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Canada's Bombardier Introduces NV an affordable
"neighborhood electric vehicle" An impressive
introdution into the new class of automobile that
would operate over short distances in suburban
areas. Since over 50% of car trips are less than 10
miles, an efficient, lightweight NEV could easily
meet an estimated 87.2% of all those trips.
Canada's Bombardier took up the challenge to
create the first generation NEV, a quiet,
zero-emission, two-seat vehicle powered by seven
conventional lead/acid batteries, and capable of
moving this cross between a golf cart and a VW
Beetle 30 miles at 25 mph. Recharging from a
standard 120-volt AC outlet takes 8 hours. The NV
comes in two models, a Sport E and Class E
electrics. Both use 6 12 volt maintenance free
lead/acid batteries for motive power and a seventh
for the vehicle's automotive-style headlights and
accessories which includes an AM/FM radio.
Safety Features include retractable,
three-point seatbelts, 5-mph bumpers and a
laminated glass windshield. Regenerative rear-wheel
braking is coupled with the NVs front hydraulic
brakes. Rack and pinon steering provides a
responsive driving experience, while undernearth
the chassis is a four-wheel independent
suspension.
The fiberglass unibody sits atop a front and
rear steel subframe. Bombardier claims to have test
driven the vehicle more than 50,000 miles.
For operation in inclement weather, optional
side and rear cloth covers are available, as is a
front windshield wiper. Like its golf cart
progenitor, the NV is strictly a warm climate
vehicle. Heating and air conditioning comes
courtesy of the vehicle's large open doorways.
Street Use and Insurance requirements are to be
determined by local jurisdictions.
The Bombardier is cheap to operate, costing only
about .40 cents to recharge. Better yet are the
savings to the environment. The company calculates
that operating an electric vehicle like the NV over
a one year period reduces hydrocarbon emissions by
17 lbs., nitrogen oxides by 17 lbs. and carbon
monoxide by 200 lbs.
Bombardier sells the NV through a network of 50
dealers, mainly in California, Arizona and Florida.
Prices start at $6199 for the base model.
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Click this logo to go to the Bombardier
website to view video clips and
photos.
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