Jordan Initiates EV Solar Charging Project

The Jordanian government is working with a consortium of companies to develop a pilot project demonstrating the use of solar powered charging stations.  The consortium includes AllCell (USA), Nissan (Japan), DBT (France), MATRA (France), Sun Phocus (USA), Nissan Jordan and NETenergy, a Jordanian start-up company.  The Ministry of Environment has signed a memorandum of understanding and is planning on procuring 300 Nissan Leafs as well as other “light electric” vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters and NEVs.  Learn more:  Zawya.com

Charging Infrastructure News

EV solar charging station at Brooklyn Bridge Park

A Solar Charging Station Grows In Brooklyn – Brooklyn Bridge Park recently became home to the city’s first solar powered electric vehicle charging station.  The station was developed and donated by the Beautiful Earth Group, a renewable energy developer based in Brooklyn, and uses two recycled shipping containers stacked on top of one another and 24 photovoltaic panels.  The station will be used by the park’s fleet of four electric vehicles which include two GEM LSVs and two Toro utility vehicles.  The charging stations fits with the park’s sustainability efforts and will also be incorporated into educational programs for children.  Learn more:  Brooklyneagle.com

Plugless Power wireless charging station from Evtran

Google Testing Wireless Charging Station – Google is testing wireless EV charging technology developed by Evtran of Virginia.  Called Plugless Power, the recharging station will be used to power up one of Google’s NEVs that are used in the company’s vehicle sharing program for employees.  The vehicle had to be retrofitted to work with the charger which works on the principle of induction similar to electric transformers except that the transformer is split between the charger and the vehicle.  Evtran is looking for additional corporate or municipal NEV fleets to field test their product.  Learn more:  Cleantechnica.com

Low Speed Vehicle News

DOT Proposes Rear Visibility Rule – The US Department of Transportation recently proposed a new safety regulation to help eliminate blind zones behind vehicles that can hide the presence of pedestrians.  Issued by NHTSA, the new regulation would apply to all passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, buses and low-speed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds.  NHTSA believes manufacturers will install rear mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards. Learn more:  DOT.gov

US Navy LSV Sales – According to information from the US Navy, to date they have replaced 900 non-tactical vehicles in their fleet with low-speed vehicles.  The purchases are part of their overall alternative fuel vehicle program to convert a large portion of their non-tactical fleet of vehicles, which numbers over 46,000, to various alternative fuels.  Learn more:  Greenfleet.dodlive.mil

Cruise Car To Exhibit LSVs At World Energy Engineering Congress – This week Crusie Car will be exhibiting their All American Solar Electric LSV at the World Energy Engineering Congress being held in Washington DC.  Learn more:  Benzinga.com

Cruise Car Launches All American Line

This week Cruise Car of Sarasota, FL introduced their new All American line of 15 solar electric LSVs.  The vehicles are produced in the US and feature up to 50% recycled or certified re-manufactured parts and materials.  The All American Line is GSA Schedule approved and Cruise Car recently shipped 30 All American LSV’s to the U.S. Navy base in San Diego, CA.  The LSVs, built on an aluminum chassis, can be purchased with or without solar and can accommodate from 2 to 14 passengers. The vehicles are also eligible for solar tax credits.  Learn more:  PRweb.com

What’s Cooking On the STOV

Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles

Gator in use at Astley Park in Chorley, UK

Park Maintenance - Gardeners in Astley Park in Chorley, UK are pleased with their new Gator. The vehicle is used to manage the woodland, keep footpaths clear and maintain the flowering gardens. According to Councillor Eric Bell, Chorley Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, “The new machine is a lot more versatile. It means that our gardeners can reach all parts of the magnificent Astley Park a lot easier saving time and money .” Learn more: Chorleycitizen.co.uk

Forest Preserve Policing & Trolley – Managers of the Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville, IL are looking for sponsorship to support the acquisition of electric vehicles for policing and transporting tourists around the grounds.  The vehicles from Cruise Car are electric powered and supplanted with solar power which can increase vehicle range by 30 percent.  The police vehicle is small enough for patrolling on trails and according to Mike Tully, the district’s director of operations and public safety, “It’s a very visible vehicle but at the same time it’s not obtrusive. It’s approachable. It doesn’t give you that police-car-on-the-prowl look.”  Vehicle sponsors would have their company logos and graphics prominently placed on the vehicles.  Learn more:  Dailyherald.com

Eco Trans Alliance & Cruise Car Partnership Targets Low Speed Applications

Eco Trans Alliance (ETA) and Cruise Car announced a corporate partnership that will be targeting low speed settings such as colleges, resorts, military bases, federal and local governments, residential communities, golf courses, and corporate campuses. ETA will provide solar-electric vehicle and battery technology including SunRay Solar Top Conversion Kits and Eco Ports solar-electric charging stations for Cruise Car electric vehicles. According to management the conversion kits extend vehicle range by 5-10 miles per day of driving while reducing electricity costs and the carbon footprint. Learn more: PRnewswire.com

Company News

Global Motor Services – This newcomer to the electric vehicle market is using former Bears coach Mike Ditka to promote their products.  Their current line-up includes a converted Chevy Aveo and a three-wheeled scooter.  They expect to add an LSV in the future and currently have dealers in San Diego, New Jersey, Las Vegas and Chicago.  Learn more:  Autobloggreen

Zap – Zap has shipped a Zaptruck XL equipped with a solar panel to a large government agency.  The solar panel supplements normal charging and provides some extra range. Learn more:  Zjucnc.org

Also the company has been awarded “…an engineering prototype contract for the design and development of an electric mail truck.”  This project is for converting a US Postal Service gas vehicle to electric propulsion.  Learn more:  Autobloggreen

Cruise Car - Adam Sulimirski has been promoted to the position of General Manager from Global Sales Director.  Learn more:  Madduxpress.com

Chicago Adds Solar Recharging Station For NEVs

In July the Chicago Office of Fleet Management installed a solar powered recharging station on the banks of the Chicago River near the borders of Logan Square and Lincoln Park. The station will be used by the city’s fleet of seven NEVs as well as nearly 100 Segways and a hybrid vehicle. According to the city the power station produces about 10 kilowatts of power on a sunny day or enough to recharge approximately 10 Segway vehicles. Learn more: Medill Reports Chicago

SolarMotion Laboratories Partners With Southwest Section PGA

Arizona based SolarMotion Laboratories has become a Technology Sponsor  of the Southwest Section PGA.  The company makes solar powered golf car roofs that are compatible with golf cars from the three leading manufacturers, E-Z-Go, Club Car and Yamaha.  SolarMotion plans to launch their product in the next two months and the solar roofs will come with a four year warrantee.  According to management, the company has partnered with Standard Renewable Energy and Kyocera Solar. Learn more:  Russellchrist.wordpress.com