The wave of the future in alternative vehicles may rest in hybrid conversions and all-electric DIY kits. Victoria-based Blade Electric Vehicles is leading the way in this market niche by converting the Hyundai Getz into an all-electric vehicle called the Electron. The growing company has announced that the New Zealand national government is purchasing 200 Electrons beginning in spring 2009. New Zealand is following the example of Australian cities like Melbourne, which began rolling out Electrons earlier this year.
The BEV Electron is a four-seat coupe with power steering and regenerative braking. Electron drivers can expect a top speed of 75 MPH and reach 37 MPH from a dead stop in seven seconds. Blade Electric Vehicles includes a lithium-ion battery in the Electron that can last 75 miles per charge, charge within seven hours for a 240V outlet and operate for eight years in optimal conditions. The City of Melbourne claims that its BEV Electron costs about a cent per mile to operate with the potential for reducing drastically fuel costs in the annual budget.
Blade Electric Vehicles looks like it will be successful due to its flexible conversion arrangements. A driver who already owns a Hyundai Getz or a similar vehicle can get a conversion from Blade for $19,200 USD. The comprehensive package including a Hyundai Getz and conversion costs $29,770 USD for Australia residents. Blade also carries DIY kits and individual parts for all-electric conversions produced by Azure Dynamics. The company includes a five-year warranty on labor during the conversion along with applicable manufacturer warranties on parts.
If the New Zealand rollout goes smoothly, Blade Electric Vehicles is poised to explode as a leader in the all-electric conversion market. The company’s location in Australia allows it to reach a rapidly growing driving population in Southeast Asia once it scales up operations. Blade Electric Vehicles is also demonstrating the versatility of its all-electric conversions by venturing away from the Hyundai Getz. The “Who’s Buying” section of the company’s website shows a Mazda MX5 converted by Blade Electric Vehicles. Company owner Ross Blade is following the right path at present by reaching out to local governments that need immediate PR boosts and lower fuel costs.
