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WHAT IS A NEV?

An N.E.V. (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) is a low-speed electric vehicle like a golf cart or similar electric vehicle that is limited to a top speed of 25 mph. In Texas, NEVs are legal to operate on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. You may even cross roads that have a higher posted speed, but you may not drive on them.

NEVs are great alternative travel solutions for people on the move. They are perfect for driving in and around city centers, master planned communities, resorts, industrial and college campuses and military bases. They are also a great first car for young new drivers (slower speeds and limited routes make these vehicles a favorite among nervous parents with new drivers in the family). No tailpipe emissions make an NEV a great indoor/outdoor vehicle for warehousing and maintenance department use. With a cost of just pennies per mile (actually less than 45 cents per full charge), by using an NEV for local driving and errands (which are typically inefficient from a gasoline fuel consumption perspective), you can considerably cut down on fuel costs.

Charging up an NEV is easy. Chargers plug into any 110-volt outlet. A full charge takes just six to eight hours, but vehicles can be "topped off" by plugging the vehicle in to an outlet any time it’s not in use. The only ongoing maintenance required is a monthly check of the batteries to maintain the required levels of distilled water.

WHY OWN A NEV?

Tired of paying too much for gasoline? Want to contribute to a cleaner environment? Want to have fun driving again?...all reasons for owning an NEV! The NEV is a great second car for local errands and quick "around town" trips.

So what are the benefits?

Reduce your dependence on foreign oil

No tune ups

Zero emissions – no pollution from exhaust fumes

No oil changes

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and Motor Assisted Scooter Information:
The 78th Legislature addressed the issue of new transportation technology. The law now recognizes motor assisted scooters and neighborhood electric vehicles for limited street usage. The law can be found in the Texas Transportation Code (TRC) as Subchapter D, Sections 551.301 and 551.302. Subchapter D became effective on September 1, 2003.

Along with the "motor assisted scooter," the Legislature legalized the "neighborhood electric vehicle." The "neighborhood electric vehicle" is any vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500. They generally resemble a golf cart, but are larger-usually capable of carrying four passengers-with a top speed between 20 M.P.H. and 25 M.P.H. Vehicles such as the John Deere Gator and Kawasaki Mule are not neighborhood electric vehicles because they are not subject to Federal Standard 500 in that they are designed to primarily carry cargo rather than passengers. Like the motor assisted scooter, neighborhood electric vehicles can be driven on any street or highway with a posted speed limit of 35 M.P.H. or less, and may cross streets or highways with a higher posted speed limit. However, unlike the motor assisted scooter, a neighborhood electric vehicle must be registered and have a license plate. The operator must have a driver license and the vehicle or operator must be covered with the required liability insurance or acceptable substitute. In addition, these vehicles meet the TRC Section 547.001 definition of a "slow moving vehicle," and must carry a low speed vehicle emblem. Finally, as with the motor assisted scooter, a city or county may prohibit their operation on a street or highway for safety reasons, as can TXDOT.