A neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) is 4-wheeled vehicle, larger than a

golf cart but smaller than most light-duty passenger vehicles. NEVs are

usually configured to carry two or four passengers, or two passengers with

a pickup bed or other utility box that allows NEVs to function as single

purpose vehicles such as fire trucks or ambulances.

NEVs are defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

as subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 500 (49

CFR 571.500). Per FMVSS 500, NEVs have 4 wheels, top speeds between

20 and 25 miles per hour, weigh less than 2,500 pounds (Gross Vehicle

Weight Rating), and are defined as “Low Speed Vehicles.” While “Low

Speed Vehicle” is technically the correct term, “NEV” has become the term

used by industry and fleets to refer to passenger vehicles subject to FMVSS

500.

FMVSS 500 requires that NEVs be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps,

turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rear view

mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers. About

35 states have passed legislation or regulations allowing NEVs to be

licensed and driven on roads that generally are posted at 35 miles per hour

or less.

While NEVs were initially used in gated communities, they have been increasingly used by the general

public for transporting kids to school, shopping, and general neighborhood trips. NEVs are very costefficient,

in terms of initial capital costs, fuel costs, and overall operating expenses.

In addition to the above uses, many federal, private, and public fleets are

increasingly using NEVs at military bases, national parks, commercial

airports, and for local government activities. NEVs are reducing petroleum

use and simplifying fueling requirements by decreasing or eliminating the

need for gasoline infrastructure. For federal fleets, NEVs can help the fleets

comply with Executive Order 13149 (Greening The Government Through

Federal Fleet and Transportation Efficiency); which requires decreases in

annual petroleum.