ZAP Developments

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Last week ZAP announced that partner Integrity Manufacturing had completed its application for a $200 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. The loan is for a manufacturing facility in Kentucky for producing ZAP vehicles as well as other all electric vehicles.

Later this month, at the National Automobile Dealers Association conference in New Orleans, ZAP plans to debut their new Shuttle and XL Truck. These LSVs have a top speed f 25mph and a range of 30 miles. The Shuttle has an MSRP of $14,700 and the truck will list for $14,500.

Vantage Vehicle International Introduces New Electric Vehicles

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Vantage Vehicle International has introduced four new electric vehicles, two utility mini-trucks and two vans. The LSVs have a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 55-65 miles. The vehicles operate on 72-volt systems using either six 12-volt batteries or twelve 6-volt batteries. The vehicle chassis are imported from China and the electrical components are installed in the company’s facility in Corona, CA.

Firms Collaborate To Boost US Advanced Battery Manufacturing

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Last month an effort was announced by fourteen U.S. technology companies to develop advanced battery manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. The batteries will be lithium ion and targeted for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Seeing the strategic importance of securing a battery supply and developing technological expertise, the companies are trying to secure $1 billion in federal aid to build a manufacturing plant. Firms involved in the effort include Johnson Controls, Enersys, 3M co., Mobius Power, FMC and ActaCell. While some of the technical know-how behind advanced batteries has been developed in the U.S., the manufacturing has migrated overseas to countries like China where, according to the article, over four dozen advanced battery factories are being built.

In a related story, GM has also identified battery manufacturing as a core competency and is planning to build their own lithium ion battery plant to supply their Volt vehicle production.

While the advanced battery production is clearly aimed at highway speed vehicles, the developments should help efforts to improve the performance of battery powered LSVs. While most of these vehicles use lead-acid type batteries, some are using or exploring the use of more advanced batteries. More production, competition and technological advances will only make these batteries more feasible for use in LSVs and utility vehicles in the future.

Chicago To Allow LSVs?

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Mayor Daley of Chicago is set to introduce an ordinance in the City Council today that will allow residents and city agencies to use LSVs on Chicago streets with speed limits up to 30 mph.

The ordinance is part of the Mayor’s “green Fleet” initiative which already includes the purchase of four GEMs for use inside fleet management facilities. The city expects to add more vehicles for parking enforcement, some refuse collection tasks and crowd control in contained areas.

From our point of view this is a significant development that such a large city is moving towards allowing LSVs. To date, mostly smaller communities have adopted LSV ordinances. This action could set a precedent for other large cities, provides high profile exposure for LSVs and offers a test case for the use of LSVs in urban areas. We will be watching to see if the ordinance passes and how many of Chicago’s residents will choose to use LSVs.

Special Edition Gators: Targeting The Enthusiast Market

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John Deere recently announced the introduction of Special Edition XUV 620i models available in Midnight Black or Metallic Silver. According to the press release:

The Midnight Black features a carbon-fiber pattern that is professionally applied through the exclusive Final Finish?? process for a long lasting and realistic appearance on the hood and steering wheel cover. It also sports premium SLX polymer high gloss black fenders that deliver an automotive painted look in a mold-through color that has superior UV fading and mar resistance. The Metallic Silver Edition includes automotive quality paint on the hood, fenders, cargo box and tailgate.

The new special edition models also feature five-spoke alloy wheels, special 21 inch high-back sport seats, billet aluminum controls and a special edition nameplate on the front fenders. Custom options include adventure lights, a high-performance slip-on exhaust, a heavy-duty brush guard, heavy-duty fender guards, several windshield options and more!

The models are targeting the outdoor enthusiast or what we would call the recreational utility vehicle segment. In particular, the new Gators are for those utility vehicle owners that want to customize their vehicles.

Army Leases The First Of 4,000 LSVs

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First Army NEVs Delivered (Molly Riley/Reuters)

The Army took delivery of six GEM LSVs, the first step towards eventually acquiring 4,000 LSVs. A total of 800 vehicles will be delivered in 2009, followed by 1,600 in 2010 and 1,600 in 2011.

Not all of the vehicles will necessarily be GEMs which were procured through the GSA. The GSA currently lists GEM, Columbia ParCar, E-SUV and ZENN as LSV vendors. In an interview with bloggers, Paul Bollinger, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy and Partnerships, remarked that he expected to see more manufacturers to join the GSA list. The GSA posted a request for vendors on Fedbizopps.com today.

He also noted in the interview that the Army had identified 28,000 sedans and light trucks that could potentially be replaced by electric vehicles, either LSVs or higher speed vehicles. Part of the reason they have moved to LSVs is that fueling station infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles has not been able to keep pace with vehicle acquisition. The necessary infrastructure costs would be in the millions of dollars while the installation of three-prong outlets for charging the LSVs will only cost an estimated $200 per vehicle.

The Army estimates an LSV saves them $3,300 compared to a full-size sedan. The LSVs will be leased for six years and maintenance and battery replacement are included in the lease. Bollinger remarked that not only will the Army save on fuel costs but also produce lower emissions and help drive the market for LSVs and battery technology. The Navy has directly expressed interest in “piggybacking” on the Army program and while the Air Force has used back channels to show their interest in joining forces.

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Air Force Base Takes Delivery of Mini-Trucks

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Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan took delivery of 49 mini-trucks from California-based Mag International. The delivery is part of a $7 million contract that Mag International was awarded in February, 2008. The vehicles will replace standard-size utility vehicles and is part of an overall goal of the Pacific Air Forces to replace 50 percent of their general purpose fleet with LSVs. This is expected to happen by fiscal year 2010. The vehicles are replacing panel vans and pickups. The Air Force estimates that the gas powered mini-trucks with a top speed of 25 mph will save about $200 per vehicle. More….

NEV Buying Guide For Fleet Managers

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Automotive Fleet published an article a few months ago about purchasing NEVs for fleet purposes. Using a question an answer format, the article covers key decision-making criteria to be considered such as operating costs, maintenance issues, payload and battery related topics. It should be helpful for fleet managers considering adding NEVs to their stable of vehicles.

Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits May Be Consolidated

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A motion has been filed by several plaintiffs to consolidate the 57 lawsuits currently spread across 33 U.S. Districts into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). An MDL is a federal procedure that allows multiple cases with common underlying facts to be consolidated for pretrial litigation in order to provide consistent rulings and save both sides time and resources. Rhino at over 200. A hearing regarding the MDL consolidation is scheduled for January 29th. Industry estimates place the total number of lawsuits in both state and federal courts related to the?? More…