What is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV)?
A LSV is a motor vehicle classification that complies with U.S.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The Longwise Electric Vehicle exceeds all regulatory and safety standards with features such as halogen headlamps, rear tail and brake lights, back up light and alarm, turn signals, three-point seat belts,windshield washer/wiper and side and rear-view mirrors. LSV’s can operate on roads with posted speed limits of up to 35mph (60kph), at a speed not to exceed 25mph (40kph).
What should be done to maintain the batteries ?
This depends on the type of batteries you use. If you have flooded batteries (standard) you will be required to check the battery's water levels regularly and top up with DISTILLED water when required. If you have upgraded to the Gel style batteries you should not have to do anything as these are "no maintenance" batteries. Both battery types should not be left off charge for extended periods as this can damage the batteries and shorten their life. "Opportunity Charging" is encouraged. Unlike cell phone batteries ,It do not have a memory and will take upto a full charge level regardless of the current state of charge.
How many kilometers can "Longwise EVs" run after a full charge?
Under ideal driving conditions you can expect up to a 80 mile (130 KM) after a fully charged, optimally conditioned lead-acid battery pack.Wind, hills, tyre pressure, battery age, payload, driving habits and outdoor temperature can all affect the range that you will ultimately experience.
How fast can an electric vehicle go?
25 to 35mph, but according to Federal regulations NEVs are to have a top speed of 25 MPH. However, there are some electric vehicles that can go at 50MPH.
Why electric vehicles over hybrids or fuel cells?
While Hybrids are leaps and bounds ahead of pure internal combustion vehicles , they do still use fossil fuel and do still pollute a great deal. Fuel cells are still in the research and development phase and electric vehicles are available now, pollutant free.
Is there any sort of rebate?
Yes, there is a federal tax rebate of up to $4000.
Aren't these electric vehicles just like golf cars?
No! These cars are built like real cars.
Since electric cars have been around for so long why all the fuss now with driving on city streets?
The old electric golf cars had less power and had a controller system that shortened battery life. These new electric cars have more power (batteries) and a much-improved controller that does not shorten battery life.
How much does it cost to run?
Normally it costs about 50 cents(USD) to charge up the batteries, so at that rate it costs about two cent a mile. This is 92% less than the cost of running an automobile. The studies also show that maintenance and repair will be less than 10% of the cost of automobile upkeep.
How often do I have to replace the batteries?
Most batteries carry either a 2 year or 4 year replacement warranty.
Can I really drive an electric vehicle on the streets?
The Federal Government has ruled that neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs or Low Speed Vehicles), that meet their manufacturing standards can be licensed and legally driven on roads of posted speeds of 35 mph or less.
Is insurance an issue?
No it is not. In fact it is cheaper than your second car. They cost less to fix and they do not go very fast. (Yet)
Are there any people or groups already using EV's in our area?
YES !! There are both local groups, and National organizations.
What are other benefits of driving an electric car?
Many people believe that electric cars are the future of driving. Another obvious benefit is the ease of driving an electric car. They are lighter and very quiet. In most cases, all you hear is the rubber tires hitting the road. And the best news is that electric cars are clean. No exhaust fumes, no spilled gas on your hands, and no oil changes.
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