http://www.parker.com/CorpCommJeff/Vectrix/Vectrix%20EVS-20%20release.doc
Media Release: November 15, 2003
Contact: Andrew MacGowan, Chairman of the Board and President
(401) 848-9993
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Vectrix Unveils the Worldâs First Patented Fuel Cell/Electric Hybrid Scooter
Long Beach, California - Vectrix Corporation, a developer of zero-emission
vehicle (ãZEVä) platform technologies, has partnered with industry leaders to
develop and commercialize the worldâs first long-range, high-performance
fuel/cell electric hybrid scooter. A prototype of the scooter will be unveiled
at EVS-20: Powering Sustainable Transportation, in Long Beach, California from
November 15-19, 2003.
To complete the hybrid demonstrator scooter in less than six months Vectrix
worked closely with strategic partners Parker Hannifin, the global leader in
motion and control systems; Giner Electromechanical Systems, LLC; GP Batteries
International Ltd.; Methanex Corp. (the worldâs largest producer and marketer of
methanol); and ROBRADY design. Commercial models are expected to be available in
major metro areas in Europe, Asia and the United States by 2006.
The patented fuel cell/electric hybrid scooter combines the current
battery-powered Vectrix scooter with an 800-watt onboard direct methanol fuel
cell (DMFC). The onboard fuel cell continuously charges the scooterâs
batteries, extending its operating range and freeing it from having to be
plugged into an electrical outlet to recharge.
The major benefits of the fuel cell/electric hybrid scooter include extended
range and added convenience. It offers urban commuters and fleet operators a
clean, quiet and competitively priced alternative to gasoline-powered motor
scooters. Using methanol-based fuel also eliminates the safety and availability
concerns of pressurized, high-purity gaseous hydrogen.
ãThis major technological breakthrough will, for the first time, offer
executive commuters the advantages of zero-emission electric transportation
without the constraints of charging from a fixed power supply,ä reports Andy
MacGowan, Vectrixâs president. ãFurthermore, the extended range of the scooter
will appeal to fleet operators, such as delivery services, police forces and
security firms, as the scooter may be operated all day long without having to
return to base for periodic charging.ä
The fuel cell/electric hybrid scooter outperforms a 400cc gasoline-powered
scooter in every way. With a range of over 250km at 40km/hr (that is further
extended with periodic stops), a top speed of over 100km/hr, acceleration from 0
to 50 km/hr in 3.6 seconds, and excellent handling due to a low center of
gravity, the hybrid approach retains the outstanding speed and acceleration of
the current Vectrix all-electric scooter. The high-torque electric motor is
ideally suited to urban travel as it provides excellent acceleration from
standstill and at low speeds.
ãIn the unlikely event the battery pack is completely discharged, the hybrid
scooter will still achieve speeds of up to 30km/hr in fuel cell only mode,ä says
Peter Hughes, vice president of technology. ãAlternatively, stop for a
cappuccino and, by the time you are ready to go, the battery pack will have
enough charge for a quick getaway.ä
Compared with equivalent-sized gas-powered scooters, the Vectrix scooter offers
a 91% savings in fuel costs, free maintenance for four years, reduced insurance
costs and a guaranteed residual value. At an estimated retail price of ¥6,999,
the Vectrix scooter will be 26% cheaper to own over four years than an
equivalent 400cc gas scooter. Additional savings are possible as electric
scooters are not subject to road tax or property tax in many countries.
Government incentives, which are currently ¥413 in Italy and £200 in the UK,
offer further cost savings.
ãWe are confident that potential customers will be as amazed by the potential
cost savings as they will be by the scooterâs outstanding performance,ä says
MacGowan.
Targeted primarily at executive commuters, young urban dwellers, fleet operators
and municipalities, the hybrid scooter will be sold through a combination of
Vectrix-owned retail stores, all-electric dealers, and direct sales to fleet
buyers. Vectrix is anticipating strong demand for the hybrid scooter as the
European and U.S. scooter markets continue to experience strong growth,
inner-city congestion increases, air and noise pollution takes its toll on the
environment, and governments introduce subsidies and incentives for zero
emission vehicles. The current executive scooter market in Europe alone is
estimated at $3 billion annually.
ãThere is a strong market environment for electric scooters due to the growing
popularity of scooters, increased emission regulation and greater environmental
awareness. With over half a million executive-class and maxiscooters sold every
year in Europe and the United States, Vectrix expects to achieve a significant
share of this market over the next five years,ã says MacGowan.
The development of the Vectrix electric scooter dates back to 1996 when Founder
and President Andy MacGowan created a vision to develop and commercialize an
affordable, zero-emission personal executive transporter. The first of a series
of products to be developed by Vectrix is an advanced zero-emission
battery-powered maxiscooter that offers comparable performance to gas-powered
maxiscooters. The companyâs longer-term vision is to develop environmentally
sensitive technologies for other transportation applications. The corporate
headquarters are located in Newport, R.I., with an engineering and test facility
in New Bedford, Mass., and a European marketing operation in Rome, Italy.
Vectrixâs management team, comprised of Andrew MacGowan, Carlo Di Biagio,
Christopher Moe and Peter Hughes, has a proven track record in the motorcycle,
aerospace, and alternative energy industries. Strategic development partners
include Parker Hannifin, Alcoa, Getrag Gears, Giner, Gold Peak Batteries,
Lockheed Martin and ROBRADY design. The company has been awarded five U.S.
patents (including a patent for a fuel cell hybrid design), with a 6th patent
pending, embodying over 100 claims.
- End -
For further information contact:
Andrew MacGowan
Vectrix Corporation
11 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-848-9993
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web site: www.vectrixusa.com
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