Electric-powered ATVs – April 24, 2006

An Italian company is making headway in the European market with a line of electric-powered ATVs.
The vehicles are being sold in several countries by Geo Vehicles of Italy. The company is affiliated with Geo Europa, a firm that since 1998 has partnered with Global Electric Motorcars, a DaimlerChrysler company, to sell electric cars and buggies.
The company says it has dealers in Monaco, France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Greece, with sales in countries such as Italy, Spain, Hungary, Germany and Malta. Sales topped 300 last year, but the company hopes to manufacture 1,000 quads in the coming year. Its top-of-the-line Country Quad costs about $8,000.
The company is selling ATVs in Italy, France, Spain and many other European countries, said company spokesman Andrea Balzaretti,
“In Monaco, France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Greece, we already have dealers,” Balzaretti said. They are looking for dealers in other European countries, as well as in the United States and other international markets.
“At the moment we are in contact with possible dealers in the U.S. market, because we are thinking of arriving in the U.S. market with a brand new model that right now is under technical and development tests,” Balzaretti said.
Balzaretti could not say when he expects the company to sign a U.S. dealer.
He said supplying parts for the electric ATVs would not be difficult. Some of the parts are made in the United States, including batteries from Northstar Battery Company of Springfield, Mo., a DC controller by Curtis Instruments of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., and a 72-volt motor by General Electric of Fairfield, Conn.
Valerio Capelloni founded the company six months ago as a companion to his Geo Europa, which has sold GEM’s electric cars in Europe since 1998. GEM is manufacturing the electric ATVs as well, Balzaretti said.
He added it is Capelloni’s experience selling GEM cars that will make the difference with Geo Vehicles.
“His long experience in sale and post-sale services allow us to offer to our clients professional support,” Balzaretti said. “We are the leading company in Europe for GEM. For these reasons, we believe that our ATV project will also be fully successful. Already some quads are used by the Italian police for security duties.”
GEO Mini quad
designed for kids 4 to 8 years old
Size: 47Lx27Wx28H, in inches
Weight: 92.5 pounds
Motor: DC series motor
Motor power: 450W
Battery: Gel battery, 12V, 36V/12Ah
Charger: AC 220V or AC 110V
Charger output: DC 43.5V 1.8A
Charging time: 4 to 6 hours
Speed: About 11 mph
Single charge distance: 12.5 miles
Max capacity: 165 lbs.
GEO Light quad
designed for kids 8-14 years old
Size: 53Lx33Wx39H, in inches
Weight: 264 lbs
Motor: DC side motor
Motor power: 600W
Battery: Gel battery, 48V/24Ah
Charger: AC 220V or AC 110V
Charger output: DC 58V 8A
Charging time: 5 to 8 hours
Speed: About 18.5 mph
Single charge distance: 24.8 miles
Max capacity: 330 lbs.
Bugle and bulb voltage: 12V
Minimum ground clearance: 10 inches
GEO Toro Quad
Size: 77Lx38Wx42.5H, in inches
Weight: 319 lbs.
Motor: DC series motor
Motor power: 1200W
Battery: Gel battery, 48V/24Ah
Charger: AC 220V or AC 110V on board
Charger Output: 58V 8A
Charging time: 5 to 8 hours
Speed: 24 mph
Single charge distance: 31 miles
Capacity: 330 lbs.
Bugle and bulb voltage: 12V
Minimum ground clearance: 11 inches
GEO Country Quad
Size: 76Lx41Wx44H inches
Weight: 877 lbs.
Motor: General Electric, 3.72 Kw
Battery: Gel battery, 6x12V 90 Ah without maintenance
Charger: AC 220V or AC 110V on board
Charging time: 8 hours for 100 percent
Speed: 28 mph
Single charge distance: 37 miles
Max capacity: 1,212 lbs.
For more information:
Geo Vehicles s.r.l. Via per Bulgorello, 20 22070 Vertemate con Minoprio (co) italy; info@geovehicles.it www.geovehicles.it
Tel. +39 031.887435/525657
Fax. +39 031.901611 mail:
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