sr-112409-1cCity Council Meeting: November 24, 2009
Agenda Item: ~ "
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Joan L. Akins, Director, Community Maintenance Department
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution Supporting State Regulations to Establish a
Medium-Speed Vehicle (MSV) Classification
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution of Support requesting that the
State establish aMedium-Speed Vehicle (MSV) classification for vehicles limited to a
maximum speed of 35 mph and limited to operate on roads with a 35 mph maximum
speed limit.
Executive Summary
Creation of a MSV classification is needed to allow the safe and legal use of vehicles
limited to a maximum speed of 35 mph. MSVs are primarily zero-emission, battery
powered vehicles that are available today. The manufacture, sale and use of MSVs will
displace oil, create demand and accelerate the automotive industry's move toward zero-
emission vehicles.
Background
Typical passenger cars must meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
established by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for
full-speed vehicles. In 1998 NHTSA established a safety standard for Low-Speed
Vehicles (ESNs) which are limited to a top speed of 25 mph on roads posted for 35 mph
or less. MSVs do not fall under either of these regulations because they do not meet all
FMVSS, but have more safety standards than LSVs. Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington have passed MSV .legislation
contrary to Federal regulations and other states are considering legislation.
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Fully compliant FMVSS vehicles have requirements such as advanced air bags and
electronic stability control that adds approximately $10M to the development cost of a
vehicle. This is prohibitive for all but the few largest, manufacturers and greatly limits
competition to bring alternative fuels technology advancements to market.
Manufacturers and other proponents of MSVs believe that some FMVSS requirements
have little or no advantage at 35 mph or less, but have been unsuccessful in convincing
NHTSA to establish safety standards for vehicles limited to 35 mph. Proponents want
the opportunity to work with the State to establish legal standards for MSVs in limited
applications.
Discussion
MSVs with their limited range and speed are a perfect fit for existing EV technology.
The biggest obstacle facing full-speed Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is the
affordability of batteries to accommodate high speeds for long distances. Large
manufacturers are beginning to demonstrate vehicles in limited applications, but large
numbers of full-speed BEVs are several years away and could be much longer if fuel
prices remain low.
MSVs have much smaller energy requirements than long-range, full-speed vehicles.
This allows smaller, less expensive systems to be used in testing and developing
experimental or expensive battery, fuel cell, compressed air and other zero emission
technologies for vehicles. The reduced cost enables participation and problem solving
by a larger group of inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses to work on resolving
transportation problems.
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MSVs are ideal for congested areas, commuter vehicles and "last mile" use. They
should reduce the incidents of accident and injuries attributed to excessive speed and
therefore, increase safety in urban and pedestrian environments. Reducing the use of
petroleum fuel by using zero emission vehicles improves health, the environment and
the climate.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There are no immediate financial impacts. Future impacts could include development of
electric vehicle charging infrastructure and increased electrical use at City owned EV
chargers. Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) displaying the ZEV decal are not required to
pay at parking meters, which could result in a loss of some parking revenue.
Prepared by: Rick Sikes, Superintendent, Fleet Management
Approved: Forwarded to Council:
Joa L. Akins '" P/C~fmont EN
Direc or, Community Maintenance ~ Manager
Department
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Reference Resolution No.
10441 (CCS).