News
Vectrix Provides Sustainable Transport for EcoFestival de Cannes
The Vectrix electric maxi scooter will play a starring role at this year's Cannes Film Festival, transporting personnel around town during the three day star filled extravaganza. Villa Rothschild, the sumptuous "pink villa", hosts The Eco Festival aimed at demonstrating that sustainable living is for everyone and can be achieved without compromising on the luxuries of modern living. Vectrix will provide transport for the production teams, visitors to the festival as well as the celebrities themselves demonstrating its supreme handling and agility, top speed of 100km/h, acceleration of 0-80 in 6.8 seconds and a range of up to 110km.
The Vectrix electric maxi scooter is the world's first high performance, zero emission bike which is ideally suited for getting around town quickly and easily through the traffic, but without harmful emissions being expelled into the air we breathe.
Download PDF
Read More »
Westminster City Council juices up electric cars
Commuters walking behind Westminster City Hall this morning could be forgiven for thinking something highly mysterious was going on, as a group of around 25 people –– some in suits and heels –– were staring at and photographing what bore an uncanny resemblance to two high-tech parking metres. These two "pieces of elegant kit", as Councillor Alan Bradley described them, were in fact two new electric vehicle charging points.
Today ten new Juice Points –– as the street charging points are nicknamed –– were officially switched on around Westminster City Council following a successful pilot scheme of two Juice Points in Covent Garden. Part of today's buzz at City Hall came from the sleek collection of the latest electric vehicles surrounding the two Juice Points, including the new TH!NK, the classic G-Wiz, a Smith electric truck and the Vectrix motorbike.
Read entire article
Read More »
When Scott Michener talks about electric scooters, he's also talking about the world in which his children will grow up.
"I definitely want the environment to be around for them," said Michener as he displayed Vectrix electric scooters from Montgomeryville Cycle Center at the May 3 Green Fair at Care & Share Shoppes and Ten Thousand Villages in Hilltown Township.
With gasoline–powered scooters getting 50 to 100 miles per gallon, scooters can be a good way to fight high gas prices, Michener said, but the electric version has even more benefits. "It's 100 percent electric, zero emissions," Michener said.
The electric scooters are a relatively new addition to the Montgomeryville Cycle line, but have been in the works for more than a decade, said Michener who does Internet sales and other jobs for Montgomeryville Cycle.
"We've only had them for about a month and we've already sold a couple," Michener said. Gas prices are a part of the reason people are interested in things such as the scooters, but not the sole reason, he said. "It's not only about saving money on gas. It's also about the environment," Michener said. More than a dozen displays at the Green Fair demonstrated ways to recycle and reuse, be more energy efficient, and be environmentally friendly.
"Every industry has to go in the direction of not just green, but being more energy conscious," said Don Deily, a Bergey's Electric store employee and electrician.
Read More »
Force India Partner with Vectrix
As part of its environmental policy and endeavours to reduce its carbon footprint, the Force India Formula One Team is delighted to announce a partnership with Vectrix UK Ltd, the producers of the world's first pure-performance, zero emission, electric maxi-scooter.
Vectrix will supply the team with two Force India-branded electric maxi-scooters to use at races, tests and at its Silverstone factory. The pioneering bikes run exclusively on battery power, which is recharged by plugging the onboard charger into any standard electrical outlet. Fully-charged, each bike has a range of up to 68 miles, making the Vectrix the 'greenest' way to get around. With each bike having an acceleration of 0-50 in 6.8 seconds and top speed of 62mph, the team won't be compromising on performance either.
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and managing director of Force India, commented, 'As a Formula One racing team we are well aware of our responsibility to off-set our carbon emissions from Grand Prix, testing and travelling around the globe and the Vectrix bikes are a practical and innovative way to continue our policies. They're a great product; versatile, fast and cheap to run, they will be a very welcome addition to the team on events.'
Alex Bamberg, managing director of Vectrix UK said, "We are very excited to be partnering Force India and supporting their efforts to reduce their carbon output. From the outset they are demonstrating their commitment to minimize the environmental effect of the team by using the zero emission Vectrix. And as a consumer product available to all, whether driving to work or around an F1 race circuit we can all participate in the global race against climate change."
As the first company to design, develop, assemble and sell pure-performance, zero emission, two-wheel electric vehicles, Vectrix has incorporated several leading-edge patented technologies to give the lowest environmental impact of any comparable vehicle, car or maxi-scooter, according to the European Union's Cleaner Drive rating. The bikes are now a unique solution to the chronic problems of vehicle emissions, urban congestion and high fuel costs and the maxi-scooter is just the start. Its unique engineering platform and research team will allow Vectrix to develop a broad product range to respond to growing consumer and corporate demand for carbon neutral vehicles and the urgent need to de- carbonise road transport worldwide.
Read More »
Vectrix Announces Dealer Finance Program with GE Capital Solutions
Multi-million dollar floor planning program will encourage Vectrix dealer growth throughout North America
Middletown, R.I.—Vectrix Corporation (www.vectrix.com), the maker of the world's first high performance, two-wheel zero emission vehicle (ZEV), today announces a new Dealer Finance Program with GE Capital Solutions' Commercial Distribution Finance to provide inventory floor planning for North American Vectrix dealers.
GE's Commercial Distribution Finance, a leader in Powersports financing, will offer Vectrix dealers an inventory floor planning program allowing them the capability of having on hand an inventory of Vectrix ZEVs in showrooms for sale to consumers.
Commenting on the agreement, Chris Moe, Chief Financial officer of Vectrix said: "We are very excited to announce that GE will provide inventory floor planning for North American Vectrix dealers. We selected GE because of its commitment to environmental initiatives under its Ecomagination strategy. In addition, GE is well respected in the Powersports industry and this Dealer Finance Program demonstrates Vectrix's commitment to building a world class dealer network. This agreement enables Vectrix to offer floor planning for both existing and new dealers facilitating rapid dealer growth."
Chris Moe continued: "Vectrix began its early release of its ZEV in the second half of 2007 with five US dealerships. Over the course of the last week, and as a result in part of the prospect of availability of GE floor planning, six additional US dealerships have been added. Vectrix is now well positioned to continue a planned major expansion of its North American distribution network as the Company is better able to assist dealers in meeting their financing requirements."
Sam Yourd, Vice President Marketing, GE Capital Solutions added: "Existing Dealers have expressed an interest in the product and have begun financing it with us. We look forward to helping Vectrix get more ZEVs on the road and expanding its dealer network."
Enquiries to:
VECTRIX Corporation
Chris Moe, Chief Financial Officer — (401) 848-9993
GE Capital Solutions
Sam Yourd, VP Marketing — (949) 225-2078
Redleaf Communications vectrix@redleafpr.com
Emma Kane / Paul Dulieu — +44 (0)20 7822 0200
HSBC
Nick Donald / Nic Hellyer — +44 (0)20 7991 8888
About Vectrix Corporation
- Vectrix listed on AIM in May 2007 and is the developer of the world's first high performance, zero emission, electric motorcycle which is at least 10 times more powerful than existing electric power two wheel vehicles.
- Vectrix Corporation is dedicated to developing and commercializing zero emission vehicle platform technologies focused on two-wheel applications. Longer term, Vectrix plans to develop environmentally sensitive technologies for other segments within the transportation industry.
- Vectrix is headquartered in Middletown, Rhode Island, USA, has a modern vehicle assembly facility in Wroclaw, Poland and an R&D center in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
- Vectrix was awarded the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation and Leadership in Alternative Vehicle Technologies.
- Transportation is the largest single source of air pollution in the world. A typical motorcycle/scooter produces significantly more CO2 and pollutants than a large diesel truck, and far more than a modern low emission automobile. The Vectrix bike utilizes innovative zero-emission technology, offering customers a clean, affordable, and much needed alternative.
About GE
GE Capital Solutions, Commercial Distribution Finance, is a leading provider of specialized financing products and services for various industries. Offerings include inventory financing, accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management, e-commerce services and related financial products. Additional information about CDF can be found online at www.ge.com/cdf.
GE Capital Solutions provides leasing, lending and capital investment products and services to help business customers grow. It has over $100 billion in assets, serves more than 1 million clients around the world and is headquartered in Danbury, Conn., USA. For more on GE Capital Solutions, go to www.ge.com/capitalsolutions. GE (NYSE:GE) is Imagination at Work — a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
Read More »
Electric Avenue
Yoga teacher Debbie Ketter rolls into a low-enviro-impact life on an electric scooter
Seven years into her yoga practice, Debbie Ketter enrolled in a monthlong teacher training program at Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachussetts. There, the mother of six from Easton, Pennsylvania, found her connection with nature reawakened. On returning home, she made life-altering choices, such as getting certified so she could teach yoga to cancer patients and high school students. She also descided to be more environmentally conscious. When she joined her husband at a test-drive event for the Vectrix, an all electric zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), she decided to trade in her gas-guzzling SUV for this smaller, more eco-friendly alternative.
"With our kids going to college and gas prices inching up to four dollars per gallon, it seemed a smart choice for the environment and our budget, " she says, "Plus, it was fun to drive." Last October, Ketter became the first woman in the United States to buy a Vectrix — a low-maintenance maxiscooter that reaches a speed of 62 mph. Vectrix has no emissions and requires no gas-it's nickel-metal hydride battery plugs into a regular 110/220V outlet and charges in two to three hours. She uses it for daily commutes to Easton Yoga and to a high school where she teaches a mix of Kripalu, DansKinetics, and Svaroopa-style yoga classes. Ketter says her choice to drive a Vectrix is a reflection of her values. "I'm doing my best to find ways to tread more lightly." - Kelly Prentice
Article from May, 2008 issue of Yoga Journal
Read More »
Foreign Affairs Auto is First Florida Dealer to Sell All–Electric Vectrix
West Palm Beach dealer to showcase the first two–wheel zero emission vehicle at "Green for Life" festival April 19 in Bryant Park
As the first active Vectrix dealer in Florida, Foreign Affairs will showcase Vectrix at the "Green for Life" festival on April 19, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Earth Day event, to be held at Bryant Park along the Intracoastal Waterway in Lake Worth, features entertainment and activities that will help residents lead a greener way of life.
Vectrix ZEVs are the first two wheelers to offer performance and style along with a clean, efficient, electric motor. Engineered to provide an eco–friendly, powerful alternative for commuting and recreational needs, the highway legal Vectrix:
- Reaches top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds.
- Has an average range of 35–55 miles on a single charge.
- Weighs 515 pounds, has a 60–inch wheelbase and 30–inch seat height, and seats two comfortably.
- Offers low running costs (operates at about one penny per mile), minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
"We think people in south Florida will enjoy the Vectrix, which offers performance and style along with a clean, efficient, electric engine," said Andrew MacGowan, founder and president of Vectrix. "Vectrix provides reliable and affordable transportation for commuting and recreational needs, helping relieve traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and parking hassles."
Compared to traditional gasoline scooters that can produce up to 10 times the pollution of an average automobile, Vectrix is totally emissions free. It is virtually silent and highly efficient–a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent.
"We're excited to be the first dealer in the area to offer the 100 percent electric Vectrix," said Jonathan Ortiz, owner of Foreign Affairs Auto, Inc. "With zero emissions, it's the greenest commuting and recreational option available in Florida, and we look forward to educating our customers about it."
Vectrix is more cost efficient than gas or hybrid vehicles, since electricity is now one–tenth the cost of gasoline. The Vectrix Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack has an estimated life of up to 10 years based on 5,000 miles per year. An onboard charger plugs into any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack about 80 percent in just 2.5 hours.
ophisticated design efficiencies of the smart, sleek Vectrix include a high–efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling.
For consumers with urban commutes, Vectrix is both convenient and cost effective. The driver can stop and go with one hand by simply twisting the throttle back for acceleration and twisting it forward to slow down smoothly and safely. Fast acceleration and handling make it easy and safe to zip in and out of traffic.
Foreign Affairs Auto is located at:
1681 North Military Trail,
West Palm Beach, Fla.,
and can be reached at 561–478–9999.
Vectrix In the Boston Marathon
World's first high–performance, all–electric zero emission vehicle (ZEV) sets the pace for the world's oldest, most prestigious marathon
Boston, Mass.–April 10, 2008– Vectrix, the world's first all-electric two-wheel zero emission vehicle (ZEV), will set the pace in front of the runners April 21 for the Boston Marathon.
Three Vectrix vehicles will ride ahead of the runners along the 26-mile route, escorting Race Director Dave McGillivray and race photographers from start to finish. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), sponsor of the marathon since its inception, chose Vectrix for its zero emission technology. "Studies have shown that fuel emissions may have potential adverse effects on runners," said Ron Kramer, lead vehicle coordinator for the B.A.A. "We are especially concerned with those vehicles that are closest to the runners, and Vectrix electric vehicles will eliminate any adverse effects."
Read More »
Electric bike has celebrity status
The folks at Newport–based Vectrix must be giving themselves high-fives after they persuaded comedian and Tonight Show host Jay Leno to take a spin on one of their all-electric scooters.
Vectrix makes a sleek, geometrically designed two–wheel vehicle that could easily pass for a maxi-scooter. It weighs 462 pounds, can accelerate to 50 mph in 6.8 seconds, and has a wide seat that can accommodate a rider and passenger. It retails for $11,000.
The company opened its first retail store in the United States last August in Newport.
Jeff Morrill, who heads marketing at Vectrix, contacted Leno because of the comedian's interest in cars, maxi-scooters and electric vehicles, according to Gary Kimball, a spokesman for Vectrix. "Jeff asked him if he was interested in test driving, and he was."
Leno maintains a garage in Southern California in which he collects all types of cars and maxi-scooters. He features many of them on a Web site, www.jaylenosgarage.com . The site includes videos of Leno driving his favorites.
Leno and his crew made an 8–minute video in which he checks out the bike in his garage with the help of Morrill and another Vectrix executive. Then Leno puts on a helmet and takes a spin himself.
"To be honest with you, I didn't want to like it," Leno says in the video, as he rides the scooter. "But I do, actually. It goes pretty good. It really does have more than enough horsepower."
Vectrix did not pay Leno for the segment, Kimball said.
The video can be viewed at www.jaylenosgarage.com
Original Article at Reuters
Read More »
Way better than the subway
There are plenty of ways to get around New York City, not all of them savory – subway, bus, car, taxi, bike, shoe-leather – but few offer the environmental cachet of the plug–in electric motorbike. Sleek, slim and silent, the Vectrix two–seater owned by filmmaker Michael Bergmann is definitely preferable to rocketing around town under almost any other kind of power. The ride from the East Side to the West Side one recent evening was an absolute pleasure, with less ambient noise than a golf cart as we zoomed across Central Park.
"I've always felt that enjoying life in New York to the fullest requires a way to get around New York," Bergmann said later in an e–mail. "A way that's quiet and up on the surface so you can enjoy the varied life and changing neighborhoods as you travel. That requires a vehicle that's street legal (so I don't worry about being stopped or having it confiscated), always available, that isn't hard to park, that doesn't contribute to congestion or pollution (air or noise), that can carry the amount of stuff one ordinarily carries, and carry a passenger as well. So as soon as I found out about the Vectrix I wanted one."
Vectrix, headquartered in Rhode Island, first started selling its electric plug–in motorbikes in Europe and is now expanding in the U.S. market. The company bills its plug–in model as "an advanced zero–emission, battery–powered maxi-scooter," with comparable performance to a 400cc gas–powered maxi-scooter.
Bergmann and his wife Meredith, a sculptor, use the bike as their principal mode of transport around Manhattan. The Vectrix gets parked and plugged in in the underground garage at their apartment house, where they pay for half a parking space, with electricity included. It gets about 40 miles (65 km) to a charge, which is enough to get around New York's five boroughs, and Michael figures the company's claim that it can get up to 62 miles (100 km) per hour is accurate, since he's been able to accelerate uphill on the FDR Drive, no mean feat.
Bergmann has always been an early adopter of new technology, and he's no exception here. You can see what he's done in the film world.
He admits there's one drawback: the price. His model cost $11,000. But he reckons that, because of where and how he and his wife live, "it will pay for itself in taxis not taken in two years."
Original Article at Reuters
Read More »
Vectrix Building U.S. Retail Network
Although headquartered in Newport, R.I., Vectrix first sought to establish its brand of electric scooter in Europe, where scootering is a long-accepted form of transportation.
The sales network is most developed in Italy, and success there has funded growth into other parts of Europe. "Our goal is to open 20 Vectrix flagship stores by the end of the second quarter in 2008," says Roberto Mucci, managing director of sales, Vectrix Europe. "In addition to the opening of single-brand dealerships, we plan to identify 120 new sales outlets in selected dealerships in strategic cities."
"The initial focus in the United States has been on the high-end markets in California, Florida, Texas, Utah and Washington, and we are now turning our efforts to the development of the network in New York, Virginia, Oregon and others," says Scott Williams, global sales director, Vectrix Corp.
"The right choice of people at all levels is of fundamental importance for achieving the strategic objectives we have set ourselves," adds Mucci. "We believe that the sales network is a fundamental asset for the development of our brand, and this is the reason we are very selective in our choice of partners."
Original Article at DealerNews.com
Read More »
Kerry sees New Bedford firm scoot'n along
Massachusetts' Harley-Davidson-riding U.S. Senator John F. Kerry got on an all-electric scooter here Monday and proclaimed it a vehicle of the future.
That endorsement of the Vectrix zero-emissions vehicle was exactly what company and city officials were looking to hear.
Sen. Kerry, a Democrat, talked about going "beyond fossil fuels" and "really exciting great possibilities" and "how you turn around America" during a tour of the Vectrix Corporation's local operations off Samuel Barnet Boulevard in the New Bedford Business Park.
Speaking to about 35 company employees and others gathered at Vectrix, he also struck a chord when he talked about potential future federal tax incentives for zero-emissions vehicles such as the Vectrix — which sells for about $11,000.
Company officials said that federal or state tax incentives and rebates could be an important factor in boosting sales of the all-electric scooter, which costs about twice as much as a similar gasoline-powered two-wheeler.
Currently, California offers a $1,500 rebate, Colorado offers a tax incentive that can go as high as $4,600 and Georgia offers buyers a $2,000 incentive.
Sen. Kerry, who keeps a Harley-Davidson Wide Glide in Boston — a bike known among Harley fans as a "Switchblade" — took a couple of spins around the parking lot on the Vectrix for the benefit of television and news photographers.
He said the Vectrix was relatively easy to ride and quick.
Rest of Article at South Coast Today.com
Read More »
Vectrix Featured on CNNMoney
This planet-friendly commuter bike is even greener than a hybrid.
Visit CNNMoney.com to view the video.
Read More »
Vectrix Names Armorit Exclusive Distributor of its Zero Emission Vehicles to U.S. Department of Defense
Armorit will market Vectrix 100% electric 2- and 3-wheel vehicles to the Department of Defense (DOD) and military personnel stationed overseas.
Vectrix Corporation (www.vectrixusa.com), maker of the world’s first high performance, two- and three-wheel zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), and Armorit, LLC (www.armorit.com), a product development and delivery provider to military markets, have reached a three-year agreement for Armorit to serve as the exclusive distributor of Vectrix ZEVs to the U.S. military.
Under the agreement, Armorit has exclusive rights to distribute the Vectrix two-wheel and V3 (three-wheel) vehicles outside of the United States to the U.S. Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) using their established contracting process. Armorit will distribute Vectrix both to the U.S. military and to military personnel stationed overseas.
“We’re excited to announce this exclusive agreement with Armorit and supply the U.S. DOD with high-performance, all-electric, zero emission transportation,” said Andrew MacGowan, president and founder of Vectrix. “We expect our vehicles to help the military meet the requirements of the recent Presidential Executive Order (EO) that requires government agencies to reduce to their consumption of petroleum products.”
In addition to distributing current Vectrix models, Armorit has the ability to modify the current configurations of Vectrix models for tactical and special utility uses as specified by the military customer.
“Given the high performance and near silent drive of the zero-emission Vectrix, we believe Vectrix will have significant applications in DOD facilities for base level support functions and other activities suitable for small utility vehicles,” said Floyd Asbury, president of Armorit. “Additionally, its low-heat signature and ability to operate in a silent or stealth mode are critical characteristics that also opens up multiple opportunities for tactical applications.”
Armorit is also permitted to make sales of Vectrix on a non-exclusive basis to any government entity.
The Vectrix was introduced in the United States in 2007 and is currently being marketed to consumers and government fleets. The first high performance, two-wheel zero emission vehicle (ZEV) in the world, Vectrix features low running costs, minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
Vectrix:
- Reaches a top speed of 62 mph
- Accelerates from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds
- Has an average range of 35-55 miles on a single charge.
The V3 is expected to market in 2009.
Compared to traditional gasoline powered small vehicles that can produce up to 10 times the pollution of an average automobile, Vectrix models are totally emissions free. They’re virtually silent and highly efficient—a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent. An onboard charger plugs in to any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack in just two to three hours.
Sophisticated design efficiencies of Vectrix include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling.
About Armorit
Armorit, a service disabled veteran owned and managed company, serves the government, military and commercial markets with product development and delivery, systems engineering and integration, electrical, industrial and mechanical design, and life cycle support. Based in Sarasota, Fla., the company’s product development and delivery experience covers hybrid electric vehicles, military vehicle components, transportation and consumer electronic products, digital and analog instruments, fuel cells, emergency lighting systems, lightweight composite and surgical tools, antenna structures, wireless medical devices, exercise equipment, marine products and personal watercraft.
Read More »
Sacramento Police Sup Up their Ride
Sacramento is the second city to participate in this pilot program with Vectrix, (the first highway-legal all electric scooter) where the company leases 4 scooters to the city for a period of 4 months and for just $1 a scooter.
On a breezy Wednesday morning, just as the clouds were breaking, the sun was shining through and the birds were starting to chirp, the Mayor of Sacramento Heather Fargo, wearing a green sweater and green leaf earrings, announced that the city is taking greening one step further. Sacramento is the second city to participate in this pilot program with Vectrix, (the first highway-legal all electric scooter) where the company leases 4 scooters to the city for a period of 4 months and for just $1 a scooter. What a deal.
Sacramento is the first city in California to participate in the program and it’s in part due to the tenacity of city officials in making sure this partnership came together. The scooters will be given to the parking enforcement and later used by the police force when the lights, which will also be run off of the onboard battery system, are on installed.
Treehugger has covered the Vectrix scooter before in 2005 and you can find most of their stats here and again to announce its arrival. The coolest part is that you can plug this bad boy into a regular wall outlet and in 2-3 hours it’s 100% charged and ready to go. They took a test ride after the press conference around the streets of Sacramento and it was so much fun. The bike is pretty quiet but really takes off, going 0-50 in just 7 seconds. With just a helmet between you and the car next to you, that'll get your heart pumpin.
And if you need a little more sugar on an already sweet deal, for residents in California that is, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is now offering a $1500 rebate for residents, government agencies and businesses that purchase the Vectrix. The rebate is retroactive up to May 2007, so the early birds are not penalized.
On another note, Vectrix company is working on a concept maxi-scooter which will reach 125 mph, as opposed to the 62 of the Vectrix.
Read More »
Leonardo DiCaprio on a Vectrix!
Vectrix is grabbing some star association and turning the heads of those on the A-list with a penchant for motorbikes.
Read More » [Ecorazzi]
Alt Fuel Vehicle Consumer Rebates
On February 22, 2008, CARB issued a press release announcing that they are offering up to $5,000 in rebates to Californians who purchase alternative fuel and electric vehicles.
Under the Fueling Alternatives rebate program administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy, $1.62 million in funding will be dispensed. The program is part of $25 million of overall funding that came out of Assembly Bill 1811 -- authored by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) and passed in 2007 -- which promotes alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles. The rebates are available for qualifying vehicles that are purchased or leased between May 24, 2007 and March 31, 2009, unless funding runs out first.
Rebates up to $3,000 are available for Honda and BAF Technologies compressed natural gas vehicles, $1,500 for the Vectrix zero emission maxi-scooter, and between $950 and $1,300 for certain models of the GEM neighborhood electric vehicle. Up to $5,000 is available for full-function zero emission vehicles once they are added to the list of eligible vehicles.
To receive a rebate, vehicles must be ARB-certified (with the exception of zero emission maxi-scooters), comply with all federal motor vehicle safety standards, and meet a minimum manufacturer warranty. ARB staff are anticipating most of the rebates to be taken up by consumers who have bought eligible vehicles since last May, and have been waiting for the state funding to be allocated before submitting their rebate applications.
Read More »
New electric maxi-scooter zips along nicely for pennies per mile
Bay Area zero-emission advocates got their first test ride Thursday on a zippy new all-electric maxi-scooter that can take two commuters on a silent freeway ride that will cost them just pennies in electrical power.
At $11,000, the Vectrix may be a bit pricey, but it is a first of sorts and it will probably appeal to the same high-income people who have ordered the $100,000 all-electric Tesla sports car. "We want to get to the right consumer demographics," said Jeff Morrill, Vectrix's managing director for marketing. "It's for urban commuting, and it targets environmentalists, active (electric power) enthusiasts."
One of those was Marc Geller, a San Francisco photographer who owns a rare all-electric Toyota RAV4. He said of the Vectrix: "I've ridden it and it's fantastic. It's all about the (electric) plug and environmental concerns, petroleum concerns. I think it's totally cool, compared to that noisy piece of crap."
He was referring to a loud gas-powered vehicle that sped past as a few Vectrixes quietly tooled around the Presidio's main parade ground in a public demonstration of the new electric maxi-scooter.
The Vectrix is a lot like other scooters - it has the normal right-hand twist grip for power, similar to scooters. On a 20-minute ride, a Chronicle reporter found it was pretty good in the zippy department, quite comfortable and, yes, very quiet.
It handled well, its fit and finish seemed good, and it had a trunk under its passenger seat that was large enough to accommodate a maxi-scooter helmet. But overall it wasn't much different from other, much less expensive, gas-powered scooters.
The 462-pound Vectrix electric maxi-scooter takes two hours to recharge its batteries on 220-volt house current and three hours on a 110-volt current. Its makers say it has a top speed of 62 mph and, when traveling at a constant speed of 40 to 45 mph, has a range of about 60 miles on a charge. It is freeway legal and is sold in San Francisco by British Motor Cars.
The Vectrix looks a lot like modern scooters made by Honda and Suzuki. Its major departure is the fact that it is powered by a small electric motor affixed to the rear wheel. Otherwise it feels the same as its gas-powered brethren.
But it's the price that gets people.
"Eleven thousand dollars? It's bloody insane," said Morris Friedlander, a veteran scooter and maxi-scooter dealer. Friedlander, who said he last operated an East Bay dealership for about a year, said most prospective scooter buyers are looking for economical transportation.
He said a typical scooter buyer might spend $3,000 or more - sometimes up to $8,000 - for a new gasoline-powered scooter that will run circles around the Vectrix and still get 50 to 80 mpg.
After riding the Vectrix, Friedlander said, "the speed is acceptable and the weight is well balanced and the brakes worked well. The downside is that its appearance is derivative" of other motor scooters.
Greg Beemer, who commutes 55 miles roundtrip each day on his $7,000 Aprilia 500cc scooter, said he was impressed with the Vectrix.
"To begin with, it's silent," he said, "and it's inexpensive to run and to maintain." He paused for a moment, then added, "But that price. That's something they'll have to overcome."
Read More »
The Vectrix ZEV Makes its International Cycle World Motorcycle Show Debut
It is this years hottest form of transportation. An electric maxi-scooter that goes from 0-50 MPH in 6.8 seconds, the Vectrix ZEV has taken design and performance to a new level. This completely green, luxurious, fully electric vehicle isnt available yet at any Los Angeles dealerships, but Vectrix will ship one right to your home for a test drive.
The Vectrix ZEV features innovative DaART technology that allows for braking and acceleration with the ease of twisting the throttle. Another unprecedented convenience: you can charge the battery using any 110 volt charger, with a charge time of only two hours and a distance of up to 68 miles. For safety, Vectrix has also added top-of-the-line Brembo brakes, and for style, a variation of vibrant colors including red, green, silver and blue.
Vectrix takes presentation very seriously. Even the company's delivery trucks are stylish! Each one features not just storage space, but also plasma screens ready to do an on-screen show at every stop. Your Vectrix ZEV will arrive ready to go Ñ in all of its fully branded, silver-studded glory and with your own Vectrix expert on board ready to answer all of your questions.
For more information, please contact David at British Motor Cars, (415) 776-7700 and have your Vectrix ZEV delivered today.
For those who just want to live a better life, the solution is the Vectrix ZEV. Vectrix electric maxi-scooters are now available from British Motor Cars throughout the state of California. A Santa Monica location is opening soon. Stay tuned for upcoming celebrity endorsements and events. For more information please go to www.vectrix.com. The Vectrix ZEV retails for $11,000.
Read More »
NYPD - Freeze! or I'll Scoot
Police have found a way to help save the planet and perhaps sneak up on bad guys at the same time: an electric, ultra-quiet maxi-scooter.
The New York Police Department will begin road testing four of the plug-in Vectrix electric maxi-scooters early next month _ part of a broader campaign to make the nation's largest police department a greener one as well.
The 36,000-officer NYPD has been looking for ways to retool its massive motor fleet to guzzle less gas and inflict less harm on the environment. A handful of NYPD hybrid cars and so-called flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on both gasoline and ethanol, are already on the road.
"Police effectiveness comes first, but where we can combine environmentally friendly vehicles without compromising the mission, we do," said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
Vectrix recently approached several big city police departments with the sleek, two-wheel electric maxi-scooters, but the NYPD was the first to take a serious look, said Andrew MacGowen, president of the Rhode Island-based company.
"The New York environment is going to be very true test," he said.
MacGowen said the Vectrix electric maxi-scooters, assembled in Poland, are the first all-electric vehicles to be government-certified to travel on any highway, street or road.
The NYPD uses 329 Piaggio electric maxi-scooters – which have roughly the same dimensions as the Vectrix – and 104 smaller Yamaha scooters that run on regular fuel, said Capt. Vincent LoRusso, commanding officer of the Fleet Services Division. Officers often ride them while patrolling city parks, policing street demonstrations or directing traffic.
The Vectrix, which has a battery pack, is heavier than the Piaggio, but with a top speed of more than 60 mph, it's nearly as fast. And riders cruise past the fuel pump: The vehicles can be recharged simply by plugging into a standard outlet for two hours. MacGowen said recharging costs a fraction of refueling _ a savings he says would quickly cover the difference in price with Piaggios, which cost the NYPD about half as much.
The Vectrix can only travel 40 to 60 miles per charge, but police officials said they may be willing to sacrifice some range for zero emissions.
Plus, the vehicless would have the dual benefit of "reducing air pollution and noise pollution," said Robert Martinez, the NYPD fleet director.
Detective Derek Siconola, who will train riders, suggested the quiet engines also offer a side benefit: the element of surprise.
"You could easily sneak up on somebody if they don't expect it," he said.
Police officials say that plans for new construction _ including a Staten Island police station next year and a $1 billion academy in 2009 will also meet "exacting environmental standards."
Read More »
Vectrix electric maxi-scooter creates buzz, not emissions, at CES
Among rows gadgets, an electric maxi-scooter turned heads at CES, backed by the claim that it produces zero emissions (although overall environmental impact depends on the electricity source), can travel 40-60 miles on a charge at speeds up to 60 mph, and can be charged to 80 percent of battery capacity in two hours using a standard 110-volt outlet. The Vectrix also features an onboard charger and cord, and it uses regenerative braking to extend range by up to 12 percent. Vectrix U.S.A. claims an operating cost for its self-named bike of just two cents per mile.
The manufacturer says the two-wheeled green machine is easy to ride, with a low center of gravity and planetary gear system that doesn't require shifting going forward. There is a reverse gear to make parking easier.
With nickel-metal-hydride batteries, Vectrix says to expect a 10-year battery life, based on driving 5,000 miles per year. Capable of carrying two riders, the Vectrix is road legal in all 50 states. On sale since late 2007, dealers are now operating in seven states with plans for nationwide availability. Some of the first units went to the New York City Police department, who put several into a testing program.
The price? $11,000, but Vectrix says some tax incentives may be available.
See the original blog post here: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/01/vectrix-motorcy.html
Read More »
