Author: Bob Turner

Exciting Developments at The Electric Motor Vehicle Company
Great Winter Specials Now On Offer

Six years ago, Alex de Boer was working full-time in Invercargill, offering financial advice. He kept hearing the call for everyone to take ownership and help reduce New Zealand’s carbon footprint. With 40% of emissions attributed to the transport sector, a transition to electric vehicles was clearly needed.

As an engineer, Alex understood the scale of the challenge.

“This shift is even bigger than the introduction of the internet — and look how important that has become in our lives,” he says.

Motivated to be part of the solution, Alex founded The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd (EMV). His goal: to help people demystify electric transport and embrace this transition.

Regardless of personal views on climate change, the shift to electric vehicles was inevitable.

“Fossil fuels are neither sustainable nor healthy long-term. All technology is going digital, and electricity is the foundation. Vehicles will eventually become self-driving,” says Alex.

Helping Southland Transition to Electric

EMV began by importing late-model, low-kilometre electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles from Japan.

However, uptake in New Zealand has been slow compared to other countries:

🇳🇴 97% of cars sold in Norway last year were electric
🇨🇳 Over 50% of vehicles in China are now electric — helping combat pollution

“The NZ market will catch up as manufacturers continue their transition,” Alex believes.

Introducing GEOBYKE: E-Bikes for All Adventures

Another exciting initiative from EMV is the development of their own e-bike range — GEOBYKE. These bikes are designed for:

• Long-range riding with large-capacity batteries
• Handling rugged Southland and Central Otago trails
• Older riders and families enjoying the outdoors
• Commuters wanting to leave the car at home

HISUN UTVs: Clean, Quiet, Powerful Farm Vehicles

EMV has also introduced a range of HISUN 4WD UTVs, ideal for:

• Farms
• Orchards
• Vineyards
• Lifestyle blocks

Features include:

✅ Extremely quiet
✅ Full day operation on one charge
✅ Eco-friendly (reduces up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ annually)

Winter Special Price: Starting from $19,995
Customisation options available to suit your needs.

Advanced Lithium Battery Systems — Built In-House

One of EMV’s most innovative developments is their in-house production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries:

🔋 Maintenance-free
🔋 Outlast the vehicle
🔋 Stainless steel, modular casing
🔋 Expandable for ranges over 160km
🔋 Can power remote huts, cabins, or workstations

These batteries are also perfect for:

• Solar storage
• Wind power systems
• Off-grid living

Visit Us to See What’s New

We invite you to visit EMV and experience these exciting developments firsthand.

Whether you’re looking for:

• An electric car
• A GEOBYKE
• A HISUN UTV
• Or a clean energy solution

We’re here to help drive your electric future forward.

Geobyke Extends Range of E-Bikes for Trail, Road & Business

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company’s e-bike division, Geobyke, has expanded its lineup to suit a broader range of riders — from individuals and families to businesses.

Geobyke continues to focus on delivering the longest range, powerful assistance, and outstanding value.

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🚴‍♂️ Dual Battery Model for All-Day Riding

This new model offers a range of over 140 km — perfect for full-day trail rides without needing a recharge. It’s also ideal for rental operators wanting reliable long-distance performance.

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👨‍👩‍👧 20-Inch Low-Step E-Bike for Kids and Smaller Adults

Designed for smaller adults or children aged 8–14, this model features a 20-inch wheel, plus adjustable seat and handlebar heights. It can also suit taller riders, offering maximum flexibility for rentals and family use.

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🚐 Compact Folding E-Bike (Now in Low-Step)

We’ve added a low-step version of our popular folding 20-inch e-bike. It’s perfect for campervans, car boots, or the back seat — great for travel, quick errands, or trail fun.

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🛵 New Cargo E-Bike

Our cargo model is ideal for:

• Carrying up to two children in special safety seats
• Use by businesses to deliver goods, meals, or supplies

These bikes are hugely popular in Europe and California, and now available in Southland.

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👫 Tandem E-Bike

Ride together with our new 2-person tandem e-bike, featuring dual batteries. Great for couples or friends wanting to share the journey and stay closer on the trail. A smart addition for flat-terrain rental fleets.

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🛺 Geobyke E-Trike

Our electric trike is gaining popularity quickly — offering comfort, safety, and ease of use for riders of all ages.

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📍 Visit Our Display Space in Invercargill

You can view all Geobyke models at our new display space in the Invercargill City Mall, located opposite Westpac Bank and Ottos.

While the space is only occasionally manned, the bikes are clearly visible through the windows — beautifully laid out and well-lit inside the showroom. Two large screens continuously display details about our models so you can learn more at any time.

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🚲 Test Rides & Purchases

Come see us at our main showroom:

279 Dee Street (corner of Fox Street), Invercargill

We look forward to seeing you!

A lucky Christmas draw turned up an exceptionally lovely prize for Bluff’s Jennifer Kapene, who won the Geobyke giveaway.

Store owner Alex de Boer said his new electric bike store, Geobyke, based in Invercargill Central, was the sole New Zealand distributor of the specially imported electric bikes.

Geobyke had worked directly with the manufacturer to specifically design the bikes to meet New Zealand road and trail conditions, Mr de Boer said.

Invercargill Central Geobyke store manager Josh Haggerty welcomes all inquiries regarding any of the products it has available.

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company is hoping to make its electric bikes more accessible to Southlanders with a new retail store in Invercargill Central.

Managing director and engineer Alex de Boer has designed the Geobyke as a more affordable ebike option, better suited to Southland conditions.

And while the bikes’ components are manufactured in China, they are assembled in Invercargill.

But the company’s Avenal location was somewhat out of the way, de Boer said, and he wanted to bring the bikes closer to shoppers.

The new location also puts him in close proximity to hotels, making it easy for tourists to pick up rentals.

“We’ve got bikes for every occasion, as long as it’s electric,” de Boer said, “and there’s more variety on the way.”

The storefront – in the space that used to house the Toot Sweets pop-up store – had been done up in mossy green, but de Boer chose bright colours for some of his bikes.

“You want to show off something you’re proud of,” he said.

Along the walls, shoppers could see maps for some of the cycling trails around Southland.

The Geobyke store would be managed by former Torpedo 7 manager and former professional cyclist Joshua Haggerty who would be able to discuss buyers’ requirements to help them choose a bike.

The bikes, De Boer said, had a range of about 80km, depending on the power needed.

“So if you have to go up a hill, you’ve got the grunt to do so.”

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company started off selling already imported ebikes alongside its cars and UTVs, but De Boer said he often couldn’t pinpoint the bikes’ specs or reliability.

“I found that so frustrating.”

So being an engineer, he set about designing a bike himself, with features like using easy to source, common parts to make replacing spares easy and sustainable.

Now he was working on a lithium ion battery specifically for farms with a stainless steel box that can’t be punctured and won’t be susceptible to corrosive substances such as animal urine.

“If a battery fails for some reason, we can take it apart and fix it within 30 minutes,” De Boer said.

He was also working with solar and wind energy installers who could use the batteries during down times.

“In a modern age, companies like ours need to think outside the square,” he said.

His commitment to sustainability even extends to everyday business practice with the store being completely paperless.

“For an old bugger like me, it’s hard to pull me into,” de Boer joked.

REVERSE MODE | VARIABLE TRANSMISSION MODES | 3 LEVELS OF RIDING MODE | VARIABLE TRACTION CONTROL THROTTLE SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT | VARIABLE REGENERATIVE BRAKING | TILT PROTECTION | USB PORT | CHARGING POWER ADJUSTMENT PARK BRAKE | WON’T MOVE IF BIKE STAND IS DOWN

Introducing the SURRON ULTRA BEE X electric dirk bike. A groundbreaking innovation, and a monumental accomplishment in the world of electric off road motorcycling. Drawing from the knowledge acquired through the development of the existing Bee Series and years of racing experience the Surron Ultra Bee is set to revolutionize the electric off-road adventure.

Weighing only 85 kg with a 6kw motor developing 440N.m of torque and reaching 90km/h the acceleration is instant easy to wheel stand !

The 74V lithium ion battery delivers great power and combined with 4.07KWh of capacity gives a driving range of 104 km at 55km/h.

There is the option of a trail version or a road version.

At only 20% of the price of the SURRON we have the KUGOO WISH electric motorbike to suit younger members of the family so they can join in the off road adventures. This power packed performer features:

•  A rear hub-mounted 3 KW motor
•  A 48V lithium-ion battery with 768-watt capacity
•  A top speed of 55km/h
•  Disc brakes
•  40-50 km range.

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd have the SURRON and KUGOO in stock and spare parts are available ex Christchurch and Auckland delivered via courier as required. The other versions of the bike can be obtained at short notice.

“ The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd specializes in E- Mobility and offers electric and hybrid cars, E-Bikes, E- Scooters, and Hisun off-road UTVs and not having a great electric motor bike has always left a hole in our ability to offer our clients a full range to meet their mobility needs,” says Mr Alex de Boer , Managing Director. “ We did have a Surron for a short time but the model was too small and the availability was not well established. Now there is a strong importer to ensure stock and parts availability we feel more confident to promote it to our clients. “

The Surron combined with the smaller and much cheaper Kugoo Wish is a great buy for the life style block or great off road fun for the family.

Approximately 5 years ago The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd  ( EMVC ) was formed  to develop and promote the use of electricity to replace petrol and diesel in the light transport fleet in NZ.  Initially the focus was on electric, hybrid, and plug -in-hybrid cars.   

This was soon expanded to E-Bikes which grew quickly in popularity, particularly with the advent of the various off-road trails, to the point where the company now has its own brand called Geobyke. Check out www.geobyke.nz

At the same time the company looked for a partner to develop the off-road UTV market. Consuming petrol as a fuel creates 2.3kg of CO2 per litre. As there is a worldwide mandate to reduce CO2 emissions and a well used UTV can produce 8,000 kg or more  CO2 emissions per annum most customers and business plans are demanding this move away from petrol and diesel power. The E-UTV is an easy way to achieve this while also saving the cost of fuel, lower maintenance, good acceleration , very little noise, and good range. The Lithium iron phosphate battery ( LI Fe PO4 ) is the engine and will last 10 years or more of usable life and very little maintenance.

EMVC searched the market and found a committed E-UTV brand called Hisun based in China. Started in 1988 it now employs 1700 staff and manufactures a wide range of  ATVs and UTVs with the majority of parts manufacture done in house. It also has a large operation in Texas and is well established in Europe. EMVC agreed to take on the Southland distribution rights but only for the electric UTV model range.

As a result of the covid lockdowns the NZ owner decided to move back to China and focus on that end of the supply chain. A decision was also made to no longer offer the petrol range in NZ.

As a result of this change EMVC started to buy the E-UTV model range direct from the Chinese factory in knockdown form in 40ft high cube containers shipped directly to Bluff Port and on into their own plant for final assembly. This change has minimized all costs and also means EMVC can make alterations to the vehicle to better suit NZ conditions. This revised form of the vehicle is now marketed as HISUN ELITE.

A major part of the transition was to develop their own LiFe Po4 modular battery built in Invercargill using the best cells and battery management system sourced internationally and able to be slid in and out of the vehicle quickly.  This overcomes many issues in trying to ship batteries internationally ,and diagnose faults. This can also allow EMVC to build up a battery swap market, and add batteries to increase range if required. The batteries could also be leased to lower capital costs to clients and the same batteries could also be used to store solar and wind power.

EMVC is setting up a network of service agents throughout NZ so that E-UTVs assembled to client specifications can be shipped via curtain sider truck to the agents , checked, and then delivered to the client with training, advice and backup services.

Southland Home Show Prize Winner 2024, Pauline Lovett was happily surprised at winning her new Watt Wheels Civic LS e-bike. Just in time for some crisp but sunny biking weather. Alex and Bob would like to thank George Owen for organising this year’s show, and all those who entered and had a chat. It was a great turn out. Be sure to call in to the show room for a look and check out the website geobyke.nz.

At The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd we are working hard to enable our customers to access this supply. Everything around us is operated by electrical currents. This supply works with circuits involving digital devices.

In a digital device the current flows through semiconductors that are either on or off ie the current either flows or it doesn’t flow. There is no other option. Billions of semiconductors are wired together on a chip to form a circuit and it is the various ways that current can flow through the chips connected together that determines the operation of the device it is a part of.

Artificial Intelligence AI, is the latest development where given an instruction the device (say a computer) can access huge databases of information , usually through the web and connect together the relevant information to find an answer to the question. Our brain can operate the same way, but it could take years of research to find the same answers. Obviously once humanity goes down this road it becomes more addicted to the need for an electrical supply that never switches off or runs out. If NZ wants to develop successfully and attract modern businesses to start up it must be the best at supplying cost effective and reliable electricity. This must also be supplied in a non-polluting “Green Way”.

Two sources of electrical energy that are available in a non-exhaustible form are wind and solar energy. It must be remembered these are variable in intensity, and we may need the energy when these are not available. They can never be relied on for “base load “ energy.

Therefore, we need to be able to store the energy generated and make it available at all times in all conditions.

This is where The Electric Motor Vehicle Company comes in.

“ We have always relied on China to provide us with battery storage technology and this has proved to be very problematic. They are very protective of their technology and what they will share to analyse faults and affect repairs . It is all about getting a sale at an attractive price that then becomes a big cost to us” says Alex de Boer. Managing Director.

“ Therefore, we decided we needed to bring this capability “ in house”. We have teamed up with experts in battery management systems and a quality conscious supplier of cells to make our own modular big batteries capable of operating electric vehicles. These go into our own off-road vehicles and many other uses including the storage of wind and solar energy for our clients.

We can analyse faults and change parameters remotely. The batteries are easy to remove and repair if needed. We may even operate a battery swap facility and leasing of the battery. We can do this as we have confidence in the battery and have all the components at hand. “

“ After all the battery is the motor of the vehicle and needs to be reliable and able to be replaced quickly to get our clients moving “ summarizes Alex de Boer (Owner).

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company is proud to announce its own range of electric bikes called GEOBYKE.

The company has specified all the best readily
available components and had these built into high spec frames manufactured by Geobyke in China.
“ Geobyke is a very reputable bike manufacturer and we carefully reviewed its ability to produce the best bike to suit our Southland environment.

We have also designed a full range of E-Bikes to suit all ages, experience and uses. “ says Alex de Boer, Managing Director.
The E-Bikes are designed to overcome all the issues and concerns most potential buyers have. This includes maximizing the range by having the largest possible batteries, and maximizing the power available to get up the steepest hills. Also included are 5 levels of power assist up to speeds of 45kmph including an accelerator to give an initial burst of energy when getting started. “ We can do all this, including high quality components by being involved in the value chain right from the start without having to push the prices up.

Everyone gets great value at a competitive price “ adds Mr de Boer.
The range includes the major sellers which are the high-step and low-step cruiser E- bikes designed for on-road commuting as well as being able to confidently take on the extensive and beautiful natural trails throughout Otago and Southland with the confidence of knowing they will last the distance for range, power, and reliability. This allows older people, who would not otherwise venture into these areas to enjoy the beauty of our native surroundings with their families and friends.
Our signature E-bike is our full suspension mountain bike with its 48-volt power system, 840Wh battery capacity, 29 inch wheels, and manual dropper seat post. The suspension and braking is excellent. All the detail is available on our special website www.geobyke.nz.
Also in stock are 2 types of E – Scooter. One is for commuting on our cycle lanes and footpaths. The other with twin motors and suspension to take on the rough terrain.
We also have our specialist E-Bikes . These include our popular E-Trike , a 3-wheeler for those with stability issues or wanting to commute to visit friends or do some shopping. It comes complete with shopping baskets front and rear and can even carry the family dog for an outing.
The Fold Up E-Bike can fit in the boot or the campervan to avoid bike carriers and be taken on holidays to ride trails and commute to town, or scenic spots while the vehicle can be left at the campsite.
The Cargo E-Bike is a new edition. It can fit 2 batteries for an extended range and has a large, sturdy parcel tray for holding a crate if you have a home delivery business. It can also carry a passenger such as when you want to take your child to school or shopping with you.

Also in the range is a Comfy E-Bike with fat tyres to take on the sandhills, soft ground or a spot of fishing along the beach where your car may run into a few issues.
Come in and see us at our shop at 279 Dee St,Invercargill and try them all out and have a good discussion.

 ALL  FARMERS CAN  TAKE CONTROL

OF THEIR ON FARM FUEL  COSTS   

   Farmers now have access to the technology to significantly reduce their on-farm fuel costs with the introduction of the all-electric Tuatara farm utility vehicle.

   The Tuatara is fitted with the same Lithium Iron phosphate ( LiFePO4 ) batteries that are used in electric vehicles worldwide. Either 1 or 2 batteries can be fitted giving a real on farm range of over 160km. This can be greatly extended because these batteries like being charged and can be plugged in at smokos, lunchtime, during milking , and at night. They can charge at 15 amps which rapidly refills the battery.

  The Tuatara with its water-cooled 15KW electric motor will climb 35-degree slopes and swampy areas. The large tyres and wide footprint are used to give good traction using 2WD,4WD, and all-wheel diff lock.

  “ It is quiet with a very roomy 3 full seat, enclosed cab to give all-weather comfort. It will do all the work done by ATVs, UTVs, Farm Utes, and some work now done by a tractor. The 3 decks can do multiple jobs around the farm” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director of The Electric Motor Vehicle Company.

 “ NZ is totally dependent on fuel coming in from overseas and the green movement combined with ESG investing has meant no new refineries are being built and a number have closed including our own Marsden Point. This plus many other worldwide issues including freight costs mean we will never see cheap fuel again. I predict petrol costs could reach $4.00 per litre by early 2023” says Mr de Boer.

“ The on-farm production of solar and wind has the problem that the power cannot be stored. This energy can be stored in the Tuatara’s batteries plus standby lithium batteries for later use. The Tuatara could be used to power remote huts and farm operations. We are also working to fit a solar power system to the roof of the Tuatara so power can be generated as it is used.

This will all leave farmers in better control of their costs and outside interference .  Sunlight and wind are in plentiful supply and will always be free to use! ” says Alex.

Worldwide pollution is an issue for our planet that needs to be brought under control. On farm each UTV is producing about 10 tonne of CO2 per year plus all the other particulates that are being breathed into our bodies. “ With the introduction of the Tuatara to farming this pollution can be greatly reduced at no real cost but considerable and increasing fuel bills can be eliminated. Maintenance is also a lot lower. It is a win-win all round which are always the best deals. We can even finance the cost of the vehicle over  5 years . Fuel savings will cover the finance cost so there is no capital cost to outlay.” concludes Mr de Boer.