The AYRO Vanish is introduced as an electric mini truck assembly in the USA

The AYRO Vanish LSV utility has just been unveiled, kicking off the company’s new roadmap for electric low-speed vehicles assembled in the US.

LSVs, or Low Speed ​​Vehicles, are a federally recognized class of vehicles that fall into a regulatory class somewhere between motorcycles and automobiles.

Similar to the L6e or L7e quads in Europe, LSVs in the US are car-like four-wheeled vehicles that aren’t technically cars. Instead, they exist in their own separate class of vehicle with fewer safety and manufacturing regulations than highway vehicles.

They still require basic safety equipment like DOT-compliant seat belts, backup cameras, mirrors and lighting, but don’t need expensive and complicated equipment like airbags or meet crash safety requirements.

This safety trade-off allows them to be produced in smaller quantities and at lower costs. Featuring full-size electric trucks from American manufacturers such as Ford, GM and Rivian all the recent price increases, the pint-sized AYRO Vanish Electric Mini Truck can be a breath of fresh air.

LSVs in the US are permitted on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph (56 km/h), but their top speed is limited to 25 mph (40 km/h).

So the AYRO Vanish may not be a speedster, but it still packs some serious utility.

The electric mini truck has a highly adaptable bed for both light and heavy duty operation. It has a maximum load capacity of 1,200 lb (544 kg) in the LSV variant, although the company has revealed that the non-LSV variant will have a higher load capacity of 1,800 lb (816 kg).

The estimated range of 50 miles (80 km) certainly doesn’t compare new Rivian or Ford F-150 Lightning, but the AYRO Vanish is designed for more local operations where a 50 mile range is likely sufficient. Consider utility services for jobs or local deliveries instead of cross-country drives.

When it’s time to recharge, the electric mini truck can use either a regular 120V or 240V wall outlet, or it can be configured to use a J1772 charger like those used in most public charging stations.

At just under 13 feet (3.94 meters) long, the AYRO Vanish is roughly two-thirds the length and width Ford F-150 Lightning. The company claims it can even drive through the double doors with the side mirrors removed.

The Vanish development process included the filing of two new design patents, several basic sustainability patents, four US utility patents and two additional US utility patent applications.

The vehicle is assembled at the AYRO facility in Texas using mostly North American and European components.

As AYRO CEO Tom Wittenschlager explained in a statement provided Electrician:

We designed the AYRO Vanish from the ground up. From concept to production and implementation, we wanted to make sure that every detail was considered. In addition, the vehicle is primarily sourced from North America and Europe, with final vehicle assembly and integration occurring at our facility in Round Rock, Texas, eliminating concerns about increased trans-Pacific shipping costs, delivery times, import duties, and quality. .

The company described the ideal applications for the AYRO Vanish as industries where conventional pickup trucks are too large and golf carts or UTVs may be too small. Areas such as universities, corporate and medical campuses, hotels and resorts, golf courses, stadiums and marinas can be ideal applications, as well as being used as an urban delivery vehicle.

In crowded cities where traffic rarely exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h), the AYRO Vanish fits the bill, offering a zero-emissions alternative to conventional vehicles.

As Wittenschlager continued:

Our goal at AYRO is to redefine the nature of sustainable development. At AYRO, working together with our customers, we aim for a future in which our solutions go beyond simply limiting carbon emissions. When we designed the AYRO Vanish and our future product roadmap, we consider tire tread, fuel cells, toxic liquids, discordant sound and even harsh visuals in our design. That’s it – sustainability isn’t just a destination, it’s an ever-evolving journey.

LSV is a small but growing industry in the US. Such vehicles GEM neighborhood electric car often seen in hotels, resorts and airports are some of the most prominent. A few Asian varieties that are not legal have started arriving in the US in limited quantities. I even imported my own electric mini truck from China at a fraction of the cost charged by most US importers of Chinese electric mini trucks.

AYRO Vanish is expected to launch in about US$25,000putting it well above the cost of less capable golf carts and closer to it cost of US built electric UTVs. This is equivalent to a $25,000 Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic UTV and less than a GEM utility vehicle for $26,500 when equipped with lithium-ion batteries (although the GEM passenger car costs closer to $17.00 with lead-acid batteries).

Compared to the only other street-legal electric mini truck in the U.S., with a fairly steady margin, pickman electric mini truck, AYRO Vanish is about 25% more expensive. It’s a local build, and the US/European parts can help offset its $5,000 premium over the $20,000 lithium-ion version of the Pickman truck.

Pricing for the AYRO may still be too high for most private consumers, though the price pales in comparison to full-size, highway-capable electric trucks. However, the AYRO Vanish is more likely to attract commercial customers rather than private drivers. Optional rear cargo configurations including food boxes, flatbeds, utility beds with three-way rear doors and van boxes for safe storage all point to the vehicle’s potential commercial applications.

For those willing to sign on the dotted line, pre-orders are expected to begin soon.

As AYRO’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development Scott Bruce explained:

Our first test cars will go into production later this year. We will also start taking pre-orders early next year and then ramp up production in the first quarter of 2023.

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