You know, sometimes I can be such a a well here you judge
Les LeBlanc wrote:
> Good day,
>
> One thanks you for your efforts in investigating the passing of appropriate legislation to finally allow or disallow this 100 year old technology on the road in Nova Scotia.
>
> One understands how some Provinces take longer to catch up to modern times than others.
>
> One especially appreciates the difficulties and concerns of passing a car body already in use in most of the rest of the world, as a regular or diesel car, in this "new" form of electric propulsion.
>
> One sincerely hopes that the red tape of 41 regulations, many of which are specific only to high speed vehicles and are deemed unnecessary by Transport Canada for this class of vehicle, does not unnecessarily prolong this process.
>
> One does appreciate that political will to implement change takes time. Of course once the legislation is passed, manufacturers can at that point know what is required of them, until then Kyoto targets and manufacturers willing to solve the problem and provide a product meeting 75% of the populations transportation needs will have to wait.
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> FYI (http://www.littletechshoppe.com/ns1625/automobiles.html)
> Oldest Car in Atlantic Canada
> September 2000
> 1902 Columbia Electric
> 98-year-old car to be featured at Sherbrooke show
> This 1902 Columbia Electric automobile, owned by
> Willard Saulnier of Meteghan, Digby County, Nova Scotia,
> is the oldest operating car in Atlantic Canada.
> http://www.littletechshoppe.com/ns1625/auto1902.jpg
> There are old cars, there are antique cars and there is the car Willard Saulnier will take to the annual Sherbrooke Show and Shine in September.
>
> The Meteghan man's 1902 Columbia Electric Car, the oldest operating car in Atlantic Canada, will be featured among 200 vehicles from around the Maritimes Sept. 9th and 10th. "It's one of the first cars made after the horse-drawn carriage," Mr. Saulnier said. "It's the only one I know of in Canada."
>
> The mostly wooden vehicle runs on six six-volt batteries, which will last for about 14 hours after a complete charging. But it will never set any speed records. "It will go about 20 miles (about 30 kilometres) per hour," said Mr. Saulnier, who bought the two-seater treasure six months ago from a Yarmouth man.
>
> "It would probably take me about a month to drive" to Show and Shine, which will be held on the ball field at historic Sherbrooke Village from 11am to 5pm Saturday September 9th and from 10am to 4pm Sunday September 10th.
>
> Drivers and owners will be available both days to talk about their vehicles.
>
> The cars will parade through the streets of Sherbrooke at 5:00pm Saturday as they begin a drive to Sonora. They'll return to Sherbrooke later in the evening.
>
> Mr. Saulnier's car, with a rudimentary 18-horsepower motor, has been a hit at a dozen car shows this year. This winter, he hopes to fully restore the vehicle, which was salvaged from an old barn in Ontario several years ago.
>
> [Halifax Chronicle-Herald, 30 August 2000]
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> ZENNâ„¢ Specifications :
>
> Body Type: 3 Door Hatchback, Fully Enclosed, Automotive Aluminum Alloy Space Frame, ABS Body Panels
> Propulsion: 100% Electric, Front Wheel Drive
> Charging: Standard 120 volt outlet plug-in - 80% recharge in 4 hours, complete charge in approximately 8 hours
> Wheel Base: 81.8 in.
> Curb Weight: Approximately 1,200 lbs.
> GVWR: 1,705 lbs.
> Track: Front and Rear - 49.8 in.
> Storage: 13 cu. ft.
> Available Features:
> Heater, Wipers, Power Windows, Power Locks, Remote Keyless Entry, Panoramic Sunroof and More!
> Range: Up to 35 miles
> Speed: 25 mph, limited in accordance with FMVSS 500 regulations
> Steering: Automotive Rack and Pinion with Permanently Sealed Tie-Rod Ends
> Suspension: Independent front wheel suspension with two coil spring/shock units
>
> Rear trailing arm suspension with two coil spring/shock units
> Brakes: Dual Hydraulic System, 4 Wheel Disk, With Electromagnetic Regeneration
> Batteries: Six 12-volt Heavy-Duty, Sealed, Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Non-Spill, Zero Maintenance
> Safety: Meets or Exceeds FMVSS 500 Standards
>
>
>
>
>
> One does again thank you for your time.
>
> Sincerely
> Mr.LeBlanc
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Michael Balsom wrote:
>> Dear Mr. Leblanc,
>>
>> Thank you for your correspondence regarding the potential use of low-speed vehicles in Nova Scotia. I have been asked to respond to you on behalf of Minister Scott.
>>
>> The issue of emerging vehicles, such as low-speed vehicles (and the ZENN in particular), is an ongoing area of interest for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and we are currently investigating the potential usage of such vehicles in Nova Scotia.
>>
>> Transport Canada has recently given the ZENN motor vehicle it's National Safety Mark for low speed Vehicles, indicating that it has met the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for low-speed vehicles (CMVSS 500). In order for a manufacturer to meet this standard, a low-speed vehicle must meet three criteria: it must have standard equipment such as a windshield, brake lights, headlights; it must have a Vehicle Identification Number; and it must have a seat-belt assembly (non-anchored). By contrast, a typical passenger vehicle must meet 41 criteria set out by the CMVSS.
>>
>> The potential for these types of low-speed vehicles is significant, and is being explored. However, before they can be allowed on Nova Scotia's roads, the department must be satisfied that they are safe for the driver as well as other road users. In addition, we are investigating the licensing and registration requirements, and the regulatory processes that must be addressed before allowing these vehicles to operate in Nova Scotia.
>>
>> Again, thank you for your interest on this subject. The issue of emerging vehicles is an important one for Nova Scotia, and we are in the process of conducting research to ensure that if these vehicles are permitted in the province, their introduction will be done in a safe, responsible manner.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Michael Balsom
>> Vehicle Standards Engineer
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Michael Balsom
>> Vehicle Standards Engineer
>> N.S. Transportation and Public Works
>> T: (902) 424-0070
>> F: (902) 454-0512
>> E: balsommg@gov.ns.ca
>>
