Changing Behavior: The Biggest Obstacle to Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Adoption.

Changing Behavior: The Biggest Obstacle to Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Adoption.

Wheego Sees March 2011 Launch

Wheego, the startup electric car brand that uses a Chinese body and U.S. components, is building its first 500 orders and expects to launch retail sales March 30, 2011.

The Atlanta venture received U.S. regulatory approval at the end of December to begin selling a highway-safe two-seat LiFe model through 35 U.S. dealers.

“We are ready to go,” said Jeff Boyd, president of Wheego Electric Cars Inc.

Boyd’s pitch is that the franchise has no upfront investment requirements. It has no rules on store design or signs and no requirements on service tooling or parts inventories.

Dealers must commit to ordering a specified number of vehicles, depending on their market potential, and must agree to provide mobile vehicle service, Boyd said.

“Ninety-five percent of what could go wrong with this Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) can be fixed in the customer’s driveway,” Boyd claimed.

Boyd said the company’s assembly center in Ontario, Calif., will produce 200 cars a month for about 90 days and then ramp up volume as retail orders build.

He said the operation has capacity to turn out 60,000 vehicles a year.

The model runs on a lithium-iron battery pack made by California-based Flux Power Inc. that claims a 100-mile range.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) Gain Traction in Korea

Signs indicating whether a road is designated for neighborhood electric cars

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles manufactured by CT&T use a recharging station installed at a Homeplus store in Seoul. Yonhap News

In 2010, Korea passed favorable NEV regulations at the national level. The Korean Governments designated 30% of its roads for the NEV use, this figure is expected to increase rapidly in the coming months.

“By percentage, about 30 percent of local governments have designated roads for neighborhood electric cars and have reported the designations to the ministry,” an official at the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs’ Motor Vehicles Policy Division said.

CT&T, the country’s leading NEV maker, has exported its e-Zone Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) and signed on with Korean government agencies to supply the vehicle.

Source: Koreaherald.com

Columbia's MEGA Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)

Columbia's MEGA Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)

Columbia's MEGA Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) combines the comfort of an automobile and the versatility of a utility vehicle.

This NEV Van (40 km/h max speed) is the perfect solution for an Education, Municipal, Commercial or Government facility.

The NEV Van model is perfect for a delivery vehicle, or anywhere contents would need to be secured while in transportation.

Features:

• Aluminum Chassis
• Impact resistant body panels
• Built-in, 110/240 VAC charger
• Front and rear steel bumpers
• Single point battery watering system
• Safety belts
• Turn Signals
• Adjustable bucket seats
• Class H motor insulation

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) presentation with the Province of New Brunswick Canada

New Brunswick MLA Roger Melanson

Province of New Brunswick flag

I'm in Moncton, New Brunswick. Today I made a presentation proposing Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) to provincial MLA Roger Melanson. The largest employers in the Province of New Brunswick are the Irving group of companies (oil & gas), and the McCain group of companies (frozen food).

The following was my opening:

“”For years politicians have been trying to get people out of their cars and into public transportation. Except in heavily populated area they have mostly failed, for several reasons including the inconvenience. An easy solution is green individual travel. Replacing the 2nd or 3rd vehicle in household with a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is one such option.

Hello, my name is Denis Lang, and I represent Lang Motors the electric car company. We are continuing a family tradition in bringing the electric vehicle first in British Columbia, then across Canada.

One of the main goals of Lang Motors initiative is to change our car culture, the way we as individuals and as communities think about cars. Automobile populations are continuing to soar, and cities need options and strategies for reducing emissions. It's about helping drivers make healthy commute choices, and making cities and life more sustainable.

The reason I am before you today is to introduce myself & seek your collaboration.

I’m here to ask the Province of New Brunswick to amend its bylaw to facilitate the operations of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV). My recommendation for the Province of New Brunswick is to make a decision to advance a new bylaw to facilitate the operations of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV).

Change is happening before our eyes. More Provinces are encouraging this environment friendly vehicle to operate on their city streets. (ie: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec)

I am not suggesting that these NEVs be allowed on highways. The NEVs are not designed nor have the protective gear for 400 series highways. But for short city/urban travel, NEVs make perfect sense.

The Province of British Columbia is right to encourage their use. In the United State, 47 States have adopted NEV legislation, and are allowed on 50 klm roads. Since 1998, there have been few reports of accidents or injuries. In the 12-years of documentation there is no report of fatality.

While the NEVs can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and help cut urban smog, there is another reason to promote them. Canada is an important centre of low-speed-electric- vehicle technology, and we have several innovative firms at the forefront of the business.

The Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) will not only change the way that you drive, but the way you live. It’s not a car, it’s a cause.

Thank-you for the invitation – Thank-you for your time – and Thank-you for listening.””

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New Brunswick (French: Nouveau-Brunswick; is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only constitutionally bilingual province (English and French) in the Canadian federation. The provincial capital is Fredericton, while Saint John is the most populous city, and metropolitan Moncton is the largest census metropolitan area. The provincial population Is over 750,500; a majority are English-speaking, but there is also a large Francophone minority (33%). The province's name comes from the English and French partial transcription of the city of Brunswick (Braunschweig in German) in northern Germany.

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What is an MLA? --- One member of the legislative assembly (MLA) is elected in each provincial and territory electoral district. MLAs represent the views of their constituents in the legislative assembly, and take part in committees and debates on provincial legislation.

New Chrysler 2011 GEM Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV)

American manufacturer Chrysler or, to be more, precise, its Global Electric Motorcars unit (GEM) announced this week the release of a new generation Battery Electric Vehicles. Hoping to build on the existing fame of market leader in the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) industry, with more than 45,000 units sold, Chrysler will start retailing no less than six models.

For the GEMs, 2011 came with an entirely new energy monitoring system, used to determine the total amount of energy in kilo-watt-hours (kWh) that the GEM vehicle has removed from the grid. Drivers can see this energy saving information right on the vehicle’s LCD screen, making for one very neat, completely useless gizmo from the motoring point of view.

But, at least, if nothing essential has changed, there are a few optional features, also new, that might get your interest up: 12 inch turf tires for off-road applications, right-hand-drive package, short-bed package with 34 inch x 48 inch cargo bed on the GEM e4 four-passenger coupe or the GEM e6 six-passenger shuttle vehicle and utility tie downs for securing cargo.

Otherwise, the models remain pretty much the same: the drive train gives the models a top speed of 40 km/h and a range of up to 50 kilometers, making them ideal for use as running errands, driving to work or school, hauling equipment or transporting people around work facilities.

“The 2011 model year marks our 13th year in designing and distributing 100 percent battery-electric GEM vehicles,” said Rick Kasper, Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars CEO. “We’re always integrating new technologies and features into our product line that allow our customers to customize their vehicles and use them in a variety of capacities.”

Source: Autoevolution

TAKING STOCK

To date, GEM cars have driven more than 450 million emission-free miles and have saved more than 20 million gallons of gasoline. They also have prevented more than 190 tons of pollutants from reaching the air.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) presentation with the City of Moncton, New Brunswick Canada

I'm in Moncton, New Brunswick. Today I made a presentation proposing Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) to local authorities at City Hall. The City of Moncton has one of the top ten fastest growth rates amongst metropolitan areas in Canada and is also the fastest growing urban region east of Toronto.

The following was my opening:

""For years politicians have been trying to get people out of their cars and into public transportation. Except in heavily populated area they have mostly failed, for several reasons including the inconvenience. An easy solution is green individual travel. Replacing the 2nd or 3rd vehicle in household with a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is one such option.

Hello, my name is Denis Lang, and I represent Lang Motors the electric car company. We are continuing a family tradition in bringing the electric vehicle first in British Columbia, then across Canada.

One of the main goals of Lang Motors initiative is to change our car culture, the way we as individuals and as communities think about cars. Automobile populations are continuing to soar, and cities need options and strategies for reducing emissions. It's about helping drivers make healthy commute choices, and making cities and life more sustainable.

The reason I am before you today is to introduce myself & seek your collaboration.

I’m here to ask the City of Moncton to amend its bylaw to facilitate the operations of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV). My recommendation for the City of Moncton is to make a decision to advance a new bylaw to facilitate the operations of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV).

Change is happening before our eyes. More Provinces are encouraging this environment friendly vehicle to operate on their city streets. (ie: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec)

I am not suggesting that these NEVs be allowed on highways. The NEVs are not designed nor have the protective gear for 400 series highways. But for short city/urban travel, NEVs make perfect sense.

The Province of British Columbia is right to encourage their use. In the United State, 47 States have adopted NEV legislation, and are allowed on 50 klm roads. Since 1998, there have been few reports of accidents or injuries. In the 12-years of documentation there is no report of fatality.

While the NEVs can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and help cut urban smog, there is another reason to promote them. Canada is an important centre of low-speed-electric- vehicle technology, and we have several innovative firms at the forefront of the business.

The Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) will not only change the way that you drive, but the way you live. It’s not a car, it’s a cause.

Thank-you for the invitation – Thank-you for your time – and Thank-you for listening.""

Population Greater Moncton: 124,055 - City Owned Street Length: 450 km - The first European settlement in Acadia began in the mid-seventeenth century with the migration of Acadians from Port Royal, Nova Scotia. The Acadians were the first settlers of what is today known as the Greater Moncton area. Acadian pioneers established a village at the bend of the Petitcodiac River, naming it “le Coude”. In June 1755, the capture of Fort Beauséjour by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Monkton, after whom Moncton is named, triggered the expulsion of Acadians. Large numbers of Loyalists, repatriated Acadians, Irish and other immigrant groups reached the region over the following century, establishing a multi-cultural heritage which is still one of the area’s largest assets. In 1855, the settlement known as “le Coude’’ was incorporated as the Town of Monckton.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) Are a Desirable Form of Transportation for Many Reasons

- NEVs have a great safety record.

- NEVs are zero emission electric vehicles.

- NEVs improve air quality.

- The energy consumption of an NEV is less than 1/5 that of a conventional automobile.

- NEVs provide freedom and continued mobility for aging or impaired drivers.

- NEVs are affordable.

- NEVs support the local economy by encouraging residents to shop locally.

- NEVs encourage use of existing public transportation.

Canada is uniquely well positioned to promote Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) transportation

One of the biggest sources of emissions for Canada is the transportation sector, which produced 24 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Half of that amount was emitted by passenger cars and light trucks.

Canada is uniquely well positioned to promote Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) transportation. Compared to a global average of 20%, we in Canada generate over two thirds of our electricity from renewable sources such as hydro and wind. Some provinces generate nearly all their electricity from such renewable sources.

As the only G8 country which produces two-thirds of its electricity from renewable resources, Canada can take a lead role in accepting NEVs as an important solution to pressing environmental issues. Taking such a lead role can begin by finding a way to accept NEVs in urban environments.

Experts are seriously concerned about the rapidly increasing demand for private vehicles in burgeoning econimies such as China and India. These same experts agree that even if this increasing demand for vehicles was met with internal combustion engine microcars, the resulting emissions would be unmanageable. We have an opportunity to grow an industry of electrically powered micro cars that could show the world how to manage a growing part of the environmental threats from the transportation sector. Allowing NEVs on urban streets would be an important leadership step for Canada to take.

NEVs produce no pollutants at the point of use.

There are currently two Canadian companies manufacturing NEVs for sale in Canada and/or the USA. These are:

- CANADIAN ELECTRIC VEHICLES LTD from British Columbia that produces a NEV truck.

- NEMO which manufactures a NEV truck from a plant in Quebec.

The 40+ NEV's registered in British Columbia since 2000 have not been involved in any reported accident.

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), a division of Chrysler, which has sold over 30,000 NEVs in the Uniited States, has not reported a single traffic-related death in their vehicles in over 10 years of service in mixed use and controlled environments.

Similar vehicles in Europe now exceed 300,000 and about 30,000 are added each year. Public accident reports in France show that NEVs are safer in terms of injuries than public transportation.

As of December 2010, 43 US States as well as the District of Columbia allow NEVs to be used on roads not exceeding 40 km/h. Thirteen states require NEV's to be electric.

Two states - Washington and Montana allow NEV's to travel at speeds up to 55 km/h.

NEV's are used widely throughout the USA in urban/city mixed traffic/environment.

Weaning Cities Culture

Most of the world's 6.9 billion people live in cities. City dwellers consume about three quarters of the world's energy and generate most of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

If we are to resolve some of the serious issues around pollution, climate change, human health, and energy consumption, we must look to cities for solutions. As the world's population continues to grow, a shift back to rural living is unlikely. So, what can we do?

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) are good for running errands or commuting to work. For short city/urban travel, NEVs make perfect sense. Replacing the 2nd or 3rd vehicle in household with a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is an appealing option.

The Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) will not only change the way that you drive, but the way you live. It’s not a car, it’s a cause.

What is a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)

It is critical that one understands what a NEV is and what it is not. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) are not required to satisfy highway capable standards when that clearly is not the intention or legal requirement of the car.

The NEV meets or exceeds all safety standards of its low-speed vehicle class, as defined by Transport Canada. There is a deliberate attempt to confuse the issue by constantly comparing the NEV to highway capable passenger vehicles. The NEV was not designed to travel on 400 series highways and therefore does not have to meet the same high-speed collision requirements. Just as you would not expect a motorcycle, or scooter, bicycle or bus to meet the same safety standards as a passenger car, so too must a low-speed vehicle be held to the standards defined by its class.

In terms of vehicle class, the NEV has an exemplary safety record. Approximately 40,000 NEVs have been operating on public roads in the United States for nearly ten years without any evidence of safety problems. In fact, data from the National Traffic Highway Institute (NHTSA) found that there have been no fatalities associated with the use of NEVs in mixed-use environments since 1996 (when the data started to be collected). The NEV is among the safest classes of vehicles in operation in the United States .

The admirable NEV safety record can be attributed to such things as:

- Better driver control and awareness at lower speeds

- Increased reaction time due to lower operating speeds

- Shorter braking distances - General use of NEVs in lower speed applications, and that drivers of NEVs are fully aware of their operating design and drive them appropriately

The NEV also provides a significant increase in occupant protection when compared to other low speed transportation options in the marketplace such as bicycles and motorized scooters. The relative position of the NEV in terms of road safety must also be understood to include increased protection for cyclists and pedestrians in the event of a collision with a lighter weight, slower moving low speed vehicle.

Why Drive a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)

The NEV is a 100% electric, zero emission vehicles. With no gas to burn or costly maintenance such as oil and filter changes, the economics are simple. Plugging into a standard 110V outlet, the NEV costs one to two cents per kilometer to run, or approximately one tenth of a conventional gas vehicle.

The cost savings realized by driving a NEV within your city can add up to potentially thousands of dollars each year.

Additionally, each NEV purchased can reduce your annual CO2 emissions by more than 6 tons.

The market is primed for a fully electric automotive alternative! Below are some of the reasons why this is true.

Economical

- Lower operating cost

Driving a vehicle with a conventional internal combustion engine is estimated to cost 4 to 6 times more than an electric vehicle. In addition, many utility providers provide further cost incentives to charge during off peak hours which can create an operating cost as little as 1¢ per mile. This provides a great benefit as the NEV would typically be charged overnight.

- Efficient

Electric motors are very efficient. Very little energy is lost or wasted. In comparison, the efficiency of an internal combustion engine doesn’t exceed 45%. Only about 15% of the energy from the fuel put in to the tank gets used to move the car down the road or run useful accessories, such as air conditioning. The rest of the energy is lost to engine and driveline inefficiencies and idling.

- Predictable operating costs

As oil supplies diminish, gas prices at the pumps have fluctuated wildly. The volatile flow of oil will continue to drive immense upward cost pressure at the gas pumps. The cost of electricity is more stable and predictable and options to purchase zero emission renewable sources of electricity are growing every day.

- Lower maintenance costs

Electric motors are simpler to maintain. Owners avoid the cost of conventional car maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, transmission fluid, and oil filters. The NEV has fewer parts that are likely to wear out or need replacement.

- No internal combustion engine- No complex automatic transmission- No emission system maintenance or testing- Less tire and brake wear due to lower operating speeds- Potential tax and insurance savings

With growing public concern about the environmental impact of conventional automobiles, more organizations and governments are requesting or creating incentives for users of zero emission vehicles. Federal, provincial and municipal tax credits may be available as well as many insurance discounts or other usage incentives (parking, recharging, etc.).

Reliable

- NEV is powered by valve-regulated lead-acid batteries which consist of a sealed, non-spill unit requiring zero maintenance.

- The NEV batteries have no “memory effect” and can be charged whenever it is most convenient for the owner.

- Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts requiring less maintenance or repair.

Responsible

Conventional internal combustion engines are not sustainable because:

- Natural resources are being depleted and becoming scarce.

- Toxic emissions are degrading air quality, affecting human and environmental health.

- For those who personally want to take action now, the NEV is a comforting, socially responsible choice because...

...it does not burn fossil fuels....it does not emit any pollutants...it is quiet to operate...it can be recharged from renewable energy sources...the battery pack is almost entirely recyclable...it is a smaller, lighter vehicle consuming fewer resources

- Electric power for battery charging is readily available and can be obtained from clean, renewable sources such as solar or wind power.

- With the recent government mandate for federal fleets to embrace alternative fuel vehicles, now is the right time to be supporting this responsible change.

There Is a Strong Appetite

According to a recent Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive poll, the public continues to show growing interest in alternative fuel vehicles. A third of North Americans polled said they are seriously interested in buying or leasing such a vehicle, and a full 92% said they would be willing to pay more for one over a traditional gasoline-powered car.

Top reasons cited included concerns over damage to the environment from fossil fuels and the high cost of gasoline. Eight million alternative fuel vehicles are now on the road in North America more than double the number in 2000.

Just think about the opportunities that lie ahead to drive the NEV in your area!

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV)

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) are good for running errands or commuting to work. For short city/urban travel, NEVs make perfect sense. Replacing the 2nd or 3rd vehicle in household with a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is an appealing option.

One of the main goals of Lang Motors initiative is to change our car culture. The way we as individuals and as communities think about cars. Automobile populations are continuing to soar, and cities need options and strategies for reducing emissions. Replacing the 2nd or 3rd vehicle in household with a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is one such option.

The Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) will not only change the way that you drive, but the way you live. It’s not a car, it’s a cause.

It's about helping drivers make healthy commute choices, and making cities and life more sustainable.