In today’s post, we learn from electric utility vehicle product expert Russ Ziegler how he helps organizations with large fleets find the right vehicles based on safety, sustainability and budget. Russ has extensive experience advising fleet managers who oversee higher education, transit and/or shuttle applications. Read on to learn more about the benefits of an LSV compared to conventional, gas-powered vehicles and how Russ helps fleet managers make data-driven decisions.
But even top-quality vehicles like Taylor Dunn need service and repair - especially when they’re not well-maintained. Read on to learn more about the most common Taylor Dunn cart repair and how to prevent it.
Product Name: Polaris GEM eL XD
Manufacturer: GEM by Polaris
Interesting Features: Can be made street legal up to 25MPH
Price Range: $12,999-$34,999 (depends on options)
Value for the money: Good
Recommended for: Any application with large distances to cover - the bigger the better. This vehicle is popular with universities, airports, large warehousing, and corporate campuses that cover multiple city blocks. It's also good for maintenance departments, or general contractors in major cities. The eL XD also works great in state parks because it performs well in cold or warm weather.
The GEM eL XD can be operated on many streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. But be sure to check local laws regarding street use and vehicle equipment requirements.
Product Name: Bigfoot
Manufacturer: Taylor-Dunn
Interesting Features: 3000lb load capacity with 44” wide x 77” long rear bed, large operator’s compartment, adjustable bucket seats and steering column, AC Drive, able to tow up to 7500 lb.
Price Range: $10,000 - $18,000
Value for the money: Excellent
Recommended for: small and large warehousing and manufacturing, hospitals, airports, hotels/resorts, nurseries, wineries, stadiums, large campuses, school districts, colleges and universities.
The Bigfoot can be customized for each specific application (including an ambulance) and at 44” wide has the ability to access areas not accessible by full-size work trucks or vans. Any company that needs to move people or product in a safe, efficient cost-effective manner should consider buying the Bigfoot. Speeds can be limited to 10 MPH for maximum safety in work and campus environments.
Not recommended for: use on rough terrain or public roads, or any application where a long run time is required. That said, if an electric motor isn't a critical feature, the Bigfoot comes in a gasoline-powered version that can run for 100 miles at speeds up to 18 miles per hour.
The Bigfoot is made to carry product and people on sound cement, asphalt, gravel and dirt surfaces. Turf tires are available as an option, but the Bigfoot is not made for use in rough or muddy terrain. Additionally, Bigfoot is made for industrial and commercial use and not intended for travel on public highways.
For street legal applications, or extended run time, TMHNC recommends the Polaris GEM electric vehicle, which can be licensed for street use where the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less. The GEM is also capable of over 100 miles of run time when using Lithium-Ion battery packs.
One of the more overlooked reasons to buy an electric utility vehicle vs a truck is the ability to customize. When you buy a utility cart from Polaris GEM or Taylor-Dunn, you get a hardworking, reliable vehicle and only pay for what you need.
Many of our customers find significant savings by switching to versatile, low-maintenance electric vehicles. Large fleets can expect six-figure fleet reduction costs by switching to electric utility vehicles and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
- Why pay for a truck that can go 90 mph if your vehicles never travel on the freeway?
- How much could you save by not having to pay for oil changes and other engine-related maintenance?
Electric vehicles can go all day on a single charge, tow up to 10,000 lbs, and handle cargo up to 3,000 lbs. Plus, they cost significantly less to own compared to traditional trucks and vans.
Owning an electric vehicle doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or capability. Get exactly the vehicle you need customized with: ladder racks, custom storage, heater, stake sides, etc. Here are the most popular accessories with our customers in Northern and Central California:
We help customers save thousands of dollars by switching to electric Polaris GEM vehicles. They’re low maintenance and can run up to 8 hours on a single charge. Large fleets can save six-figures in fuel and maintenance costs, not to mention significantly reducing their CO2 emissions.
When you think about it, most operations don't need a truck designed to be driven 80 mph on the freeway. On a typical campus, vehicles never exceed 25 mph and are only driven about 12 miles per day. So why pay more for a full-size vehicle? We’re happy to provide a personal consultation, but here’s a quick combustion to electric fleet savings calculator.
Polaris GEM vehicles are also eligible for alternative-fuel vehicle funding programs such as The San Joaquin Valley Air Grant (up to $20,000 per vehicle, $100,000 per agency per year).
Personnel carriers are a cost-effective way to transport staff, security personnel, a maintenance crew, or even customers. These vehicles are not street-legal,* but are ideal for factories, warehouses, sports arenas and other outdoor venues.
Electric personnel carriers and passenger trams meet or exceed the performance of gas-powered vehicles, but cost much less to repair and maintain. In today’s post, we’ll answer common questions about these vehicles and give you some suggestions on what to ask before you make a purchase.
* Looking for information about buying a street-legal golf cart or electric maintenance vehicle? Please read our earlier post.
