Spartan Motors, Inc.; Receipt of Application for Temporary Exemption From Three Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Publication: Federal Register Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Byline: Barry Felrice Date: 13 February 1995 Subject: American Government • Electric Vehicles • Safety Topics: Spartan • Chevrolet S-10 • GMC Sonoma

[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