The Tallapoosa Journal reports that as of January 1, 2012, Georgia residents can now drive their electric-powered “golf carts” on public roads, but the legislation comes with some restrictions and individual municipalities may still enact their own statutes regarding their use. Georgia Senate Bill 240, which was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal,  creates a new class of vehicles, labeled “Personal Transportation Vehicles” (PSVs).   Commonly referred to as golf carts, these low speed vehicles are required to have four wheels, weigh 1375 pounds or less, carry no more than eight people and travel at speeds no more than 20 MPH.  (This differs from the Federal law, which provides for such vehicles to travel up to 25 MPH.) The new law also...

The Austin, Texas City Council recently gave preliminary approval to a plan to implement a pilot program that would allow Low Speed Electric Vehicles to be used as taxis on the City’s downtown streets.  The program is slated to continue through September 30, 2012. The Austin Chronicle reported on October 14, 2011 that after a long debate, the vehicles may now be allowed to operate on fixed routes with fixed stops, traveling north-south and east-west in the downtown area.  They will be expected to charge a fixed rate for each trip, and all vehicles must have specific safety equipment to be allowed to operate under the program.  All participating companies must also get a permit from the City’s Transportation Department. Area taxi companies fought hard to...

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...

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 –...

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...

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...

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

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...

Development of the electric vehicle goes back to 1828. Pictured is a German electric vehicle in 1904. Photo courtesy of the German Federal Archive. 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...

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,...