INNOVA Award Winner for the July/August 2004 Issue

Low Speed Electric Utility Vehicle Uses 1 kW of Power and Can Transport Over 350 lbs.

Kronosport, Inc., a manufacturer of a line of light duty electric utility vehicles, has introduced the TRUK, a lightweight application (less than 500 lbs.) with a load capacity of 350+ lbs. plus a driver. A zero emission vehicle, it is well suited for indoors environments such as factories, distribution centers or shopping malls or outdoors on a farm, ranch, park or resort.

The MK 50 Transaxle and Bernardi Wheel

The TRUK uses a seven speed hub gear to assist pedaling and is powered by an ASI 36 volt electric drive system. The MK 50 (single pass gearing) transaxle utilizes die cast housing. It can handle vehicle weights up to 1,500 lbs. and speeds up to 12 mph are possible due to the large ratio variations offered. ASI provides the motor, electro-magnetic brake, harnessing, connectors, gear reduction and differential all in one package.

“We use six 12 volt deep cycle gel MK batteries which are contained in two custom molded battery boxes,” said Ed Kron, president of Kronosport, Inc. “The vehicle has an on-board charger which plugs into any standard 110 outlet. Charging time is 5 to 6 hours and provides a run time of approximately 25 miles fully loaded with a top speed of 12 mph. The optional pedal system helps to extend run time and powers the vehicle when the batteries run out. The front boom extends 8 inches for operator leg length.”

Other features included on the TRUK are Hobbs battery meter and key switch, auxiliary power outlet, auto reverse with audible indicator, front and rear LED lights, turn signals, hydraulic disc brakes, regenerative braking, horn, safety restraints, water bottle cage and ergonomic seat with pellicle material for comfort.

Rear View Mirror

“The vehicle weighs less than 500 lbs. with batteries, which translates to high efficiency,” said Kron. “The chassis articulates, which ads to comfort and stability. Italian tri-spoke mag wheels can be fitted with on or off-road tires for various applications.” Kronosport's vehicles all share this common platform. The company currently offers four models: a cargo van with weatherproof enclosure, a garden vehicle with dump style bed, a pedicab (modern rickshaw) and a hopper.

Although a new-comer to the utility vehicle marketplace, Kronosport achieved national recognition when the Environmental Protection Agency awarded the City of Philadelphia a $200,000 contact to purchase Kronosport's vehicles for various city departments in order to reduce air pollution. The vehicles are currently being used by the Philadelphia Zoo, Parks Department and Health Department. Additional vehicles will go to the airport, police department and recreation department.

Kronosport is also currently working closely with the Department of Defense's Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) to develop a hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle. “Most utility vehicles are too heavy and require too much power for fuel cell technology,” explained Kron. “Kronosport's vehicles require only 1 kW of power and are an excellent commercial application for existing fuel cell technology. No pollution, no noise and no down time! The vehicle will use commercially available hydrogen canisters which can be safely and easily swapped similar to propane canisters. With a 3 kW system, Kronosport intends to produce FCVs offering emission free mobility, with small power supply and emergency management/distributed energy generation capacity. Our Mini FCVs, with their on board electrical power plants, will be a first-level, market-ready permutation in the transportation industry that combines mobility solutions with mobile power supply and power generation/distributed energy capacity.”
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