The EcoV is a homegrown alternative to gas-guzzler vehicles.
Detroit has been the name on many lips daily in recent months - alas, primarily for bad news. What the world has seen here is corrupt and inept city leadership, a lack of fiscal capability in the public schools, monumental economic woes, and the non-ending automotive financial saga.
But, as alternatives for transportation have come to the front of the lobe, there is a new vision in vehicular movement. Among the stories circulating is the one about EnVironmental Transportation Solutions, LLC, a Wayne County company. It has developed, marketed and is soon to manufacture an urban and city-based electric low-speed vehicle.
Nicknamed the EcoV, it was created as an alternative to gas-guzzlers and works for private use as well as a roadworthy fleet innovation. This niche product is also priced at less than $10,000 and is practical for all four seasons.
The EcoV reaches speeds of 25 miles per hour, a legal plug-in variety with respectable road capabilities - all the while providing a green answer to the existing counterparts. The ride is typically automotive, with applicable comfort, safety and dependability, and can legally be used on all streets posting a 35 mph or less speed limit.
Six years of development resulted in a running prototype, and the family of vehicles offers serious versatility. For a mere 50 cents' electricity, between 25 and 40 miles can be traveled, with expandable ranges available.
President Richard Marks says there are already customers waiting to test and buy the eco-friendly product. And, leaving a zero-carbon footprint is what environmentalists seek in a green car, which has completely recyclable parts.
"We've broken all the rules," he said. "We are a niche company building a niche product in niche volumes - less than 30,000 units per year - for a low-cost niche market. But, we are profitable."
Variations of both passenger and commercial cars and trucks are available.
Six- and eight-passenger vehicles make green cars more versatile.
In the commercial fleet, models include a flatbed truck, and units for police and postal services that cost about two cents per mile to run. Private vehicles range from small to multiple passenger ones. There is a half-ton payload whether traveling uphill or downhill, and it's quiet to operate.
The EcoV battery can be changed in less than 30 minutes, and the estimated replacement cost every three to four years is about $1,200. Charges can occur with either 110- or 220 volts.
Marks was an early mechanical and electrical tinkerer. Following formal education at the University of Maryland and Cornell, he worked for General Motors' Research Labs in Warren.
With 25 years in the GM driver's seat, Marks' last five entailed development on the EV1 electric vehicle program and EV conversions. Subsequent experience gathered experimenting with Toyota and Suzuki models added knowledge both within and outside of Michigan. It all added up to a background necessary to begin his own enterprise.
Based on the premise that few electric vehicles will succeed due to their manufacturers' lack of auto company knowledge/experience with transportation products, EcoVElectric already has substantial funding lined up. With $6 million in equity, the company needs another $3 million in capital, says Marks, along with $5 million in debt to expand production. They can be in production in nine months, and break even at less than 2,000 vehicles per year.
More than 1,200 jobs could also be forthcoming, says Marks.
But, he is still waiting on a green light in his own home state. Government encouragement has been sorely lacking.
Among future endeavors, Marks plans to write a guide for car-owners with how-to's in converting gas cars to electric drive. His goal, he says, is to make conversions less about a science experiment and more about safe, reliable and economical vehicles.
When was the last time you heard the words safe, reliable and economical associated with the Motor City?
For more info:
http://www.examiner.com/x-621-Green-Business-Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-760-Business-News-Examiner
http://EcoVElectric.blogspot.com
Keep up with the auto and buzziness scene!
Comments
I can go faster on my bicycle.
This won't go anywhere unless they can up the speed. 25 mph for a police fleet? LOL, are you kidding?
"When was the last time you heard the words safe, reliable and economical associated with the Motor City?"
Ignorant and uninformed.
Mike,
I will race you 40 miles on your bike and oh, let's do it when its raining or snowing. You will drink and eat more than 50 cents to do it as well. and I release no CO2! But that is not EcoV's purpose. It works in many applications where the users do not have to go fast or far. How about city mail delivery? or universities? or parking enforcement, air ports, security patrols, meter readers, etc. Or how about retirement, resort, and Master Planned community residents? And even urban families just doing short trips around down? EcoV is not the do all, end all in transportation and it does not work for everyone. But that is just fine. But for 2 cents a mile and you can carry a 1000 lbs (do that on your bike) it is an environmental transportation solution.
Knowledgeable and informed.
My name is Richard Schliep and I own a small business in Vancleave MIssissippi. I want to offer a business proposition to those who believe in Holistic medicine and the importance of Pro-Biotics in our diet. This ios NOT a scam, I feel bad for those who have or will loose their jobs in your state. Visit my web site at www.Bio-Drops.com. I hope to hear from you as my products are state of the art and sell themselves to "aware" Americans. Thanks .Dick Schliep Focus Products USA.
Thanks to Mike, Rich and Dick for their comments.
Mike, yes, the obvious question is speed, but there are many other areas that such vehicles have use in, regardless of minimal speed limitations--as was pointed out. Therefore, addressing that obvious point, who really appears ignorant and uninformed? LOL.
Rich, you raise some excellent issues and further illuminate the reason for my writing this article. Thanks for your intelligent feedback.
Dick, I'm not sure how many line-workers or office bosses will embrace a career in holistic medicine, but since many may have no choice but to be flexible, you raise an important fact: Detroiters surely need to keep open minds and consider career changes when the chips are down. Now more than ever.
Sincerely,
Wendy Clem
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!