Hisun Motors Introduces Electric UTV With 45 Mile Range

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Sector E1 electric UTV from Hisun Motors.

HISUN Motors takes a big step forward with the announcement of the all-new Sector E1 electric Utility Vehicle, adding yet another quality vehicle to their line-up. Building on the success of the Sector UTV line’s performance and modern advancements in electric technology, HISUN is excited to enter the growing electric UTV market. The Sector E1 4×4 is a mid-size UTV which provides quiet performance thanks to its powerful 48 volt 36hp AC drivetrain. The Sector E1 starts at an MSRP as low as $10,199.

HISUN’s Sector E1 features 4-wheel independent nitrogen suspension, 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and an industry best run time. The Sector E1 is the first electric UTV on the market with the Discover EV Traction Dry Cell Battery technology that is maintenance free and designed for longer run times and a longer life. The Discover EV Traction Dry Cell Battery is also recyclable, built from recycled parts, and will deliver an estimated 45 miles on a single charge. HISUN has leveraged superior North American technology for integral components such as the Kinetek Motor, Delta Q IC1200 Chargers, and 450 Amp Sevcon Gen IV controllers. Dealer and customer feedback has helped refine the end product of the vehicle resulting in the Ultimate Electric Utility Vehicle.

The introduction of the Sector E1 will strongly position HISUN into a segment of the UTV market which has grown year over year in comparison to the gas UTV market. “We felt like with the improvements in battery technology coupled with the North American sourced supply chain of critical drivetrain components will lead to a much more reliable product and runtime that is “first in its class” compared with price,” said Shane Wilson, VP of Engineering and Operations. Learn more: Hisunmotors.com

Comment: Whereas in the past electric utility vehicles have mainly been targeted at the hunting market, newer models like the Sector E1 are looking for a broader appeal for work or recreation applications. In part the trend is because the hunting segment has turned out to be a niche market, but advances in battery and powertrain technology is also increasing the range and potential end use applications for electric UTVs.

Polaris Defense Adds Turbo Diesel MRZR

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new turbo-diesel powered MRZR-D from Polaris Defense.

Another view of the MRZR-D, which will go into production this year.

Polaris Defense, a division of Polaris Industries Inc., announced the addition of the MRZR-D, a high-performance MRZR turbo diesel to their military vehicle lineup. Polaris Defense will publicly debut the MRZR-D at the 2016 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), in Tampa, Fla., May 24-26, and at CANSEC 2016, in Ottawa, Ontario, May 25-26. While many key features – like the dimensions, payload, towing, ground clearance, accessories, handling and other features – remain the same, Polaris improved occupant seating space, ergonomics and sight lines based on user feedback. The turbo diesel increases auxiliary power, improves range and helps with fuel logistics given the large number of diesel fueled military vehicles. MRZR vehicles are helicopter transportable and come in two, four or six person configurations. The MRZR vehicles are used by US Special Forces and other allied militaries. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: The use of diesel fuel is key. SVR previously conducted research on a specialized UTV with potential military applications. Diesel is not only used in many other military vehicles but is often more readily available in potential combat areas. In addition, if improvisation in the field is needed, vegetable oil can be used as well.

Google Self-driving LSVs Testing Wireless Charging

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

A wireless recharging system from Momentum Dynamics.

Recent documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission indicate that Google is testing two wireless charging systems with their self-driving low speed vehicles. The systems were developed by Momentum Dynamics and Hevo Power and transfer power via a manhole size disk on the ground that the vehicle parks over. According to Momentum their 25,000W charging throughput is much larger than the standard 3,300W rate and the system works in any kind of weather. By avoiding the need to physically connect a charger to the car, the technology has the potential to make self-driving cars even more autonomous. Learn more: NBCnews.com

Comment: The cost of the charging system could be a major factor for LSV or golf cars, but there could be a lot of potential in the golf car fleet market. It would simplify the process and the faster throughput would help recharge and turnaround fleets faster at very busy courses. Even in the personal transportation market, the technology would simplify the process and help alleviate the problem of people forgetting to charge their golf cars and LSVs.

2016 PGA Show: Evolution Electric Vehicles Introduces Revolution 4-seater LSV

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Revolution LSV from Evolution Evolution Vehicles.

The new Revolution LSV from Evolution Electric Vehicles.

A view from the front of the Revolution LSV.

The perspective from the rear shows the Revolution’s LED taillights, brake lights and turn signals, as well as the rear bumper.

A side view of the 4-seat LSV.

Evolution Electric Vehicles launched their Revolution vehicle, a 4-seater LSV powered by a 72V AC system. The 4.0kw AC motor is paired with a 300 amp Curtis programmable controller and features regenerative braking. The Revolution also features an independent front and rear suspension, powder coated chassis, TPO injection moulded body, 12 inch aluminum wheels and four wheel hydraulic brakes. The model includes LSV features such as 3-point seat belts, laminated windshield, LED headlights, brake lights and turn signals, rear view mirrors and DOT tires. Additional features include:

Adjustable bucket seats
Air conditioning
Mp3 layer
Windshield wiper and washer
On board charger
Front and rear bumpers
Electric powered door windows
Air conditioner

Company management stated that additional Revolution variants will be launched later this year.

Company management stated that these additional Revolution variants will be launched later this year.

The vehicle is currently available at authorized dealer. Later in the year the company will be launching several variations including a 2-seater with a long pick-up bed, a 2-seater with a short pick-up bed and 2-seater with an enclosed cargo box. The company produces several other product lines of people movers, utility vehicles and golf cars. Learn more: Evolution Electric Vehicles

2016 PGA Show: Golf Car Enclosures

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

One of the booths I stopped at was Superior Enclosures. Relatively new to the market, the company has lined up their manufacturing and are ready to roll out their product in 2016.

The enclosure is attached to the roof using an aluminum strip.

The top fastener of the enclosure

The bottom fastener of the enclosure.

The product is designed to be easier to use compared to enclosures that require rolling up and/or zipping up the sides. The Superior Enclosures work by sliding a curtain back and forth. In the closed position the enclosure is held closed by a strong magnetic strip that runs vertically along the front edge of the enclosure curtain. In the open position the enclosure curtain is held in position by button type fastener at the top and a tie-down type fastener on the bottom. Conveniently, the enclosure can be opened, closed and fastened while the person is seated in the golf car rather than stepping out of the vehicle and getting wet in the process. Another advantage is that the vertical curtain design allows water to drain down onto the ground rather than being rolled up into the enclosure. The fabric is also mold resistant. I tried out the enclosure and found the door curtains slid into place easily, the magnet held it in place strongly and you could open and fasten the curtains while staying seated.

The Encompass Golf Cart Enclosure takes a different approach, using a semi-rigid door made of fabric laid over an aluminum frame. The doors open and close like a typical door but also have a clear vinyl window that can be zippered open or closed. The clear rear panel can be rolled up. The doors can easily be removed in under a minute.

Encompass Golf Cart Enclosure

Also on display is the company’s golf car cooler product.

2016 PGA Show: Club Car Pushes Visage Mobile Information System

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Visage screen with food and beverage menu.

Visage screen with overview of hole.

Similar to Yamaha, Club Car did not introduce any new vehicles at the PGA Show but was touting their fleet management solution, the Visage Mobile Golf Information System. Club Car representatives claim they currently control 90% market share for these type of systems. At this point, Club Car’s Visage with a golfer facing video component is more advanced than Yamaha’s Yamatrack. The on vehicle screen allows the Visage to be used to provide a host of services to golfers and revenue opportunities to fleet managers.

Golfers can get precise yardages, hole flyovers, easy access to food and beverage options and email their scorecard to themselves. For fleet managers, merchandise and other marketing offers can be made to golfers during their many hours on the course. In addition, there are all the fleet management tools such as keeping track of vehicles, their operating performance, maintenance schedules and using geo-fencing to protect areas of the golf course. The enhanced golfer experience can also allow managers to charge higher golf car rental fees.

According to Club Car representatives, the Visage system is most in demand at resorts but they are also making inroads into private courses, where members are looking to improve their golfing experience. The system is currently being used on approximately 50,000 vehicles. Learn more: Visagegolf.com

PGA Show 2016: Yamaha Pushes Yamatrack Fleet Management Solution

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Marc Cesare

At the 2016 PGA Show Yamaha was pushing their Yamatrack fleet management system. Yamaha partnered with iGolf to develop a wireless system to provide real-time tracking, live diagnostics and golf car control for fleet managers. The system includes a GPS device that plugs into the golf car’s control unit and communicates with an enterprise level platform. Fleet operators use iGolf DNA, a web-based application to control the fleet and access vehicle information via computer, smart phone or tablet.

The iGolf DNA application includes the Yamatrack Asset Tracker that provides real-time tracking and maintenance alerts. Some the information available through the app includes:

Pace of play analysis
Fleet rotation
Amp hour totals
Battery power level
Car location history

A course’s golf car fleet can also be controlled through the app to restrict golf cars to cart paths only, lock-down a fleet, set speed and brake parameters, create geo-fencing for certain areas, set geo-fencing limitations on a car by car basis and shutdown cars. In the future, the system will include a video screen of some type at the vehicle.

While Yamaha did not introduce any new vehicles at the show, they did dress up their Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) with some LED lighting in the front and fancier trim around the wheels.

The redesigned front of the Yamaha gas PTV.

Fancier fender flares added to the Yamaha PTV.

2016 PGA Show: Flow-Rite Battery Steward

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Continuing the focus on battery maintenance at the PGA Show, the Flow-Rite booth featured their Battery Steward product, which combines a mobile app with scannable labels to help operators manage battery maintenance. While Flow-Rite has been using the technology in the industrial space where the batteries for forklifts are very expensive and so can be the maintenance mistakes, they are just starting to introduce the technology to the golf car market.

A partial screenshot from Flow-Rite’s Battery Steward app.

The company’s website describes four easy steps for using the Battery Steward.

Use your mobile device and identifying labels to create easy-to-follow battery care task lists.
Check off batteries by scanning the Battery Steward identifying label that has been attached to your battery.
Record and analyze important battery maintenance data through the online portal.
Identify neglected, misused, or abused batteries.

The company generates revenue by selling the scannable labels. While the product is clearly aimed at the fleet owner, I wonder if a dealer might be able to use the technology to manage a “fleet” of disparate customer vehicles. Learn more: Batterysteward.com

2016 PGA Show: Battery Watering Technologies i-Lite Sensor

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Last week I attended the PGA Show down in Orlando, FL, so this week I’ll be posting about some brand new and relatively new developments from the show that relate to the small, task-oriented vehicle markets. I’m going to kick it off with a relatively new product from Battery Watering Technologies, their i-Lite Sensor. The i-Lite Sensor uses an LED light to provide a visual indication when it is time to water the batteries. According to company, if the indication is ignored, the sensor is so smart, it can tell the operator how long the battery went without water.

The LED indicator and wiring is shown sitting on top of the battery. The indicator can be wired into the dash or other area of the vehicle for easy viewing. Green means the electrolyte level is sufficient and red indicates water is needed.

A battery from US Battery using the i-Lite Sensor showing the black valve that is inserted into the battery and connected to the watering system.

Currently, the product is only available for US Battery products but the company is developing a variant for other brands as well. Some variance with the height of the lead plates in Trojan batteries is an issue. Although, the product may work with some of the Trojan batteries, they cannot guaranty that it will work with all.

The sensor takes a reading from one cell and uses it as a proxy for the whole battery bank. According to US Battery, this method has been effective in the industrial battery market for forklifts. This approach assumes all the batteries in the pack are the same brand and type and were installed at the same time as a complete set.

The sensor is trying to address an ongoing problem with electric STOV vehicles – getting owners and operators to properly take care of their batteries. I consistently hear from dealers, battery manufacturers and watering technology companies that owners/operators are not properly taking care of batteries. This leads to a shortened battery life, an expensive consequence which makes customers angry, can reflect poorly on the battery brand and probably doesn’t endear the dealer to the customer. What is fascinating is how this problem persists despite decades of golf cars using essentially the same battery technology. The i-Lite sensor and single-point watering systems are both steps in the evolution of simplifying the whole process of battery maintenance. In effect they are an attempt to put a layer of user-friendly technology between the operator and the battery pack to improve battery performance.

Google Releases Report On Self-Driving Car Fleet

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The data indicates a decreasing incidence of disengagements over the time period covered by the report, Sept. 2014 to Nov. 2015.

According to the report the DMV defines disengagements as deactivations of the autonomous mode in two situations: (1) “when a failure of the autonomous technology is detected,” or (2) “when the safe operation of the vehicle requires that the autonomous vehicle test driver disengage the autonomous mode and take immediate manual control of the vehicle.” Google states that they take a conservative approach to recognizing disengagements as they are trying to gather “…as much data as possible to enable us to improve our self-driving system.”

Google Prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

Examples of the failure of autonomous technology include broken wires that lead to failure between primary and back-up self-driving systems, sensor reading anomalies related to accelerometers or GPS or anomalies in the monitoring of key functions like steering and braking. For safe operation of the vehicle drivers “…are directed to take control of the vehicle as often as they feel is necessary and for a variety of reasons relating to the comfort of the ride, the safety of the vehicle, or the erratic or unpredictable behavior of other road users.” Afterwards, the safe operation disengagements are replicated in thousands of variations in a simulator to fine tune or fix problems in the self-driving system.

In total the self-driving fleet drove over 424,000 miles on California public roads. The majority of the miles were logged on streets rather than highways because these are typically the most complex driving environments and present the biggest challenge for self-driving cars. A total of 341 disengagements were reported during the period covered by the report with 272 related to failure of the technology and 69 to safe operation of the vehicle. The following chart shows that miles driven per disengagement as it relates to autonomous technology failure has increased during the test period.

Autonomous miles driven per disengagement related to detection of a failure of the
autonomous technology

The following chart shows the trend of miles driven per disengagement related to to safe operation of the vehicle. Google attributes the lack of a clear trend in the data to the low absolute number of disengagements which can lead to one month skewing the data.

Autonomous miles driven per driver-initiated disengagement related to safe operation
of the vehicle

The report provides more detail on the different classifications of disengagement and performance of specific vehicle in the fleet. Learn more: Self-Driving Car Report

Comment: It appears that it is a case of when and not if self-driving cars will become widely available. While LSVs may appear at first to be a safer first step for implementing the technology by virtue of their low speed, the complex environments in which they operate may make them the most challenging. There is also the not so small issue of the cost of self-driving technology in relation to the total cost of the vehicle. As demonstrated by what is occurring in the highway capable automobile market, the most expensive vehicles tend to be the first to include aspects of self-driving technology such as lane detection and auto-braking. It may be the case that LSVs will provide an excellent test bed for the technology but will be the last in line to incorporate the technology once it becomes mainstream.

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