E-Z-GO?s First Street-Legal Electric Car

E-Z-GO®, a Textron (NYSE:TXT) Company, introduces the 2Five, its first street-legal vehicle designed for neighborhoods and public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The 2Five travels at speeds up to 25 mph and has a 48-volt AC electric powertrain, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and an on-board charger among other standard features, providing the perfect balance of eco-inspired living, safety and convenience.

“E-Z-GO is excited to offer the 2Five as a convenient, fun and environmentally sound transportation alternative,” said Kevin P. Holleran, president of E-Z-GO. “The 2Five is a perfect vehicle option for neighborhood road travel, running errands and for those who lead an on-the-go lifestyle.”

The 2Five meets or exceeds standards mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as additional standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for low-speed vehicles, or LSVs. LSVs must have a top speed of no more than 25 mph, and be equipped with certain additional features including a windshield, seat belts, mirrors and headlights and taillights. The vehicles are issued a vehicle identification number, like any automobile, and can be titled and operated by licensed drivers on most public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

The 2Five includes four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes for superior braking and vehicle control. The windshield is automotive safety glass. Rearview mirrors provide the 2Five’s operator with clear sightlines to see nearby vehicles. A complete automotive lighting package, including headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals, provides for visibility and safety on public streets. Three-point seat belts are designed to protect front and rear passengers. Radial tires offer superior wear and stopping performance. Vehicle maintenance and performance warnings are displayed electronically on the dash to alert the driver on the operation of key vehicle systems. In addition, a “rabbit/turtle” switch on the dash conveniently limits the 2Five’s speed to 14 mph when conditions require lower speeds, or to prevent turf damage in instances when the 2Five is being used as a golf vehicle.

Eco-friendly features include a 48-volt, zero-emissions electric powertrain that uses AC current. The electric drivetrain lowers vehicle noise and eliminates use of hazardous fuel and oil, and the 2Five’s AC Drive system requires less energy to operate than traditional DC-powered electric vehicles. Regenerative braking puts energy back into the vehicle’s batteries whenever brakes are applied to maintain a quality driving experience between battery charges. An on-board solid-state battery charger is energy efficient and makes charging simple. The 2Five’s foam seating is made of 100 percent recycled material.

In addition, the 2Five offers a number of convenience features, including a state-of-charge meter that indicates the amount of power left in the batteries, a 12-volt accessory outlet to provide electrical charge for mobile phones, mp3 players and other devices while on the go, and ample vehicle storage, including four large cup holders, locking glove boxes, and a storage area under the rear seat of 4-passenger models (with an optional trunk accessory for 2-passenger models.)

Like all E-Z-GO vehicles, the 2Five is manufactured in Augusta, Ga., at E-Z-GO’s world headquarters, recently honored as one of the top 10 manufacturing facilities in North America by Industry Week magazine.

E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. company, is a leading manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles. Products sold under the E-Z-GO brand include RXV® and TXT® fleet golf cars, Freedom® RXV and Freedom TXT personal golf cars, ST personal utility vehicles, Shuttle personnel carriers, MPT turf-maintenance vehicles, and the 2Five street-legal low-speed vehicle. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman® line of heavy-duty material carriers.

E-Z-GO is the preferred golf car fleet provider for many of the world’s most revered golf courses, clubs and resorts. E-Z-GO is also the golf car of choice of nine of the nation’s ten largest course-management companies. E-Z-GO boasts the largest sales and service network in the industry, with more factory branch locations and independent distributors than any other manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles.

Founded in 1954 in Augusta, Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.

www.textron.com