AutoblogGreen

Fully Charged spends two episodes on two wheels

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, UK, Vectrix

Robert Llewellyn's Fully Charged video series has, over its many episodes, focused on vehicles of the four-wheeled variety. Now, as if in atonement, it has produced two successive shows centered on two-wheelers. From bicycles with electric assist to scooters to motorcycles, Llewellyn makes up for previous omissions, all in ~~one~~ two fell swoops.

Most of the variety occurs in one episode, with Robert starting out on a basic electric bicycle bearing A2B badging and working his way up through increasingly powerful, longer-range models. The pedals disappear altogether when he steps up to the passenger pillion of the lithium-power Vectrix VX-1. Finally, they pull out the pièce de résistance: the Zero S from Zero Motorcycles.

Although shorter than the multi-bike show, the other two-wheeled episode is special in that it features the Agility Saietta. Now, we might have been a little harsh on the Saietta's aesthetics when it was first unveiled, but we we're not alone. Indeed, one comment we came across asked whether or not this was the same creature that burst out of that guy's chest in that Prometheus sequel. Eighteen months on though, that initial shock has (mostly) worn off and we've been impatiently waiting to see it actually moving under its own power.

We were not disappointed. Much. There is actually footage of it winding out down a city street, but it is over pretty quick. The bike features an interesting "Wide-Base Variable-Geometry" unequal length front double-wishbone suspension that we would have like to seen put through some corners. We'll take what we can get however, and the discussion that ensues the brief bit of riding is well worth the watching. Scroll down and you can do just that.

Continue reading Fully Charged spends two episodes on two wheels

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Video: Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2010 parades green goodness for 50 miles

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Honda, Mitsubishi, Tesla Motors, UK, Th!nk (Think), Vectrix, Tata

Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2010 - Click above to watch video after the break

It's said that everybody loves a parade... so we expect the folks along the road between Brighton and London on Wednesday got quite a thrill seeing a wide variety of green vehicles taking part in the Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2010 passing by throughout the day. This year's installment of the annual event featured lots of electrics and hybrids as well as one vehicle powered by a compressed collection of the universe's lightest atom - hydrogen.

The 50-mile trek attracted a variety of high profile Brits (including Formula One drivers) gripping the wheels and handlebars. Since the cars (and vans and motorcycles) are the stars, we thought we'd drop some of their names instead of the peoples. In no particular order, the plethora of vehicles included the likes of the Ginetta G50EV, the Th!nk City, several Tesla Roadsters - including the new 2.5 version - and a Tata Indica Vista EV.

Hybrids making the drive counted a noise-generating pedestrian-friendly Prius, a partially electrified Black Cab and a rally-prepared Honda Civic hybrid amongst their number. Finally, the two-wheeled arena was well represented by Zero Motorcycles, Brammo and Vectrix.

All and all, it seems a good time was had by all with no breakdowns reported. Hit the jump for a pair of videos showing even more participants, or feel free to check out some still images at the event's complete Flickr stream.

[Source: All Cars Electric]

Continue reading Video: Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2010 parades green goodness for 50 miles

Video: Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2010 parades green goodness for 50 miles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix back with lithium ion powered motor scooter

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Vectrix

Vectrix VX-1 electric scooter - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we heard anything about Vectrix, the manufacturer of electric scooters had been rescued from bankruptcy by Hong Kong-based GP Batteries. Until now, the Vectrix VX-1 has only been available with a nickel-metal-hydride battery that yielded a range of 35-55 miles. The U.S. Vectrix site hasn't been updated recently, but the site of its Spanish distributor, GoingGreen, is now showing both the original VX-1 and the new VX-1 Li.

The only change appears to be the substitution of a lithium ion battery which boosts range by about 30-40 percent to 46-78 miles. The 6.8 second 0-50 mile per hour acceleration and 68 mph top speed remain the same, so its likely that the rest of the powertrain has been carried over. The Spanish site doesn't list a price for the longer range model, but we hope it doesn't command too much of premium over the €6,050 for VX-1.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: GoingGreen]

Vectrix back with lithium ion powered motor scooter originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Vectrix Scooters saved by GP Batteries

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Vectrix VX-1 electric scooter - Click above for high-res image gallery

Vectrix may soon be back in business as Hong Kong-based GP Batteries has purchased the so-called New Vectrix company for $5 million. That sum is comprised of $1.75 million in cash and the assumption of up to $3.3 million in liabilities. The deal has reportedly been approved by a U.S. bankruptcy court, and apparently there were no rival bids for the company's assets.

Some Vectrix owners may be entitled to warranty coverage from GP Batteries, depending on when the scooters were purchased and claims were filed in relation to the company's bankruptcy. There's some chatter that the electric scooter may be reborn with lithium ion batteries, but no announcement on that front has been made. We'll take a wait-and-see approach and be patient to learn how things proceed under the new ownership.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Electric Aid via Treehugger]

REPORT: Vectrix Scooters saved by GP Batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix officially files for bankruptcy, plans to stay in business

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Vectrix scooter - Click above for high-res image gallery

Vectrix has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Much like what recently took place with General Motors and Chrysler, the old company will be purchased by an entity called New Vectrix LLC in relatively short order unless another interested party comes along and presents a better offer to the bankruptcy judge. Production of the electric scooter in Poland isn't expected to be affected.

Says the company: "The total purchase price consists of a cash payment of $1,750,000 plus the assumption of up to $3,306,000 in specified liabilities for a total purchase price of up to $5,056,000." We're not exactly experts on the subject, but a bit over $5 million doesn't seem like too bad a deal for a ready-to-go electric vehicle manufacturer.

Interested? Find all the details in the press release pasted after the break. Thanks for the tip, Giuliano!

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Vectrix]

Continue reading Vectrix officially files for bankruptcy, plans to stay in business

Vectrix officially files for bankruptcy, plans to stay in business originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROBRADY wins two Green Good Design Awards for Vectrix two-wheelers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

News of a likely bankruptcy filing from electric scooter manufacturer Vectrix hasn't stopped its designs from winning accolades. A year after winning a Design Award from the prestigious Red Dot Museum in Singapore, ROBRADY, the design studio responsible for the Vectrix Superbike concept, has taken home another trophy, this time from the 2009 Green Good Design Awards in Chicago. According to the Good Design program:

The idea of the award is to emphasize the importance of sustainable design and to develop a public awareness program to the international general public about which companies are doing the best job in sustainable design for our world environments.

We certainly think the design for the electric superbike is a good one, and ROBRADY won honors for both that machine and the Vectrix VX-1 electric scooter. While its nice to see good design rewarded, this recognition also serves to remind us how unfortunate it is that Vectrix isn't likely to release any more products in the future. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Vectrix Superbike

[Source: ROBRADY Design]

Continue reading ROBRADY wins two Green Good Design Awards for Vectrix two-wheelers

ROBRADY wins two Green Good Design Awards for Vectrix two-wheelers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay finds of the day: Vectrix maxiscooters

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:48:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA, Vectrix

While it is quite sad to see electric scooter maker Vectrix balancing on the brink of bankruptcy, it should also be remembered that there's a silver lining to every cloud. In this case, quite a bit of silver. When the East coast company started to run into trouble late last year it had been in the midst of creating an extensive dealer network and had delivered bikes to stores all across the country. Many of those machines are still hanging around today, taking up space and waiting for customers with paychecks to take pity on them, while dealers are becoming more anxious to recoup something from their investment. As a result, eBay, that great surplus supermarket in the internet sky, has quite of few of the all-electric maxiscooters on offer with deep discounts.

For example, there is one listed in Hatfield Pennsylania, brand new in the box with a starting bid of $3,000 and a "Buy it now" price of $4,000. A far cry from the days when it required $11,000 to bring these babies home. Hit the jump for exclusive ABG video of a detailed run down of all the bike's features.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: eBay]

Continue reading eBay finds of the day: Vectrix maxiscooters

eBay finds of the day: Vectrix maxiscooters originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Vectrix ready to file for bankruptcy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Vectrix scooter - click for high-res image gallery

According to the Providence Journal, electric scooter maker Vectrix has laid off nearly all of its employees and is likely headed for bankruptcy within the next 30 days if new investors or a buyer isn't found in time. A quick visit to the company's home page brings up nothing. The reasons given for the trouble by Michael J. Boyle, president of Vectrix, are exactly as you'd expect:

When the financial markets totally dried up as soon as the financial crisis hit in October and November, we couldn't continue our dealer development program... Consumer financing dried up completely. These are expensive consumer goods, and without financing it's difficult for the typical consumer to buy one.

Those same tough financial markets also mean it will be an uphill battle for Vectrix to secure any kind of future funding, especially since the company never turned a profit and couldn't realistically expect to do so any time soon. In any case, it's a sad ending for the company that at one time seemed to have so much potential.

UPDATE: It's official (PDF). Thanks to Mike H. for the tip!

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Providence Journal]

REPORT: Vectrix ready to file for bankruptcy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix in trouble, may be for sale

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:44:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Over the last few weeks, we've heard rumblings around the internet that electric scooter maker Vectrix might not be on firm financial footing. The first signs of trouble became apparent last month as reports from the UK indicated that Vectrix "will not be able to publish its Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2008 until, inter alia, the successful completion of a fund-raising exercise." That caused the London Stock Exchange to halt trading of the company's stock. The latest news from Vectrix sounds equally as discouraging.

On Tuesday, Vectrix announced that, while continuing to look for new funding, the company "will now begin to seek other strategic alternatives which could include a merger or sale of the business." Further, some 60 staff members appear to have been let go, and trading of Vectrix stock remains suspended.

We sent a note to Vectrix last week asking if they could shed any more light on the situation, but we've yet to hear back. Stay tuned.

[Source: Forbes]

Vectrix in trouble, may be for sale originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details on Vectrix VX-1E and VX-2 filter in

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Click above for more shots of the Vectrix maxiscooter

Vectrix used the New York Motorcycle Show to introduce its two newest electric scooters last week. Until today, we were still a bit hazy on what changes were made to the VX-1E as compared to the original VX-1 that allowed Vectrix to lower the price to $8,495 (the original, which is still available in 2009, sells for $1,500 more). The big difference reportedly lies in a new lead acid battery pack, which should have the effect of dropping range, acceleration and top speed a bit. Also lost is regenerative braking. Is all that worth $1,500?

The second new model is the VX-2, which is sourced from a Chinese manufacturer that also offers the machine in Europe as the E-Max 110s, though with a different set of body panels. The VX-2 also uses sealed lead acid batteries, which allow for a range of 45-50 miles and a top speed of around 30 miles per hour. According to Vectrix, the VX-2 will sell for $5,195. The next vehicle on the menu could quite possibley be a three-wheeled machine using technology developed by Piaggio.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Dealernews Blog]

Details on Vectrix VX-1E and VX-2 filter in originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix to debut VX-2 and VX-1E on Friday

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:13:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Click above for more shots of the Vectrix maxiscooter

We've been anticipating the release of a few new soots from Vectrix, the only current manufacturer of electric maxiscooters. The flagship model has been named VX-1 and two new models are set to be debuted at the motorcycle show in New York, which starts today. The next electric machine down the line is known as the VX-1E and is based on the same platform and drivetrain as its larger brother. The difference? We're a bit fuzzy on that, but Vectrix says that it will have a bit less top speed and acceleration. More when we get it.

The lowest model on the chain is the VX-2, which is supposed to offer similar performance to a standard 50cc gas-powered scooter. In other words, expect a top speed of around 30 miles per hour and the ability to accelerate a bit quicker than a typical economy car. Range on the VX-2 is said to be 45-50 miles and the price will be $5,195.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Vectrix]

Continue reading Vectrix to debut VX-2 and VX-1E on Friday

Vectrix to debut VX-2 and VX-1E on Friday originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROBRADY wins Red Dot Design Award for Vectrix electric superbike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:38:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Click above image for a high-resolution gallery of the Vectrix Superbike concept

We've been enamored with ROBRADY's design for an electric superbike since we first saw it over a year ago. It may have taken a while, but the electric motorcycle (the design was commissioned by Vectrix, the electric maxiscooter company), is just now getting some love from the powers-that-be in the design world. The concept won a Design Award from the prestigious Red Dot Museum in Singapore. Because there is no engine sitting directly at the center of the cycle, the machine looks suitably futuristic and its instant torque would surely make it an exhilarating bike to ride.

Using lithium ion batteries and an rear-mounted electric motor, the concept bike is relatively quick and can reportedly hit speeds around 125 miles per hour. While that may not be all that fast in superbike terms, it's pretty darn good for an electric two-wheeler. This machine exists beyond just the paper realm, as Vectrix has at least one of the machines making the motorcycle show rounds as we speak.

Gallery: Vectrix Superbike

[Source: ROBRADY]

ROBRADY wins Red Dot Design Award for Vectrix electric superbike originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hanging with Vectrix: electric scooter hits Quaker Steak and Lube ceiling

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, Vectrix

Click to enlarge

Quaker Steak and Lube is a motor-themed restaurant chain, kind of like a NASCAR-loving version of Applebees. The first restaurant in the now-regional chain was started with the gas crisis of the 1970s in mind as a way "to preserve the culture of those old gas stations and high-powered muscle cars." So, imagine AutoblogGreen reader Alric's surprise when he went to the Lube in Middleton, Wisconsin and saw a Vectrix scooter hanging from the ceiling. Yup, the real thing, just hanging there. He wrote in to say that the bike was being advertised as available at a local motorcycle shop for $9,000 and he's posted some pictures for us:

Gallery: Hanging with Vectrix

Our thanks to Alric.

Hanging with Vectrix: electric scooter hits Quaker Steak and Lube ceiling originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella now an "Electric Ambassador"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Click above for more shots of the Vectrix electric scooter

Sure, Formula 1 is trying to introduce fuel-savings technologies in the coming years, starting with the KERS system that is currently being tested. Will we ever see the day when electric F1 cars are whizzing past gawking spectators across the world with the top drivers at the helm? Could be, but it's not in the directly foreseeable future. Current F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella is now a certified "Ambassador of the Electric." We have visions of the Force, India driver getting down on one knee and being awarded his new title, like a Knight. Probably didn't go down like that, but it's the picture in our heads anyway. The Force India team apparently has two Vectrix electric scooters that it uses when the insane speed of its F1 cars isn't required. Now, Fisichella has one of his own, as the company has given him one as part of his new role.

It seems that racing drivers have taken a liking to the electric Vectrix scooter. According to the manufacturer, Eddie Jordan, Damon Hill and Adrian Sutil all ride their own, though we're not sure that these racers have actually been Knighted proclaimed "Official Electric Ambassadors."

[Source: Vectrix]

Continue reading F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella now an "Electric Ambassador"

F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella now an "Electric Ambassador" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix sales get their scoot on, more affordable model coming next year

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Europe/EU, USA, Vectrix

It seems the sales of the Vectrix electric maxi-scooter have finally caught on fire. At the beginning of the year we were somewhat saddened to report that they had only sold a disappointing 123 of their innovative machines. Since then, the price has been chopped from just under $12,000 to a much more reasonable $8,795 for the 2007 model, and $9,395 for the slightly improved 2008 version. The skyrocketing price of gas may be playing a role as well, as people have been buying up scooters with a vengeance this year. The simplicity and ease of use that a Vectrix offers seems to be attractive to many newcomers to the scooter market. Of course, the company has also pursued a relentless marketing campaign to coincide with a strong effort to grow its distribution chain.

The result? Over 1,000 bikes sold and an exponential increase in dealerships. Since late spring they have gone from five retailers to 50 in the United States and are now listing another 75 dealers in other countries. They have a strong presence in Europe and can be found as far away as South Africa. They are even available in Andorra, ~~where wookies come from~~ wherever that is. With over 1,000 bikes shipped to date, the company expects the strong demand to continue and as the company grows they hope to offer more models. Though the company teased us with a superbike concept at the Milan motor show, they hope to launch a more modest $5,000 bike in 2009 featuring a "next-gen" NiMH battery that should boost the range by ten miles for a total of 70. We think moves like that could ensure "scootin' sales" for years to come.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Boston.com / Business First

Vectrix sales get their scoot on, more affordable model coming next year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Lutz finds out first-hand what happens when you run out of juice

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Vectrix

Click on the image above for more shots of Lutz and the Vectrix

Bob Lutz, GM's formost Volt-pusher, loves himself some electric vehicles. As the owner of four (that's right... dude's got four!) Segways and a Vectrix Scooter, he's surely gotten used to the charging ritual. Still, accidents happen, and Mr. Lutz apparently found himself stranded after a faulty charge gauge left him thinking he had nearly twenty miles left before his batteries were dead. A few miles later, though, the Vectrix rolled to a stop and would move no further.

"When you are out in the middle of nowhere with an electric vehicle, and you have no back-up powerplant, you are truly, truly screwed. You can't go to the nearest wall outlet and bring back five gallons of electricity," Lutz says. Of course, with the Chevy Volt, the driver would need to both run his batteries dry and continue to run his gas tank dry before being stranded, though that distance may come a bit quicker than was initially planned.

Gallery: Bob Lutz's new Vectrix

Gallery: Chevy Volt Concept

[Source: Auto Observer]

Bob Lutz finds out first-hand what happens when you run out of juice originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix serves as a taxi in Paris

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Travel options in Paris just got a happy new addition. A scooter taxi service (yes really!) that goes by the name of City Bird has just added a pair of Vectrix electric maxi-scooters to its fleet. Now, instead of riding to your favorite cafe or tourist attraction on the back of a Suzuki Burgman or Honda Goldwing, you can now travel carbon and noise pollution free on a stylishly painted (n'est-ce pas?) Vectrix.

If this whole two-wheel taxi thing seems a little strange to you and your French literacy is adequate (or you have Google translate) you can check out the company blog and learn everything there is to know about the concept. From what we understand, the prices are decent and you don't have to worry about getting stuck in traffic jams like you might in a four-wheeled taxi. You can order up your ride via the Internet or telephone. If you happen to have an excellent knowledge of Paris and its environs and are a licensed and experienced driver looking for a unique employment opportunity you might want to get in contact with them for that too. Thanks to Mike W. for the tip!

[Source: City Bird via Bikes in the Fastlane]

Vectrix serves as a taxi in Paris originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photoshop of the Day: Flying high with a Vectrix scooter

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, Vectrix

Click above for two shots of the stunting Vectrix

Being big fans of electric vehicles in general, the Vectrix scooter is high on our lists of cool transportation options. Sure, the two-wheeled form factor won't work for everybody, but for those who can make the switch, the Vectrix scooter probably has the lowest cost of entry of any highway-capable zero emission vehicle available. A certain auto executive by the name of Bob Lutz has found the Vectrix to be a cool little machine for getting around town with it , though we doubt he'll be doing too much stunting with his. We're not going to suggest that the Vectrix, with its top speed up around sixty miles per hour, isn't capable of catching some air. Still, something tells us that the pictures you see here were created with a bit of Photoshop trickery. If we happen to be wrong about the photos, somebody has some guts, as the all electric scooter isn't really all that cheap.

Gallery: Fun with a Vectrix

[Source: The Biker Gene]

Photoshop of the Day: Flying high with a Vectrix scooter originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lutz going electric, can't wait for a Volt, picks up a Vectrix

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:51:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Vectrix

Click for a high-res gallery

GM product development guru Bob Lutz has become particularly enamored of electric drive vehicles recently. As one of the major internal corporate sponsors of the Chevy Volt within GM, Lutz has been even more vocal than usual for the past year about the E-Flex program. Unfortunately even though Lutz has been one of the few to drive the Volt mule or Mali-Volt, it's still a good 30 months (at least) away from Job 1. While biding his time and pushing the Volt engineering team along, he is adding other battery powered vehicles to his collection.

Lutz's latest toy is a new Vectrix electric scooter. The Vectrix launched last fall and according to company treasurer John Schnorr they have built about 2,000 scooters so far and sold about half of the those. While the bike was lauded at launch for stylish looks and decent performance, the original $11,000 price tag was deemed a bit to steep. Vectrix recently reduced the price down to a more reasonable although still not cheap $8,795. Schnorr was on hand at Lutz's home to personally deliver the new machine. Read more and check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Bob Lutz's new Vectrix

Continue reading VIDEO: Lutz going electric, can't wait for a Volt, picks up a Vectrix

VIDEO: Lutz going electric, can't wait for a Volt, picks up a Vectrix originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Vectrix scooter auction action for Amber Foundation

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, On Two Wheels, UK, Vectrix

eBay isn't the only EV auction action that's been going on recently. In a very successful effort to raise money for a British charity that helps young homeless people get their lives together, Eddie Jordan of Formula One fame, put up a pair of white Vectrix maxi-scooters to be sent home to the highest bidders. The event , held at Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill in Knightsbridge, London, featured live music from Jordan's rock band (he's a drummer) as well as an "exclusive dinner" whipped up by Marco Pierre White. While the amounts of the winning bids weren't disclosed, they may well have been records since the event raised over £500,000 for The Amber Foundation.

The record setters? Damon Hill, also of Formula One fame (1996 World Champion) and Roger Taylor, drummer of the iconic rock band Queen (We are the Champions). Now both men, once they receive some scooter-riding instruction from Vectrix, are set to become zero-carbon scooter-riding champions.

[Source: Vectrix via Crash.net]

Electric Vectrix scooter auction action for Amber Foundation originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 May 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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