More Sustainability Driven Purchases

The University of Chicago recently added three e-Ride electric utility vehicles to their fleet.  The LSVs are replacing two gas powered trucks and a van and are the University’s first foray into all electric vehicles.  The vehicles will be used mostly by the facilities department in their carpentry or painting shops during a pilot phase to understand how to best use the vehicles.  In the future more of these type of vehicles are expected to be purchased as part of a sustainability program.  Learn more:  Blogs.uchicago.edu/dirt

Update:  In a related story, Missouri State University students purchased a Vantage EVX1000 electric utility truck for student workers who collect recyclables on campus.  The student sustainability fund was used to finance the $24,000 purchase.  The recycling program is expected to now be more efficient with a dedicated vehicle that expands access to off-campus university buildings downtown.  Learn more:  News-leader.com

What’s Cooking on the STOV

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

Pheasant Gamekeeper UTV – Park House Pheasantries in the UK uses three Kubota RTV900’s to manage their gamekeeping operation which involves rearing up to 50,000 pheasants a year for small to large shoots.  The UTVs are used for a variety of tasks including game crop spraying with a front mounted sprayer, hauling feed, dumping gravel, pulling out stuck vehicles and transporting dogs.  Besides the horsepower, ground clearance and power steering the owner purchased the street legal version of the vehicle to provide additional flexibility.  Learn more:  Constructionnewsportal.com

LSV Police Patrol Vehicles – The Wetumpka Police Department in Alabama recently purchased two GEMs for use at community events and patrolling select neighborhoods.  Obtained with grant money, the department likes the smaller size and relatively silent vehicles for nighttime patrols and community events.  They also expect to save money on fuel and maintenance costs.  Learn more: Blog.al.com

Rural Real Estate Selling – A Wisconsin real estate agent specializing in selling properties for hunting, recreation and rural homes uses a Polaris Ranger to show clients around various properties.  The rural and sometimes large size of the tracts require a vehicle with off-road capabilities to provide clients with an up close look at the properties.  Learn more:  Wisconsin State Journal

Park Maintenance – Wisconsin’s state parks department recently purchased 15 E-Ride electric vehicles from E-Ride Industries for cleaning and maintenance at parks around the state. Some units were customized with full-length aluminum enclosures to protect the payload.  Compared to the full-size trucks they replace, the vehicles cost less up front to purchase, have lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs and a smaller carbon footprint.  In addition, the parks department has received positive feedback regarding the vehicles from park visitors.  Learn more:  WisBusiness.com

Discovery Energy To Be e-Ride’s Battery Supplier

Discovery Energy of Vancouver has been named the exclusive supplier of batteries to LSV manufacturer e-Ride Industries. Discover Energy’s Clean and Green EV Traction Dry Cell Batteries will be used in the vehicles. The batteries are non-hazardous and maintenance free. For the transportation market e-Ride offers the exv4 and for the utility market the exv2. Learn more: EVWorld.com