Parking Lot Filled with Electric Vehicles at Pizza, Peers, and Prototypes!

What a sight! Eleven Oregon-made electric vehicles, ranging from one wheel to four, were on display Wednesday night in the parking lot of our next-door neighbor, the Pizza Research Institute. The event was Pizza, Peers, and Prototypes, and it was the largest showcase of electric vehicles and components from Drive Oregon companies yet assembled. Many thanks to the Pivotal Leaders business network for sponsoring the event, to Drive Oregon for getting so many companies involved, and to Pizza Research Institute for providing the venue and good eats.

In attendance were Oregon elected officials, including Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and State Representatives Phil Barnhart and Nancy Nathanson, local news and other media representatives, and EV enthusiasts from around the state. Following short comments from Pivotal Investments Managing Director John Miner and Drive Oregon Steering Committee Member Tim Miller, a representative from each company stepped up to the mic to say a few words about the products they brought to the event.

We had the luxury of home court advantage, and without the need to haul any vehicles, we brought out all four of the Arcimoto prototypes for display. Those included prototype 3, our Pulse concept vehicle, as well as prototype 4, which demonstrates the Arcimoto Platform and its mechanical and electrical improvements and superior handling. We were joined by:

The EQO (ē kō) from Barefoot Motors, an electric utility quad with zero emissions and noise, offering improved performance, comfort and durability over their previous M1 model.

The BugE from Blue Sky Design, a light-weight personal transport vehicle suitable for many short trips within the community, and one of the initial inspirations for the Arcimoto Pulse.

The Enertia and Empulse from Brammo, electric motorcycles with a top speed exceeding 100mph, including a model that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge.

The third generation prototype vehicle from GreenLite Motors. The company is developing a vehicle that will provide the safety and comfort of a car plus 100mpg efficiency, the ability to take the express lane when driving alone and easy parking.

The innovative, self-balancing, one-wheel electric scooter from RYNO Motors, looking to solve the short distance commuting challenges of individuals, government, and industrial customers while at the same time delivering an exciting and enjoyable riding experience.

A four-wheeled resort NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle) from Porteon, a Portland-based company whose stated goal is to "produce vehicles that are both responsive and responsible, because treading lightly on the planet shouldn’t mean putting the brakes on the pure thrill of driving."

Additionally, several EV component and infrastructure manufacturers were on hand, including:

Apex Drive Labs, demonstrating their Axial Flux brushless permanent magnet (PM) electric motor.

Shorepower Technologies and ECOtality both brought their charging station to display.

SynkroMotive, displaying their 100kW DC motor controller.

Check out all the pictures from the event on our Facebook album. Thanks to everyone who made it out and we look forward to seeing you all at the next event!