Grand Coulee Dam charges ahead with EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot electric vehicles

Grand Coulee Dam– the largest dam in the United States – has become the happy owner of the brand-new fleet of 27 EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles).

1/2/16 4:00 am chumakdenis 1

Grand Coulee Dam– the largest dam in the United States – has become the happy owner of the brand-new fleet of EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles).

Bureau of Reclamation has bought 27 electric utility vehicles for them. By doing so, they intend to kill two birds with one stone: ‘electric hummers’ will help meet lower greenhouse gas emissions objectives and also solve a chronic vehicle shortage for making short trips around the hydropower complex.

Well, whatever the reasons are, I’m happy really happy that the Grand Coulee Dam keeps up with the times.

Let’s learn more about the vehicles.

EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot electric vehicles

EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot are both equipped with lithium-ion batteries and have a range of about 55 miles (88 kilometers) – more than enough for everyday commuting.

Also, ‘electric hummers’ can accelerate up to 25 miles (40 km/h) and can be fully charged within less than half of an hour – approximately 20 minutes.

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Interesting fact: NEVs are powered by renewable energy that's generated at the dam.

Specially outfitted for use at Grand Coulee

The 4-door commuters, built by e-ride Industries in of Princeton, Minnesota, were specially outfitted for use at Grand Coulee.

“After they brought their needs to us, we outfitted a vehicle specifically for them with a high-performance package, with the full enclosure, toolboxes, ladder rack and pull out bed tray” - mentioned Kurt Bauerly, e-ride Industries General Manager.

Whether for short trips carrying people or equipment, electric utility vehicles are designed to handle a 1000 pound payload and reach a top speed of 25 mph with plenty of torque to make it up steep grades around the power plant complex.

Two types of vehicles

“We have two types - one that's made for moving people and one made for moving tools and equipment. We have a two door and a four door version, very good looking, if I might add” - said Anderson.

“They're built for an industrial environment, like Grand Coulee, and that's how we're going to use them” - added Tillman.

Specifications

EXV4 Patriot

Performance:

• Max Speed: 25 miles per hour (40km/h)

• Max Range: up to 55miles (88.5km)
• GVWR: 3000lbs (1361kg)
• Batteries: Nine 8-volt (72 Volt System)
• LxWxH: 152.5" x 58.5" x 72" (387.5 x 148.6 x 182.9 cm)
• Frame: Riveted Aluminum Unibody
• Ground Clearance: 8.5" (21.6cm)
• Direct Drive Motor to Speed Reducer Gears
• Team Industries Rear Differential

Dimensions and weight:
• LxWxH: 152.5" x 58.5" x 72" (387.5 x 148.6 x 182.9 cm)
• Wheel Base: 103" (261.6 cm)
• Cargo Deck Area (usable space L x W):
• 27" x 55" (68.6 x 139.7cm)
• Cargo Box (from ground): 34" (86.4 cm)
• Weight With Batteries: 2180 lbs (990kg)
• Front: Dual A-Arm Independent Suspension
• With Coil-Over Shocks
• Rear: Leaf Springs over Axle with Shocks

Power system:
• Motor: 72Volt, 16.5hp DC Sep. Ex Motor
• Optional Motor: 72volt, 35hp Curtis AC Motor
• Motor Controller: Curtis 400 Amp Controller
• Optional Motor Controller: Curtis 550 Amp AC Controller
• Batteries: Nine 8-volt Heavy Duty Deep-Cycle
• Battery Charger: 72V DC using Dual Voltage- 115/230 AC Input

Body and chassis:
• Colors: White (other colors optional)
• Frame: Riveted Aluminum Unibody
• Seating: Four Passenger, Front Adjustable Seats
• Operator Passenger Area: Safety Seat Switch, Console with Central Controls, Tilt Steering
• Body Material: Fiberglass, Molded Composite

Steering :
• Rack-and-Pinion Steering
• 14" Steering Wheel on Tilt Column

Tires and wheels:
• 215/75 R14 Radial Street Rated Tires
• Mounted on 14" x 6" Steel Wheels

Drive system:
• Direct Drive Motor to Speed Reducer Gears
• Team Industries Rear Differential

Suspension:
• Front: Dual A-Arm Independent Suspension with Coil-Over Shocks
• Rear: Leaf Springs over Axle with Shocks

Brakes:
• Four Wheel Hydraulic Front Disc/Rear Drum
• Hand Lever Parking Brake

Standard features:
• High/Low Beam Headlights
• Turn Signals
• Brake Lights
• Side Reflectors
• Automotive Horn
• Solid Roof
• Auto Safety Glass Windshield
• Rearview & Side Mirrors
• Steel Bumpers
• Three-point Safety Belts
• Speedometer
• Battery Discharge Indicator
• Hour Meter
• Cup Holders
• 12V Power Source
• Warning Message Center
• Fault Code Display
• Battery Filling System with Dash Indicator
• Windshield Wipers
• On Board Charger

EXV2 Patriot

Performance
• Max Speed: 25mph (40km/h)

• Max Range: Varies depending on Drive System and Battery System
• GVWR: 3000lbs (1361kg)
• Batteries: Nine 8-volt (72 Volt System)
• LxWxH: 155" x 61.5" x 69" (393.7 x 156.2 x 175.3 cm)
• Frame: Riveted Aluminum Unibody
• 215/75 R14 Radial Street Rated Tires
• Ground Clearance: 8.5" (21.6cm)

Dimensions and weight:
• LxWxH: 155" x 61.5" x 69" (393.7 x 156.2 x 175.3 cm)
• Wheel Base: 103" (261.6 cm)
• Cargo Deck Area (usable space L x W):
• 71" x 58" (180.3 x 147.3 cm
• Cargo Deck (from ground): 32" (81.3 cm)
• Weight With Batteries: 2050 lbs (788.6kg)

Power system:
• Motor: 72Volt, 16.5hp DC Sep. Ex Motor
• Optional Motor: 72Volt, 35 hp, Curtis AC Motor
• Motor Controller: Curtis 400 Amp Controller
• Optional Controller: Curtis 550 Amp AC Controller
• Batteries: Nine 8-volt Heavy Duty Deep-Cycle
• Battery Charger: 72V DC using Dual Voltage- 115/230 AC Input

Body and chassis:
• Colors: White (other colors optional)
• Frame: Riveted Aluminum Unibody
• Seating: Two Passenger, Adjustable Seats
• Operator Passenger Area: Under Seat Storage, Console with Central Controls, Tilt Steering
• Body Material: Fiberglass, Molded Composite

Steering:
• Rack-and-Pinion Steering
• 14" Steering Wheel on Tilt Column

Tires and wheels:
• 215/75 R14 Radial Street Rated Tires
• Mounted on 14" x 6" Steel Wheels

Drive system:
• Direct Drive Motor to Speed Reducer Gears
• Team Industries Rear Differential

Suspension:
• Front: Dual A-Arm Independent Suspension with Coil-Over Shocks
• Rear: Leaf Springs over Axle with Shocks

Brakes:
• Four Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Hand Lever, Drum Parking Brake

Standard features:
• Heater/Defroster
• Push Button Dome Lights
• High/Low Beam Headlights
• Turn Signals
• Brake Lights
• Side Reflectors
• Automotive Horn
• Solid Roof
• Auto Safety Glass Windshield
• Rearview & Side Mirrors
• Steel Bumpers
• Three-point Safety Belts
• Speedometer
• Battery Discharge Indicator
• Hour Meter
• Cup Holders
• 12V Power Source
• Warning Message Center
• Fault Code LED
• Battery Filling System with Dash Indicator
• Windshield Wipers
• On Board Charger

A few words about ‘electric hummers’ from Deputy Power Manager Doug Anderson and some other folks

“These cars are great looking. They look like a cross between a Jeep, a Hummer”- said Deputy Power Manager Doug.

Anderson is proud of the 27 electric utility trucks purchased by the Bureau of Reclamation for use at Grand Coulee Dam this fall. The EUVs, as they’re known, are driving a green car pilot project that delivers low-maintenance, zero emissions utility vehicles for use at the giant power complex in northeast Washington State.

“In the last couple of years, Grand Coulee has added about 130 employees. We're trying to introduce these electric vehicles as a way to offset our current gas fleet vehicles”- added Matt Tillman, Grand Coulee’s Administrative Officer.

A few words about Grand Coulee

Grand Coulee, located in northeast Washington, is the nation’s largest hydropower complex that covers 18 square miles and includes transmission yards, four power plants, and the mile-wide dam itself.

“It’s a large power complex and not very far from place to place, but there's an awful lot of small trips, short trips that employees make each day. That’s hard on vehicles and a poor use of a fossil fuel powered car” - said Anderson.

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