offers Back Up Camera On Vehicles

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GatorMoto now offers a back up camera option for all their electric vehicles.

These systems can either be hard-wired or wireless, depending on your requirements.  They feature a 7″ TFT-LCD monitor that can also be used for DVD/VCD/TV/GPS, a multi-function remote control and a camera with infrared night vision capabilities up to 10-15 meters.

The equipment is waterproof, damp-proof, anti-fogging, quake-proof, high voltage surge proof, and high temperature resistant.  They are suitable for all weather conditions.

The hard-wire version costs $359 and the wireless version $459.  The company promotes the camera as a safety option for parking shuttles, touring vehicles and delivery vehicles.

Learn more:  Gatormotoutilityvehicles.com

Flight Systems Industrial Products Acquires Controls Business From GE

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Flight Systems Industrial Products (FSIP) recently announced that they were acquiring certain product lines and equity interest related to a joint venture with GE.  The joint venture located in Patillas, Puerto Rico manufactures and distributes controls used in electric vehicles such as forklifts, neighborhood electric vehicles, golf carts, walkies, tuggers, go-carts and personnel carriers.   FSIP remanufactures over 45,000 controls annually for forklifts, aerial lifts, golf carts, scrubbers/sweepers, personnel carriers and mobility controls and has relationships with many OEMs.  Under the twelve year old joint venture arrangement FSIP had provided manufacturing and warranty services for GE.  – Marc Cesare

Learn more:  MHIA.org

A Different Kind Of Hybrid

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HumanCar NEV

HumanCar NEV uses human generated power to help charge the batteries

The HumanCar Imagine PS NEV uses power generated by the passengers or driver to recharge the vehicle’s batteries. The vehicle uses a rowing mechanism to generate power and can seat four. The battery can also be charged via a standard electrical outlet.

Because steering using the rowing handles would be too difficult to control the vehicle is steered by “Body Steering” (read leaning into turns). According to Chuck Greenwood, HumanCar Inc. CEO and son of Charles Greenwood [the inventor], this is apparently much more intuitive (not to mention more fun) than using a conventional steering wheel.

The company claims to have orders for 200 of the vehicles which currently cost $75,000 to produce. Management expects to start full commercial production when 800 orders are received, at which point the vehicles will sell for $15,500. – Marc Cesare

Learn more: Masalfians.blogspot.com

Gill Industries Supplying Chassis For Club Car UTV

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Gill Industries of Trenton, GA recently started up a new production line that is manufacturing the chassis for Club Car’s XRT950 utility vehicles.  At a maximum capacity of 30 chassis a day the company could produce an estimated 7,500 chassis a year.  The steel chassis are robotically welded and weigh 200 lbs.

The XRT950 series is targeting agricultural and recreational trail-riding market segments.  The vehicle features a twin-cylinder 14-horsepower engine, independent suspension, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, locking rear differential and nine inches of ground clearance. Learn more:  Haoodnla.com

Company News

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Global Motor Services – This newcomer to the electric vehicle market is using former Bears coach Mike Ditka to promote their products.  Their current line-up includes a converted Chevy Aveo and a three-wheeled scooter.  They expect to add an LSV in the future and currently have dealers in San Diego, New Jersey, Las Vegas and Chicago.  Learn more:  Autobloggreen

Zap – Zap has shipped a Zaptruck XL equipped with a solar panel to a large government agency.  The solar panel supplements normal charging and provides some extra range. Learn more:  Zjucnc.org

Also the company has been awarded “…an engineering prototype contract for the design and development of an electric mail truck.”  This project is for converting a US Postal Service gas vehicle to electric propulsion.  Learn more:  Autobloggreen

Cruise Car – Adam Sulimirski has been promoted to the position of General Manager from Global Sales Director.  Learn more:  Madduxpress.com

Deere & Boeing Defence UK Working On Robotic Gator

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John Deere R-Gator Utility Vehicle

John Deere and Boeing Defence UK have announced a 17 month development project to enhance the capabilities of the R-Gator, Deere’s robotic utility vehicle for the military market.  Boeing will be adding technologies to the vehicle to improve performance as an Assisted Carriage System (ACS).

The John Deere R-Gator™ ACS can support an infantry section of up to eight men, and offload 1400 lbs. of individual equipment. It is designed to carry an increased level of ready combat supplies for more effective patrolling and re-supply operations. Most importantly, the vehicle can operate autonomously, be driven manually, and be reconfigured to meet a multitude of ground support needs.

The R-gator is based on Deere’s Gator XUV utility vehicle.  Learn more:  Deere.com

John Deere Announces Upgrades To Gator TX & TE

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John Deere recently announced upgrades to two of their Gator utility vehicles.  The Gator TX will feature more horsepower, greater acceleration and a new suspension system.  The electric powered Gator TE features a 900 lb cargo box and will be more widely available through Agriculture & Turf distributors and dealers.  Learn more:  Deere.com

Flux Power Chosen As Wheego Battery Supplier

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Last week Flux Power of Vista, CA was chosen by Wheego Electric Cars to supply batteries for the Wheego Whip LSV as well as their full speed electric vehicle, the Wheego Whip LiFe FSV, which they expect to ship this summer.

Flux Power will provide Wheego Electric Cars with advanced energy systems that combine high power and energy density with excellent safety and life cycle performance. These systems include Flux Power’s “Cell Guard™” Technology that extends the life of lithium batteries.

Flux Power combines Lithium based batteries with their proprietary management system and claim to greatly extend cycle life.

Learn more: Businesswire.com


STOV Technology Developments

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I came across some new technology developments that have potential applications in the STOV market.

EV Platform for STOV Applications

Trexa EV Platform

The first is a new lithium-powered all-wheel-drive platform developed by Trexa.  One area the company is specifically targeting with the platform is STOV for commercial, military and municipal fleets.  The platform is made with with carbon steel tubing, aluminum and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics.  Trexa claims the lithium iron phosphate battery system is capable of range up to 105 miles with dual motors and a top speed of 100 mph.  The platform features a built-in 6 kW charger  that recharges the batteries in four hours and has the flexibility to accommodate other charging options.  Learn more:  Blueplanetnews.com

Ultracapacitor Cells for EV Applications

Ioxus, Inc. has introduced a new family of electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC) for transportation and utility applications.  The company claims the 1,000-, 3,000- and 5,000-Farad (F) ultracapacitors are smaller in size with increased energy and power density than others on the market.  The products can be used as the only energy storage device or in combination with other devices such as batteries.  According to the company the 1,000F unit offers the same maximum power as competitive 1,200F products with 24% less volume.  This size is targeted towards golf-car type vehicles and utility vehicles.  Learn more:  Greencarcongress.com