(Overseas there are Millions of them)

Most of the traditional UTES in NZ are designed to be used off road with a back tray to carry goods and a cab to carry several adults. They all cost $50,0000 and more. They can also be used on road, but this work could be done just as well and just as comfortable with a car plus trailer which can then also be used as the family car (minus the trailer).

“When I visited China last November, I was amazed to see the millions of small Ute’s on the roads and the complete absence of the large Utes that are so prominent in NZ. These were also being used by millions of retailers as mobile coffee and food vendors set up along pedestrian areas with covered areas and seating. Many others were used for selling merchandise of every description. Rounding up rubbish was also a common use as was acting as taxis. Their speed limit was a maximum of 50kmph. It struck me that this all created a lot of employment with low overheads, no CO2 emissions, no bosses, and self-motivation to succeed without government interference—all things NZ is struggling with!

“They are generally called Tricycles as they have 3 wheels, but many have tip decks that can carry a tonne—more than all the bulky NZ UTEs.

“I saw also that these could be used off road in NZ to work on lifestyle blocks, orchards and vineyards, around resorts and golf courses and almost anywhere that was reasonably flat. They are very stable and have evolved over many hundreds of years, mainly in Asia.

“I felt that with help from enterprising NZers The Electric Motor Vehicle company Ltd could play a role in developing a market in NZ and maybe even on road in our towns and cities “concluded Mr Alex de Boer CEO.

“I spent some time searching for the best manufacturer and found the right one who manufactures every part in house, even the curved glass windscreens for the cabs. They manufacture over 1 million per year in 18 provinces with 9000 staff. It is a very basic and simple vehicle built to do a job. The beauty of this is that there is very little that can go wrong and they are easy to repair. The simplicity also means that they are not expensive – there is no noisy petrol motor to maintain and savings in petrol alone would give a payback in under 2 years. They are made of steel and could be easily modified to suit any particular use. We have now received our first small shipment for further evaluation—we welcome ideas “says Mr de Boer.

   For more details see the advertisement attached to this article. There will also be one on display at our stand at the home show Augusr 2026.

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This information is for the EMVC Lithium Iron Phosphate 9.6 kWh LiFePO₄ battery.
It is important to know how to handle the battery, which is the single most expensive component of an electric vehicle, to assist in prolonging the battery’s life.

The energy transfer is a chemical process shown as follows:

Charged: LiC₆ (-post) + FePO₄ + Li⁺+ e^– (+post) 

↔ C₆ Li⁺ + e^– (-post) + LiFePO₄ (+post) :Discharged

The lithium ion ( + ) charged moves from the positive post to the negative post when electrons are moved from the same positive post to the negative battery post during charging. Discharging is using electricity from the battery.

Charging slows down (trickle charge) when the battery is nearly fully charged (above 80%) to stop electrons (e^–) being plucked from the cathode(+) with no matching ions on the anode(-) to match. This could damage the terminals.

If running the vehicle aggressively (demanding a lot of current) electrons can get stripped from the anode material (graphene C₆). Therefore the space reduces and the graphene can no longer store as many Lithium ions. This reduces the State of Health (SOH) and cannot be recovered.

The above “charging” is a chemical process that is not voluntary. Electrons + Lithium ions must be “pushed” from the positive post to the negative post which uses energy. This comes from two sources: 

• electricity supply (mains power) via the charger
• regeneration during deceleration of the electric motor

NB 

1. Regeneration is only about 20% of the energy used up. Therefore it is important to try not to use the brakes and let the regeneration force do the braking. 
2. The EV battery will also degrade faster at high temperatures. 20^oC is the optimum temperature.
3. Heat can also delaminate the Carbon (C)  in the anode (-). The detached carbon does not contribute to the battery capacity therefore lowering the SOH.
4. Also a very cold battery does not “want” to charge or discharge – that is why EMVC adds a blanket to hold the battery temperature between 0^oC and 5^oC during cold weather.
5. Voltage Curve

6. Fast acceleration of the vehicle or expecting the electric motor to work hard (by say pulling heavy loads in a high gear or going up hills in a high gear) pulls a lot of amps from the battery which builds up heat. Driving by using 300amps or more should be minimised / avoided as over time this would reduce the battery SOH more quickly.

EMVC Battery Composition

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO₄ 9.6 kWh battery is made up of 32 individual battery cells and a battery management system all housed in a purpose built stainless steel case to form one large battery. This is a sealed unit and should not be opened.

A phone app is available which connects by WiFi to interrogate the battery if faults occur or to set battery parameters.

Each battery cell has copper M8 stud terminals with bus bar connectors in series and/or parallel to form one large battery. 

The cells are prismatic aluminium with terminal covers to prevent short circuits. Each cell also has a safety valve outlet. Each cell is separated by a space for better air circulation.

Each cell has a nominal voltage of 3.2V and is assembled into a pack to operate at 48V.

A fully charged cell is 3.65V and at the end of the discharge it is 2.2V. This measures the amount of usable energy capacity. Each cell has a capacity of 102Ah. The full battery can deliver 9.6 kWh of energy capacity.

The battery should only be discharged to 20% of its capacity. The vehicle will still operate below this capacity but may enter a “limp mode” to conserve energy.

Charging

A   There are 2 steps to fully charge the battery:

1. Constant current (CC) to reach 60% of State of Charge (SOC)
2. When the charge voltage reaches 3.65V (the upper limit of effective charge voltage) the charging changes to constant voltage (CV). At this point the charge current is limited by what the cell will accept at that voltage, so the charging current steps down.

B    When the weather conditions are cold ( freezing or below ) do not store the Hisun with a low charge. At -20^oC an empty battery may freeze. Keep it on charge during this time as this produces heat. Using the Hisun in cold weather is never an issue as the battery produces heat when in use. However you may notice a reduction in the usable range.

       Also when not using the Hisun for long periods ( a month or more ) store it charged to 90% or more. This prevents the possibility of freezing . Also batteries lose a small amount of charge over time so topping up the charge occasionally is good for the battery.

    An over voltage can be applied to LiFePO₄ without decomposing the electrolyte. It can be charged by CC to reach 95% SOC and by CC + CV to reach 100% SOC.

Self Balancing

LiFePO₄ cells in a battery pack in series cannot balance each other during charging.

This is because the charger current stops flowing when the cell is full.

Therefore EMVC have added a “self balancing” control board to the battery management. This allows the battery to use 1 amp of its own power (even when the key is off) to balance individual cells until they all reach the same charge – about 3.65V.

If the battery is used each day with all the cells starting at the same voltage the range available will be greater and the battery life will be longer.

When the battery is in use some cells can be more “lazy” and they won’t all discharge at the same rate. The battery can be charged whenever not in use (smokos, miking etc.) as this will increase the range available and LiFePO₄ cells are not adversely affected by this. However these “short” charges will not rebalance the cells. Eventually (in days or weeks depending on the amount of use) the voltage difference between any 2 cells could exceed 0.5V and to protect itself the battery will switch off until this issue is rectified.

Therefore it is important that when possible (usually at night) the battery gets a full charge to SOC 100%. This can be seen when the charger LED displays a constant green light. This also allows the self balancer to equalise the cell voltages again. 

Interesting facts: 

• the gravimetric energy density of Lithium is 130 Wh/kg compared to lead-acid’s 35 Wh/kg (4 x greater) 
• LiFePO₄ runs better at elevated temperatures due to higher Lithium ionic conductivity.

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Published: July 2025 | As featured in the Southland Express

For several years now, The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) has been offering its own range of e-bikes under the GeoByke brand — built with large-capacity batteries for long range and powerful motors to conquer Southland and Central Otago’s growing network of trails.

These bikes make it easier for older riders and first-timers to enjoy the outdoors with family or even commute to work without relying on a car. The current lineup includes 12 models — from trikes and folding bikes to cargo models, twin battery cruisers, and full-suspension mountain bikes. More models are being added as demand grows.

✅ Winter Specials Now Available

EMVC is currently running winter promotions to help riders gear up before spring. It’s the perfect time to explore electric transport options for both recreation and daily use.

???? HISUN Electric UTVs for Farm & Commercial Use

Another major development is EMVC’s exclusive New Zealand agency for HISUN’s electric 4WD UTV range, ideal for farms, orchards, vineyards, lifestyle blocks, and tourism businesses. These quiet, powerful vehicles run all day on a single charge and can reduce emissions by up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Winter special pricing starts at $19,995 + GST, with custom options available to suit your needs. View specifications at www.electricmv.co.nz.

???? In-House Lithium Battery Innovation

EMVC now manufactures its own modular Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. These stainless steel-cased units are maintenance-free, outlast the vehicle (10–15 years), and can be scaled to deliver over 160 km of range. They’re also hot-swappable — perfect for reducing downtime in the field.

These batteries are now being adapted for off-grid solar and wind storage too, helping Kiwis become more energy independent.

???? Explore the Full GeoByke Range

From folding commuter bikes and trail-ready cruisers to e-trikes and cargo haulers, there’s a GeoByke for every rider and purpose. While EMVC maintains a showroom display at Invercargill Central Mall, all test rides and purchases are handled at the main location:

279 Dee Street (corner of Fox Street), Invercargill

See the full lineup here: https://geobyke.nz/pages/bikes

Original article provided by the Southland Express. Content updated by The Electric Motor Vehicle Company.

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???? Which GeoByke Is Right for Me?

Discover the perfect e‑bike for your lifestyle. Whether you’re commuting, adventuring, or going on family rides—there’s a GeoByke designed just for you.

1. Daily Commuter ????

Models:
Cruiser High Step 29 &
Cruiser Low Step 29
With a powerful 750 W motor, 840 Wh battery, and SRAM 10-speed gearing, both deliver a smooth ride for daily commuting and weekend escapes. Opt for the High Step if you prefer a traditional frame, or pick the Low Step for easier mounting.

2. Adventure & Trail Riding

Model:
All Trail Full Suspension
Equipped with a 750 W mid-drive motor, dual suspension, and an 840 Wh battery, this bike is ready to dominate rail trails, back-country paths, and technical terrain.

3. Compact & Travel-Friendly

Model:
Folding E‑Bike (20″)
Ideal for campervans, car boots, or small storage spaces. It folds easily and features 20 × 4.0″ tyres, a 500 W motor, and a 624 Wh battery—portable, trail-ready, and convenient.

4. Family & Cargo Hauling

Model:
Cargo E‑Bike
Built to carry up to two children or hefty deliveries. Comes with steel guards, strong brakes, and an optional dual battery setup—perfect for both families and small businesses.

5. Two‑Person Rides

Model:
Tandem 26 Dual Battery
Featuring dual batteries, a step-through frame, and reliable gearing—ideal for couples, friends, or rental operations on flatter trails.

6. Stability & Comfort

Model:
E‑Trike 20″
A stable three-wheel design with front and rear baskets. Perfect for riders needing better balance, lots of storage, or extra safety for shorter trips.

7. Chill & Comfy Riding

Model:
Comfy E‑Bike
Features a gel seat, swept-back handlebars, and fat 26 × 4″ tyres — delivering a relaxed riding experience over grass, gravel, or beachside tracks. The rear hub motor provides smooth assistance without the complexity of a mid-drive — perfect for comfort-first riders.

???? Choosing Tips

???? Try Before You Buy

Visit us at 279 Dee Street, Invercargill for a test ride or expert advice.
Prefer browsing online? Check full specs, pricing, and availability at
GeoByke.nz.

✅ Final Thoughts

Whether you value range, power, portability, or comfort—there’s a GeoByke just for you.
Need help deciding? Contact the team or pop in-store — we’re here to get you rolling with confidence.

The post Which GeoByke Is Right for Me? appeared first on The Electric Motor Vehicle Company.

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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.

????‍♂️ 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.

????‍????‍???? 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.

???? 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.

???? 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.

???? 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.

???? Geobyke E-Trike

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

???? 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.

???? Test Rides & Purchases

Come see us at our main showroom:

279 Dee Street (corner of Fox Street), Invercargill

We look forward to seeing you!

The post Geobyke Extends Range of E-Bikes for Trail, Road & Business appeared first on The Electric Motor Vehicle Company.

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.

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