Walgreens Leading The Charge To Install Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
Last year, pharmacy giant Walgreens announced its intention of installing electric vehicle charging equipment at 800 of its locations throughout the US by the year’s end. According to a Reuters article dated July 21, 2011, the earliest installations took place last spring in Dallas, Texas. Other early installations occurred at some Walgreens locations in Chicago. About 60 more locations in Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Chicago got charging equipment, as well as stores in Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, DC. Locations in Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington State were also included in the plan. The charging equipment is compatible with not only electric cars from major manufacturers (Like the...
Richard Checking the Parking Meters | Downtown Tampa
Richard uses six different 2 Passenger Bubble Buddy Utility Standard Vehicles around Downtown Tampa, Florida to check the parking meters. This pictures was submitted by his team today and we wanted to share. If you would like to look more into this vehicles, you can visit this particular model's vehicle page HERE
Georgia Changes LSV Regulations
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...
LSVs Could Fill A Gap In Austin's Transportation System
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...
Department Of Energy Continues To Support Energy Innovation
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...
Grant-Valkaria To Allow Golf Carts On Public Roads
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 vehicle-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...
Federal Tax Credits Allowed To Expire
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...
Moto Electric Vehicles Attends IAAPA Expo
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...
Gator Moto Utility Vehicles Is Now Moto Electric Vehicles
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 vehicle-parts inventory in the industry, and our product line is better than ever. Check out our new website at www.motoelectricvehicles.com
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 500
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...