[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 29 (Monday, February 13, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 8275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3489]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. 95-8; Notice 1]
Spartan Motors, Inc.; Receipt of Application for Temporary
Exemption From Three Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Spartan Motors, Inc., of Charlotte, Michigan, has applied to be
exempted from three Federal motor vehicle safety standards for light
trucks that it converts to electric power. The basis of the application
is that an exemption would facilitate the development or field
evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle, and would not unreasonably
lower the safety level of the vehicle.
This notice of receipt of an application is published in accordance
with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 30113(b)(2) and does not represent
any judgment of the agency on the merits of the application.
Spartan is a Michigan corporation ``providing development electric
vehicle technology through the application of state of the art traction
system and battery technology in commercial applications.'' It intends
to convert new Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma pickup trucks to electric
power. It seeks exemption for two years from three Federal motor
vehicle safety standards. The standards for which exemptions are
requested are set forth below, together with the applicant's arguments
why an exemption would not unreasonably lower the safety level of the
vehicle.
1. Standard No. 103, Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.
Spartan asks for exemption from paragraphs S4.2 and S4.3 because
testing to these requirements ``is not possible due to the engine
related requirements of the test procedure.'' It states that the engine
coolant heater core is intact, with an electrical resistance heating
element contained in an external expansion tank plumbed similar to an
internal combustion engine configuration, and that other portions of
the system are untouched. This ``minimizes the impact of the conversion
not meeting the standard.''
2. Standard No. 105, Hydraulic Brake Systems. Spartan wishes to be
exempted from S5.1.1.3 (the third effectiveness test), S5.1.2.1
(partial failure), and S7.7.1, S7.9.1 and S7.9.2 (certain tests at
lightly loaded vehicle weight). The curb weight of the vehicle is
increased to approximately 4,500 pounds. The weight proportioning
between axles is different than that used in the certification testing
of the original vehicle. These changes affect the applicability of the
testing requirements for lightly loaded vehicle weight. However, the
GVWR remains the same as the original rating of 4,900 pounds, and the
original vehicle's braking system is not modified. This, in the
applicant's view, minimizes ``the impact of the electric vehicle not
meeting the standard.''
3. Standard No. 301, Fuel System Integrity. Although the converted
vehicle no longer uses a fossil fuel as a propellant, ``a small tank''
is added ``for the on board storage of fuel for interior heating.''
Care is taken ``in mounting of the electric vehicle conversion
components to reduce their effect on crash protection. Specifically,
the fuel storage and delivery system is of automotive quality supplying
the heating device.''
According to the petitioner, granting the exemption would be in the
public interest and consistent with 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 Motor Vehicle
Safety because it will advance ``the state of the art in electric
vehicle traction systems and electric vehicle infrastructure, through
the application of electric vehicles in actual commercial uses.''
Because the developmental changes are frequent, ``testing for
conformance to the standards'' is impractical. Demonstration of the
commercial feasibility of electric vehicles ``will enhance the demand
for their use, consistent with established national policy.''
Interested persons are invited to submit comments on the
application described above. Comments should refer to the docket number
and the notice number, and be submitted to: Docket Section, National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, room 5109, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20590. It is requested but not required that 10
copies be submitted.
All comments received before the close of business on the comment
closing date indicated below will be considered, and will be available
for examination in the docket at the above address both before and
after that date. To the extent possible, comments filed after the
closing date will also be considered. Notice of final action on the
application will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the
authority indicated below. Comment closing date: March 15, 1995.
(49 U.S.C. 30113; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50. and
501.8)
Issued on February 7, 1995.
Barry Felrice,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 95-3489 Filed 2-10-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
