For many years the Classic Golf Car Company built custom golf cars. When its founder, John Herou, saw that its golf cars were often being used for more demanding duty than hauling golfers around the greens, he designed a more capable electric vehicle. The resulting heavy-duty, low speed vehicle (LSV) or neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) is now being marketed under the e-Ride brand.
e-Ride Industries offers two basic versions, the EXV2 Electric Utility Vehicle and EXV4 Electric Transportation Vehicle. With its miniature Hummer looks, both are much more capable than the typical NEV that is typically designed mainly to carry people around the neighborhood. For starters, the e-Rides can carry a half-ton load and ride on 14-inch x 7-inch steel wheels shod with 215/75 R14 radial street rated tires.
A 72-volt, 16.5-horsepower DC motor is standard with a 35-horsepower, AC motor optional for applications calling for more power. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via speed reducer gears and a Dana Spicer rear differential. Nine, 8-volt heavy-duty, deep-cycle batteries provide a range of 55 miles between recharges.
The molded composite fiber body is attached to a riveted aluminum unibody chassis. The car-like front independent suspension uses dual A-arms and coil-over-spring shock absorbers. In the rear there are leaf springs and shock absorbers. The hydraulic braking system features disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The tilt column steering wheel is connected to a rack-and-pinion steering system.
Classed as a LSV by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), top speed is limited to 25 mph. Being an LSV means both versions have high/low beam headlights, turn signals, brake lights, side reflectors, automotive horn, auto safety glass windshield, windshield wipers, three-point safety belts, rearview and side mirrors and steel bumpers.
Both models weigh 1,850 pounds including batteries. With a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 3,000 pounds this leaves 1,150 pounds for carrying cargo and people. The EXV2 can carry two, the EXV4 four. The EXV2 has a 71-inch x 58-inch deck for carrying cargo while the EXV4 has a 27-inch by 55-inch one.
Instrumentation includes speedometer, battery discharge indicator, hour meter, fault code display and battery filling system with dash indicator. For improved comfort, full doors with roll up windows, half doors without windows, rear-cab enclosure, heater/defroster, backup alarm and CD player/radio can be ordered as options. The more pickup-like EXV2 can be ordered with diamond plate tool boxes, aluminum stake sides, ladder rack, a full length aluminum topper and even a dumping body refuse hauler.
Currently, e-ride electric vehicles, which are manufactured in America, are used on colleges campuses, at airports, on military bases, in industrial parks, at motorsports venues, and by fire departments.
