Electric low-speed vehicle creator hopes to ease fuel woes

By Amy Salvagno
C & G Staff Writer 

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — It may be a startling sight at first: an electric vehicle coasting down Mack Avenue, parked next to you at the grocery store or stopped at a traffic signal along the shopping district in the Village.

Yet to Richard Marks, a longtime mechanical engineer turned inventor, it’s a picture that likely won’t seem so peculiar in years to come.

For the past few years, the Grosse Pointe Woods resident has been completing work on a road-worthy electric Low Speed Vehicle that is low cost, quiet and emissions-free. He calls his invention EcoV, a “third generation LSV used to drive on all public roads 35 mph and slower and feel safe and comfortable.”

For 50 cents a charge — compared to the big bucks it takes to fill up most gas tanks — EcoV can travel 40 miles, with such features as 14-inch tires and aluminum wheels; AM/FM radio; lockable storage under the hood compartment; air conditioning and heating; and rear-facing seats that convert to a cargo bed capable of carrying 1,000 pounds, including occupants. There are also the safety components: seat belts, turn signals, brake lights, headlights and tail lamps, and a windshield with automotive safety glass.

Marks, a Maryland native, spent 25 years at General Motors, the last five working on the company’s EV1 electric vehicle program; one that he says was discontinued mainly for cost purposes.

“It was very expensive for them. They spent about $1 billion and built about 1,000 vehicles. They also didn’t think the American public was really ready,” said Marks.

Today, that may be a different story. With record gas prices continuing to climb, markets from municipalities to military bases to on-the-go moms are looking for some type of relief.    “Depending on someone’s driving habits, it’s an ideal solution,” said Milford resident Mark Glasson, a friend and consultant who is helping Marks restructure the EcoV marketing plan, “so investors would be more in tune with the opportunity and what we’re providing as a solution.” 

Neighbors Michael and Christine Wojek have seen Marks working on the EcoV, often coming and going with it.

“I think it’s fabulous. I think more people would use something like that here, especially with the gas prices,” said Christine, a mother of four. “My kids think it’s the coolest thing they’ve ever seen. I know he’s worked very hard on it. With the Big Three doing so poorly, you’d think they would come up with something this intelligent.”

Much more committed to the innovative technology, Marks left GM and went to work for two Tier 1 suppliers. Six years later, he left to form his own electric vehicle consulting company, EnVironmental Transportation Solutions LLC, of which he is president. He then found a company in North Carolina to assemble two prototypes for him, building tubular steel frames very much like those of a racecar.

“It fit really well with what customers were telling us — they felt safe,” Marks recalled.

Three and a half years ago, he separated from the North Carolina company, seeking funding here from those he had worked with or knew about with whom he could become partners. He also found a manufacturing partner in Detroit that assembles niche vehicles, so he only needs to pay for space and labor. The EcoV management team consists of seven automotive executives with successful start-up and entrepreneurial skills, Marks says.

Today, he has not only developed several prototypes, but has also been able to go public and accept investors.

“As soon as you’re a public company, you have more credibility. You can attract different sources of funding.”

In order to be public, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that at least 40 individuals are ready to invest $2,000 and in return receive 10,000 shares, and five of those 40 must be accredited investors. Marks says he already has 50 prospects.

Marks’ first focus is on fleet vehicles for uses in resort communities; as security patrol vehicles in shopping centers, parks or universities; in cities for parking enforcement; on large farms; and even as U.S. Postal Service mail trucks.

Marks says EcoV pays you to “be green” immediately. And the payback is huge. With a USPS delivery truck, for example, a low-speed vehicle can be paid back in just six months and enjoy a $100,000 life savings. A city parking enforcement vehicle would be paid back in 10 months and enjoy a $25,000 savings over 10 years.

“The benefit is clear, from no emissions to a clean drive. It makes it very easy to make a presentation,” said Glasson. “You have a completely green solution that’s actually saving you money, too.”

Most vehicles start around $9,995 and can go up to $11,995.

He added that the retail market would be the next thing to focus on, and would be ideal in places like the Grosse Pointes — and Birmingham and Royal Oak — where all of your necessities are within a few miles. The other prototypes include a six-passenger utility vehicle for a master-planned community, a two-passenger pickup and an urban family run-about that’s practically free to drive, he says.

“This has been my passion for the last five and a half years,” said Marks, standing in front of the urban-style vehicle parked in his driveway. “You really just plug and play.”

You can reach Staff Writer Amy Salvagno at asalvagno@candgnews.com or at  (586) 498-1037.