1.When was Green Vehicles started?
2007
2.Where is Green Vehicles headquartered?
In 2010 we moved from our research & development/prototyping facility in San Jose to an 80,000 sq ft space in Salinas, CA.
3.How is your company funded?
Green Vehicles is a privately held company originally funded by the founders and a private investor. In 2010 the company received $2.5 million in backing from the California Energy Commission and the City of Salinas, and is currently infusing additional funding and private equity.
4.What makes the Triac different from the other electric vehicles on the market?
The Triac is the only advanced, affordable freeway commuter being sold today. This lithium-ion powered vehicle is capable of 100 miles per charge for under $25,000. The first deliveries to customers in the ‘Early Adopter’ program started in November 2009.
The next generation Triac’s proprietary VEDA (Vehicle, Efficiency & Data Assistant) system incorporates several features that differentiate the vehicle from anything on the market. We’ve implemented certain features specifically targeted at reducing so-called "range anxiety." For example, a "range halo" overlay on the navigational system illustrates the distance that can be traveled is computed from the state-of-charge (SOC%) and the driver’s last 5 minutes of driving. By utilizing actual driving conditions to model the vehicle range, Triac owners can know with certainty that they will reach a safe place to charge.
Data logging is also used in a more common-sense approach, guiding owners to operate their vehicles more efficiently. For example, at shutdown, the driver is given an efficiency score that is compared to his or her best performance. This simple feature encourages driving behavior that leads to efficient operation.
5.How do you differ from the Nissan Leaf, Think, BYD or Volt?
Competing electric vehicles are only available in limited quantities, and new customers are placed in lengthy waiting queues. The prices for each of these vehicles are substantially higher than the Triac. Additionally, you will be able to configure our freeway commuter in a 50, 75, or 100 mile setup. The vehicle is designed to meet your specific driving needs and help you pay the lowest price possible.
Beyond the vehicle itself, we think you're like us. You want to save the environment, and your vehicle should reflect your values for sustainable living. GREEN Vehicles gets it, which is why we strive to produce the most efficient, nontoxic vehicles using the most efficient, nontoxic manufacturing techniques. We also consider recycling issues to make sure our vehicles don't end up in land-fill at the end of their useful life, and are recycled to the maximum extent.
6.What type of batteries come in the Triac? Do the batteries come with the vehicle, or does this cost extra?
The Triac is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are included in the purchase price. We are aware of a competing business model whereby batteries are leased to customers instead of being purchased by them. If this proves to be a benefit to customers, Green Vehicles will also offer such an option.
7.How is the battery charged?
The batteries are charged simply by plugging the vehicle into either a standard 110V outlet or a 220V outlet. The vehicles’ onboard power system recognizes either voltage source automatically, and adapts the charging rate accordingly.
8.How long does recharging take?
Depending on the power source, charging takes 5 hours for 220V outlets or 16 hours for 120V outlets, when the batteries need 100% charge. Charging time under typical use patterns are about half of this.
9.Are lithium-ion batteries safe?
Green Vehicles takes the issue of safety very seriously. The batteries used in our vehicles have passed rigorous stress testing including overcharge, overdischarge, extreme heat, puncture, short-circuit, and crush. Secondly, the battery cells and the pack are fitted with mechanical and electrical fail-safes that disconnect in various conditions deemed unsafe. Additionally, Green Vehicles’ Battery Management System (BMS) detects, communicates, and controls the power to the pack during charging and driving. The BMS will disconnect the batteries if the vehicle is outside the normal operating range.
10.Is the Triac licensed as a car or as a motorcycle?
The Triac registers as a motorcycle. This has certain benefits, namely, registration costs less, and in most states, the ability to travel in the HOV lane with only a single occupant. No special drivers license is needed, however, nor is a helmet required.
11.Tell us about safety of this vehicle. Is there a roll bar, or caging system in the vehicle?
The Triac meets all Federally Mandated Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for vehicles in its class. Additionally, Green Vehicles has gone above and beyond the required safety standards. The next generation Triac 2.0 has engineered structures validated by simulations to withstand various frontal, side, rear and rollover scenarios. The lack of volatile fossil fuels is also an advantage against the risk of fire in the event of accident.
One area of safety where the vehicle’s performance often surprises people is in resistance to rollover. Approximately 500 lbs of batteries lie under the floorboards, creating a center of gravity that is uncommonly low. Most first-time drivers of the Triac are very surprised at how well it corners.
12.What is the warranty?
Green Vehicles offers a one-year warrantee with an optional 2nd year.
13.What is the price of the Triac?
The expected price for Triac 2.0 vehicles is $24,995 when it releases in 2011.
14.What is the price of the Moose?
$23,765. The Moose is shipping today.
15.Are there options that can be added to the standard vehicle? If yes, what type of options are available?
Navigation system, XM stereo, color upgrades, A/C, “Performance package” for greater power.
16.When will the Triac be in production?
'Early adopter' customer shipments began in 2009. All early adopter vehicles have shipped.
The next generation Triac 2.0 is planned to ship in 2011.
17.What will yearly production volume be?
Green Vehicles expects to build several thousand vehicles per year.
18.Who handles maintenance on the vehicles?
Most service related issues are in the category of general automotive. The majority of service stations performing maintenance on hybrid electric vehicle have the equipment and general knowledge-base to work on the Triac. The vehicle’s service manual and battery management system make service easy to manage for Triac-specific parts and systems, such as the batteries, electric motor and other electronic components.
19. What sort of deposit does a buyer need to make to order a car?
Moose buyers need only call or send email, requesting that a Green Vehicles agent contact them to process an order.
17.What will yearly production volume be?
Green Vehicles expects to build several thousand vehicles per year.
18.Who handles maintenance on the vehicles?
Most service related issues are in the category of general automotive. The majority of service stations performing maintenance on hybrid electric vehicle have the equipment and general knowledge-base to work on the Triac. The vehicle’s service manual and battery management system make service easy to manage for Triac-specific parts and systems, such as the batteries, electric motor and other electronic components.
19. What sort of deposit does a buyer need to make to order a car?
Moose buyers need only call or send email, requesting that a Green Vehicles agent contact them to process an order.
Customers for the next generation Triac 2.0 can get into the queue with a fully refundable deposit of $500. The funds are held in an escrow account, and will be applied to the purchase of the vehicle.
Call (408) 688-1210 or email sales@greenvehicles.com.
21.Do you consider the electric vehicle to be a trend in the market right now? Many say electric vehicles are the future - is the future here and here to stay?
Electric vehicles are the only technology capable of zero tailpipe emissions; unlike some previously competing alternatives, they are “refueled” from a ubiquitous existing infrastructure. As the electrical grid continues to generate more and more power from clean sources such as solar and wind, electric vehicles benefit without changing. Significant investments by public utility companies, municipal, state and federal government agencies in “Smart Grid” technology and charging station infrastructure are commitments in the long-term viability of the electric vehicle industry; EVs will only become more attractive moving forward in greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, overall performance, and cost of ownership advantages.
21.Do you consider the electric vehicle to be a trend in the market right now? Many say electric vehicles are the future - is the future here and here to stay?
Electric vehicles are the only technology capable of zero tailpipe emissions; unlike some previously competing alternatives, they are “refueled” from a ubiquitous existing infrastructure. As the electrical grid continues to generate more and more power from clean sources such as solar and wind, electric vehicles benefit without changing. Significant investments by public utility companies, municipal, state and federal government agencies in “Smart Grid” technology and charging station infrastructure are commitments in the long-term viability of the electric vehicle industry; EVs will only become more attractive moving forward in greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, overall performance, and cost of ownership advantages.
