Blade Electric Vehicles - Australia's first commercial electric car

BIG 25 – BEV’s 25 Year Plan

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:14:00 +0000

The Blade Electron is a watershed development in automotive market practice. For years academics have put forward the concept of extending the life of cars from 10 years to 25 years and even more to reduce their environmental impact. The Hot Rod industry is an example where vehicles are maintained and kept on the road in prime condition 60 years after manufacturer. These vehicles have in the passage of time become classics and instead of being consigned to the scrap heap are recovered, rebuilt and traded among a unique community of drivers.

As Australia’s first full production all electric car the Blade Electron has a unique place in the countries automotive history. Blade is determined to nurse both this legacy and the cars in the coming decades to minimise their environmental impact. This is being done by re engineering that lasts, by creating an upgrade path as battery and other technologies evolve and by encouraging and supporting a culture among Electron owners to maintain and pass on in time a well maintained classic piece of Australian automotive history.

The Blade Electron is about changing the throw away culture associated with car ownership to one of respecting the cost to the environment embodied in the car and in response ensuring it is kept in useful service for the next 25 years.

New Electron models and pricing announced

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:42:24 +0000

Blade is excited to announce a breakthrough in both product development and pricing for its all-electric Electron range …

Urban four seat five door new Electron MkVI at just $47,000*

Urban four seat five door ex-fleet Electron DG at just $47,000*

Urban two seat three door ex-fleet, long range Electron DGL at just $52,000*

*See conditions below.

The Electron range is the culmination of four years research and development, road testing and astute technology choices.

R&D including design patents and crash testing culminating in an unlimited Federal production licence.
Knowledge gained with over 40 vehicles on the road.
Selection and adaption of the robust and proven Hyundai Getz body.

The Electron has had a major upgrade in power plant, cell pack and ease of driving. Power and torque has been doubled such that the vehicle can be driven without the need to use the gear stick but for those who still want that extra torque at high speed two additional semi automated gears are provided. There has been a break through in cell technology reducing cell weight by one third and doubling power output. The resulting weight advantage enabled us to install a powerful 6kW on board charger. This means that at home and at public J1772 charge points, such as those provided by the ECOtality, (see photo) you can recharge your Electron in just two hours. In addition, Blade provides a second plug so you can still recharge at the standard 10 Amp house hold power point.

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The following table will help you decide which Electron model best suits your needs.

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Features	Electron MkVl	Electron DG	Electron DGL
J1772 charge	2hr/8hr	2hr/8hr	4hr/8hr
Urban range*	160km	160km	220km
Hwy range	100km	100km	140km
Torque^	160Nm	160Nm	170Nm
Power^	65kW	65kW	50kW
Seating	4	4	2
Price inc GST+	$ 47,000	$ 47,000	$ 52,000
* Based on Japan 10.15 drive cycle – in Blade’s view best reflects inner city driving.
^ May vary in some cases at Blade’s discretion.
+ Plus on road costs. Prices may vary without notice.

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Q&A

Q. Will finance companies lease an Electron?

A. Yes, finance is available through a number of leasing companies – BEV can assist in arranging leasing.

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Q. Are there options to enhance the Electron?

A. Yes, the following is a list of available options:

GT stripes
ECOtality wall mount charge station – from $3500
20 minute CHAdeMO compatible recharge 4Q 2011 (retrofit will be available)
Leather seats
Mag wheels
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Q. Which companies will insure the Electron?

A. Insurance is available through forward thinking insurers such as Suncorp, Shannons, AAMI, Apia and GIO.

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Q. What Warranty will I receive?

A. Blade provides a full three year warranty on all parts and components.

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Q. Where can my Electron be serviced?

A. Any UltraTune service centre.

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Q. If I buy an Electron today will it quickly become obsolete and lose value?

A. No, it’s our policy to provide our customers with an upgrade path to help future proof their investment. To date seven Mk l, Mkll and Mk lll Electrons have been upgraded to Mk V for Melbourne City Council, Maribyrnong Council, Melton Council, Mount Alexander Council and a range of private owners at a very reasonable rates to keep their electric motoring up to the latest standard.

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Q. Is Blade’s Buy Back guarantee still applicable?

A. Yes, to further protect the value of your purchase Blade guarantees to buy back your Electron after year one for 50% of its purchase price, after two years for 40% and after three years for 30% of the original purchase price. The one condition is that there shall be no more than $300 in damage and this is determined at Blade’s sole discretion – Buy Back Electrons are refurbished then on sold.

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Q. How do I buy an Electron?

A. At these ground breaking prices there is a strict order of production and delivery. To reserve your place in the production line you simply place a 10% deposit. If you subsequently cancel your order half the deposit will be refunded no questions asked.

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Q. Are there any other terms and conditions?

A. The payment schedule for your Electron requires a further 40% on start of the process for production, 25% when vehicle is assembled and the balance when it is ready for delivery and you are satisfied with the car.

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Q. How long will it take from order to delivery?

A. The time required from order to delivery is approximately 12 weeks.

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Q. What colours can I choose from?

A. Colour choice is limited to availability of stock at the time you make your 40% production payment – White is the most common colour available and has the added benefit of keeping your Electron cooler.

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Q. I want an Electron so what do I do?

A. Either phone or email Jim Norris or Ross Blade – details here

Electron granted unlimited production licence

admin — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:32:29 +0000

In October 2010, Blade Electric Vehicles was granted a Federal Department of Transport licence for unlimited production of the Electron Mark V.

“This is another milestone in the development of an Australian electric vehicle industry”, said Ross Blade. “Next year we will achieve another – the first EV with an all-Australian drive train.”

In 2011, Blade will launch the Electron Deep Green, which will bring new features, performance and affordability to the Australian electric vehicle industry.

100 people test drive Electron in Melbourne

admin — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 03:47:51 +0000

The Blade Electron was a star performer at the Green Zone Drive event in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct over the week of October 2-8. Over 100 people test drove the Electron over a 3.5 kilometre circuit around public roads. As expected, it performed flawlessly in the testing environment (including during the severe storms on the Wednesday).

Electron attends Victorian EV Trial launch

admin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:40:17 +0000

Wednesday October 6 2010 saw the launch in Melbourne of the 5 year, $5m Victorian Electric Vehicle Trial. The Electron attended alongside the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and a plug-in Toyota Hybrid Camry (not yet available in Australia).

The Trial was launched by the Premier, John Brumby, who took a couple of spins around the Federation Square carpark in the Electron. He spoke at length about the purpose of the Trial – “to make Victoria an EV-friendly state”, and highlighted the success of Blade Electric Vehicles.

Transport and Roads Minister Tim Pallas also attended, as did Education Minister Bronwyn Pike.

Electron visits Melbourne Oct 2-8

admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:34:23 +0000

The Blade Electron Mark V will be participating in the Green Zone Drive event in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct from October 2 to October 8. Members of the public can book test drives around a 3.5km circuit, allowing them first hand experience of the Electron driving experience.

BEV staff will be on hand to explain car controls and answer questions.

To book a test drive, go to www.greenzonedrive.com.au, select the Blade Electron and choose a date and time.

See you there!

Canberra EV Festival a success

admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:42:31 +0000

The Canberra Electric Vehicle Festival, held on Saturday, September 18, was an unqualified success. Over 10,000 people attended to see the three commercially available electric vehicles together for the first time. Two Blade Electrons were displayed alongside the Tesla Roadster and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, with many patrons opting to go for a quick spin on a closed section of road.

The Festival also featured historical EVs, in particular two Detroit cars from the early 20th Century.

Electron at Canberra EV Festival

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:37:57 +0000

As well as the Electron, the Canberra EV Festival will have everything from a Tesla to a 1917 vintage Detroit Electric – still going strong. A range of Vectrix electric motorbikes and stalls showcasing conversions, infrastructure technology and more. Free entry, food, refreshments, rides and entertainment, the first electric vehicle festival will be a very positive experience! Be part of it.

Brought to you by the Australian Electric Vehicle Association in partnership with the ACT Electric Vehicle Council.

Saturday, 18 September, 2010: 10am – 4pm, on the lawns in front of Old Parliament House, Canberra.

NB. NOT OCTOBER 4 AS IN IMAGE – that was last year!

Food & Refreshments
Children’s Entertainment / Rides
Electric Vehicle converter stalls
Electric Vehicle parts suppliers stalls
Electric Vehicle Science & Technology stalls
Upcoming Production Electric Vehicles
Demonstration of the Tesla Roadster electric super car
Historical Electric Vehicles such as the Detroit Electric
and much more!!!

Electron driving the future

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:40:06 +0000

From the Canberra Times, August 8th 2010

BY NOEL TOWELL

19 Aug, 2010 09:07 AM

It will cost you $48,000 and you can’t drive it to Sydney but the Blade Electron represents progress on many fronts.

First, it’s the closest you can get to an Australian-built electric car and driving 100km in it will cost you $2.

Provided the electricity comes from renewable sources, that’s the greenest 100km you’ll find, short of a pushbike.

And with the Electron capable of charging in eight hours from a domestic power point, it doesn’t have to wait for the promised electric car recharging points to appear around the city.

The car, if it does everything its makers say it can, could launch Castlemaine into the ranks of Australian automotive, or electromotive, household names.

Read the original article>

Clean Driving initiative launched

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:25:29 +0000

Interested in a contributing to a sustainable future?
Looking for a Zero Emission transport solution?
Looking to purchase an Electric Vehicle?

Look No Further.

Clean Driving is a local project bringing commercial electric cars to the Canberra Region, Today.

If you’ve seen the green “I’m run on 100% green electricity” car around Canberra, you’ve seen the future of Zero Emissions driving.

If you’re ready to go electric, would like to find out more about electric vehicles or even test drive one, Clean Driving will be happy to help you out.

If you’re ready to “go electric” they’ve done the hard work, and can help get you organised with a brand new electric car and have you motoring the electric way in no time.

Visit the Clean Driving website.