As part of the Fiscal Year 2012 budget, the Department Of Energy will receive a small increase (2.5%) in funding to support energy innovation investment.  As part of its plan, the DOE will create a “Batteries and Energy Storage Hub”, which will receive an initial appropriation of $24,020,000., plus one-time funding of $10,000,000. for start-up costs, excluding new construction.

Citing the problems with today’s energy storage approach – limited energy and power capacities, low rates of charge and discharge, calendar and cycle life limitations, low abuse tolerance, high cost and temperature sensitivity affecting performance – the DOE stated that the investment will help to ensure the successful integration of renewable, intermittent power sources onto the grid as well as address issues of power storage to enhance grid reliability.  It is also expected to bolster consumer acceptance of hybrid and all-electric vehicles, by leading to battery technologies that are safer, more effective and less expensive than what is currently being used.

The Hub will support research toward the development of new technologies and materials to address such issues as battery longevity and environmental impact in conjunction with existing research and development activities already being funded by the Department Of Energy.

To learn more, visit the Department Of Energy website at http://science.energy.gov/bes/research/doe-energy-innovation-hubs/.

After numerous requests from residents, the town of Grant-Valkaria became the latest Brevard county municipality to allow golf carts on public roads.  Current rules allow their use in several unincorporated areas of the county, including parts of Barefoot Bay, Suntree, Viera and Rockledge, subject to local restrictions.

According to an article in “Florida Today” dated December 24, 2011, Dave Berman and Susanne Cervenka reported that the new Grant-Valkaria ordinance took effect in November, after interested residents argued that driving a golf cart on public roads was no more dangerous than riding a bicycle or horse on those same roads.

After studying the issue for about a year, and talking with other entities who already allow such operation, officials agreed – but imposed a few restrictions because of safety concerns.  Operation is only allowed on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less.  While the State Of Florida allows operation by 14-year olds, Grant-Valkaria requires that operators be at least 16 years of age.  Nighttime operation is allowed if the vehicle is equipped with lights, subject to a 10:00 PM curfew.  And operators must register their vehicles with the town  – so far 25 people have registered, according to Town Administrator Rick Hood.

Other Brevard County cities, including Titusville and Satellite Beach are considering similar regulations.

To read the entire article, visit http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111225/NEWS01/312250018/Golf-carts-gain-cautious-favor?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|NEWS06|s

The end of 2011 also saw the end of three of the four Federal tax credits designed to encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

The tax credit for installing residential charging equipment, up to $1,000 maximum, was allowed to expire as of January 1, 2012, as was the maximum $2,500 maximum tax credit toward the purchase of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles with a battery capacity of at least 2.5 KW and certain Low Speed Vehicles (IRS Code Section 1142).  Converting a gas-powered vehicle to either a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle will no longer be eligible for a tax credit either – which used to be worth up to $4,000 (IRS Code Section 1143).

It will be interesting to see just how much these changes affect the growth of the Electric Vehicle industry in the US.

The one incentive that was allowed to remain was the maximum $7,500 credit given to purchasers of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles (IRS Code Section 1141) – but the vehicle purchased must be from a government-approved, mainstream automaker, making it unavailable to those who purchase Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs).  This credit is due to be phased out on a manufacturer-by-manufacturer basis once an automaker sells 200,000 units.

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA)

In a controversial move, Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) has introduced a bill (H.R. 3768) that would repeal this remaining tax credit.  While he stated that he supports the development of electric vehicles, he feels that this should not be accomplished at taxpayers’ expense.  Critics say that his objection to the tax credit stems more from his interest in protecting his investments in oil and gas than from any moral or ethical commitment to budget-cutting measures.

Again, it will be interesting to see whether he can convince his fellow legislators to support his efforts to remove this last big electric vehicle governmental incentive or not.

On November 14-18, 2011, Moto Electric Vehicles attended the Annual Expo of the International Association Of Amusement Parks And Attractions (IAAPA), which was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

The Association represents more than 4,000 facility, supplier and individual members from more than 118 countries, and their membership includes

most of the amusement parks and attractions in the US.

Representatives from amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts and casinos attended the show to view various new products, discuss current trends, and share ideas for new experiences for the future.

The event also raised approximately $81,000.00 for “Give Kids The World”, a resort for children with life-threatening illnesses located in Kissimmee, Florida.

To learn more about IAAPA, visit their website at www.iaapa.org.

As you may have noticed, Gator Moto Utility Vehicles has changed its name.  We are now Moto Electric Vehicles, a name which we feel better reflects what our business is really all about.  Our newsletter has a brand new name too, to go along with its new, updated look.

We may have a different name, but you can rest assured that we still have the same great products and provide the same great service you have come to expect from us.

Our office has expanded, we have the largest electric utility vehicle parts inventory in the industry, and our product line is better than ever.  Check out our new website at www.motoelectricvehicles.com

Electric utility vehicles were first used for commercial or work-related applications more than 150 years ago when the first electric carriage was introduced in England as an alternative means of low-speed transportation. During the post-war era in Europe, a demand existed for a light-weight utility vehicle that was not dependent upon the scarce fossil fuels. At that time, both American and European inventors were being forced to design and manufacture an alternative fuel source vehicle for low speed tasks.

Many of the early electric utility vehicles would play a major role in the post-WWII industrial revolution in our country and would become mainstays for a lot of businesses, municipalities and private industries during periods when fossil fuels were scarce. The power output of an electric vehicle’s motor is rated by kilowatts (kW) not horsepower. If the motor that is installed in your utility vehicle is four kW, it is considered to be the equivalent of a 5-horsepower gasoline-powered engine. A major advantage of using electric power in a low speed vehicle, street-legal golf cart, neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV), parking shuttle, electric bus or other electric utility vehicle is the electric motor’s maximum torque can be delivered over a much broader range of RPMs.

When interpreted as a measure of engine performance, an electric utility vehicle with a 4kW electric motor will actually exceed 5 horsepower. The wider power-band of today’s electric motor means that almost any type of electric utility vehicle can deliver the power needed with enough kW output. At Moto Electric Vehicles, our experienced staff can assist with your selection of electric motors for personal or commercial applications. Whether you are looking for a multi-passenger electric bus or a fully-loaded maintenance vehicle, use our website’s convenient “Live Chat” and have your questions answered by the Pros.

The federal government has released new standards for low speed vehicles and neighborrhood electric vehicles.

The earliest golf carts and electric powered vehicles that were used on public streets were incapable of achieving top speeds in excess of 20 MPH and were only governed by local or state regulations. Once the manufacturers saw the growing demand for expanded applications, the factories began to install more powerful motors to increase the electric vehicle’s top speeds. Suddenly, these versatile, fuel-efficient utility vehicles began to show up in golf course communities, resort areas, neighborhoods, office parks, medical facilities and industrial plants. The NHTSA followed up with the release of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 to establish a separate category for the electric-powered, low-speed vehicle.

The new vehicle classification as defined by Safety Standard No. 500 limits electric vehicles in the category of low speed vehicles (LSVs) or neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) to those with a capable top speed of 25 MPH and a total gross weight of 3000 lbs. Additionally, the electric utility vehicles that meet these specifications can only be operated on streets or roadways with a posted maximum speed limit of 35 MPH. Whether your plans include hauling cargo, making food service deliveries, pulling a lightweight trailer or transporting visitors around your property, Moto Electric Vehicles has the best electric utility vehicle that provides you with an affordable alternative for an environmentally friendly solution for getting from place to place.

Moto Electric’s utility vehicles meet the regulatory standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500. If you have questions regarding the use of a low-speed utility vehicle in your neighborhood or workplace, use our website’s convenient “Live Chat” feature for a prompt response. We stock maintenance vehicles, landscaping vehicles, transport vehicles, security vehicles and a host of low-speed electric vehicles designed for just having “Fun”. Moto Electric vehicles can be equipped with rack & pinion steering, pneumatic brakes front &  rear, 15 cubic foot dump beds, fully-sealed storage boxes, captain chairs, AM/FM/CD players and 10-inch wheels. Give us a call today at (904) 247-1818 to discuss your needs for an affordable electric utility vehicle.

The Obama administration hs allocated billions of dollars to "greening up" transportation at government facilities and on military bases.

The current administration in Washington DC has allocated billions of dollars for the development of high-tech electric vehicles, improved charging technologies and longer-lasting batteries for expanded commercial and private applications. In fact, most government facilities and military bases have gone “Green” and low-speed electric vehicles (LSV) are allowed for daytime on-base applications and as a people mover around base housing areas. The use of electric vehicles on government bases could quickly lead to conveniently-located electric vehicle charging stations.

A low speed vehicle is especially well suited for government facilities, parking lots and surrounding grounds that require the use of zero-emission vehicles that must be road-legal. Leaving a smaller environmental footprint has been discussed in Washington for the past twenty years and many believe that we are getting closer to day when politicians and dignitaries are zipping around in electric utility vehicles rather than in limos. With a top speed of 25 to 30 mph, LSVs can also do the work of a small pickup truck, shuttle or bus but for a fraction of the operating cost.

Recent research studies have shown that passengers enjoy their trip more on an electric tour bus or parking shuttle much more than traveling on noisy, smelly gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric parking shuttles and resort buses provide a special feeling of being there whether you’re running visitors from the parking lot to their villa or shuttling a group to the local town center. Moto Electric Vehicles‘ latest street legal utility vehicles can save your company, your church, your school, your housing development or your healthcare facility money on your vehicle expense for landscaping, security and transport vehicle expenses.

The NHTSA has set standards on the use of street legal golf cars and vehicles.

The sudden rise of public interest forced the Department of Transportation to determine how these low-cost, energy saving vehicles should be categorized for use on public roadways. State governments from Florida to California followed suit and began to authorize the use of electric utility vehicles in a variety of community settings with lower posted speed limits. It was obvious from the beginning that the state governments could not agree on how electric utility vehicles and street legal golf carts should be utilized.

The main regulatory issues for local municipal, county and state legislations was the determination of the vehicle’s gross weight limits and limits for maximum speed. The disagreement over such issues forced the NHTSA to establish a federal standard that would ensure that any low-speed vehicle powered by an electric motor would be safely operated on public streets, roads and highways. Thus, standard safety features like seat belts, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirrors and power-to-weight ratios were determined at the federal level for the new classification of low speed electric vehicles.

How to Contact the NHTSA:
FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

SAFETY ASSURANCE

OFFICE OF VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLIANCE

400 7TH STREET, SW
ROOM 6111
MAIL CODE: NSA-30
WASHINGTON, DC 20590

Electro Utility Buddy 2 Passenger Utility Deluxe Vehicle from Moto Electric Vehicles.

Electric vehicles aren’t just for personal use around the neighborhood. Moto Electric Vehicles in Jacksonville, FL carries a wide selection of low speed EVs designed for a range of commercial applications. Here are a few of our most popular:

Electro Utility Buddy 2 Passenger Utility Deluxe Vehicle
Two comfortable captain’s chairs front this EV’s open-sided cab with rounded windshield and topper. It’s longer than our standard utility buddy and features an automatic lift dump. The lift dump makes this vehicle a top choice for landscapers, golf courses, sports teams and schools.

Electro Cargo Delivery Buddy
Designed for heavy duty delivery applications, our Electro Cargo Delivery Buddy’s cargo area features two side access doors and sliding window access from the cab, shelves throughout the length of the cargo area and overhead lighting. It carries up to 2,645.5 pounds (that’s 1.32 tons!). Resort and hotel maintenance crews love this EV and several colleges nationwide are using theirs for on-campus postal services.

Electric Scissor Lifter 2P
Our scissor lifter electric vehicle can lift loads of up to 660 pounds 20 feet into the air. It’s great for washing windows and cleaning roofing gutters of homes, businesses and apartment buildings. Tree workers use them as well.

Electric Flat Bed w/ Trailer 2P
Our open-air, electric flat bed vehicle with trailer is perfect for warehousing operations and for moving heavy supplies and equipment around work sites. It’s popular with construction and fencing crews.

Whatever your commercial or industrial needs, there’s an electric vehicle that’s perfect for your company or crew. They’ll save you money on fuel and avoid extra tear on your gas-powered vehicles. Plus, the air quality on your work site will be cleaner and healthier for your workers. Call Moto Electric Vehicles at 904-247-1818 to discuss your needs today. We’re located in Jacksonville, FL, but offer nationwide delivery and warranty.