EVI Cruises into Mid-America Trucking Show with First "Road Ready" Commercial Electric Vehicle to Hit the U.S. Market

Company sees favorable political climate and superior technology as providing momentum for rollout of EV and HEV models to fleet managers and commercial transport owners

LOUISVILLE, Ky. March 17, 2009; Electric Vehicles International (EVI), a leading manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, announced today that the first ever “Road Ready” EV/HEV class 3-6 commercial vehicles will be available for demonstrations at the 2009 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. Having completed its launch into the U.S. market earlier this month, EVI offers customizable fully electric vehicles (EV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) that are in full compliance with the major federal and state regulatory agencies in their respective weight classes.

“With our customizable EV and HEV products ready to deliver to customers within 60 days combined with recently passed federal and state tax incentives, we believe that EVI is in an excellent position to help electrify America’s trucking fleets,” said Art Robins, Vice President of U.S. Operations for Electric Vehicles International (EVI). “We have the proven track record and the expertise to help a wide range of customers – from large fleet owners to small to medium-sized businesses – integrate commercial EV or HEV solutions into their day-to-day transportation operations.”

With a nationwide push for energy independence and smarter financial decisions, public and private entities alike are urging managers to electrify their fleets. The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included a number of financial incentives for EVs that can range from $7,500 to $15,000 per vehicle. In addition, many states and municipalities are awarding grants and tax incentives for the procurement and use of EV and HEV transportation. When these incentives are combined with EVI’s competitive pricing and lower operating costs, it can help fleet owners and businesses of all sizes achieve significant efficiencies and have a positive impact on the bottom line in the process.

In addition to the two commercial truck models (eviLightTruck and the eviRoute 1500) that EVI manufactures, the company has developed a cutting-edge drive train and offers engineering services including conversions to HEVs. All of EVI's vehicles, which are presently available to the U.S. market, are "Road Ready" Glider Chassis, are assembled in the U.S. and have met all of the compliance requirements of Title 49 of the DOT's CFR. EVI's motors and controllers are built in the U.S. and the trucks’ patented lithium phosphate batteries are supplied by Valence Technology , an international manufacturer and supplier of safe lithium phosphate energy storage solutions based in Austin, TX.

EVI is exhibiting and offering demos at Booth #65216 at the 37th Mid-America Trucking Show, being held at the Kentucky Expo Center. In addition, EVI will hold a press conference with a presentation during the show at Conference Room C108 on Thursday, March 19 at 3:00pm. As part of the company’s U.S. launch, EVI is participating in several leading industry events including the recent Work Truck Show in Chicago, IL along with the upcoming Faster Fleet Cleaner Air California (a.k.a. Faster Freight – Cleaner Air) show in Long Beach, CA and the Alternative Fuels & Vehicle Conference in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

About Electric Vehicles International

EVI was started in California in 1989 through funding from the state where the company began research and development in the field of alternative energy transportation solutions. EVI is dedicated to making EVs and HEVs viable now, which has lead to a doubling of their production capabilities and the company’s recent expansions into the U.S. market. EVI's U.S. operations, sales and marketing are based out of Austin, TX, which will be responsible for all of the company’s products in the U.S. and Canada. To find out more about EVs or HEVs or how to convert your existing fleet, please contact EVI at info@evi-usa.com, 1-877-435-1999 or visit www.evi-usa.com.