Kawasaki Goes Electric with the NAV 4e Personal Transportation Vehicle

Electrification is gaining momentum in the compact equipment industry, and utility vehicles are great candidates for this growing trend. Just look at these models from Polaris and Club Car. Now, Kawasaki is joining in on the fun. The company just released its first-ever electric four-wheeled vehicle — the all-new NAV 4e Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV).

This vehicle features a prominent Kawasaki emblem, a lifted appearance and electric vehicle (EV) front-end styling, as well as an abundance of creature comforts. For example, the NAV 4e offers a well-appointed interior with amply padded seats and plenty of leg and shoulder room. There are also numerous charging points and multiple storage compartments, including a lockable glove box. The NAV 4e’s tough, durable steel frame and independent MacPherson struts front suspension provide drivers and passengers with a comfortable ride.

Kawasaki says the NAV 4e can be found in three different model configurations: the NAV 4e, the NAV 4e LE and the flagship NAV 4e Limited. The company explains that the NAV 4e is available with two types of batteries. Both the NAV 4e LE and NAV 4e Limited models are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

From the press release:

On NAV 4e LE and Limited models, two 3.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries offer a range of up to 40 miles and are ideal for carrying passengers on longer trips. The standard NAV 4e model, with a set of six lead-acid batteries, has a range of up to 17.5 miles. Both can be easily charged via a charging socket on the dash panel under the steering wheel. Simply plug the charger into a standard household electrical outlet, and you’re good to go. Charging time on the NAV 4e can take up to 10 hours (0-100%) and 11 hours on the NAV 4e LE and Limited models. Charging times may vary. Thanks to the regenerative system, every time you release the accelerator pedal, the deceleration energy is recycled back into the battery — extending your cruising range and as the batteries approach full charge, the regenerative function gradually tapers off.

The NAV 4e’s rear-mounted single-motor unit drives the rear wheels. Kawasaki says the AC motor produces a maximum of 10.7 kW of power and its output is rated at 4.0 kW. This offers users with mild, smooth acceleration along with plenty of torque at any rpm.

Other features include:

  • 14-in. wheels with 23-in. off-road style tires
  • A maximum speed of 19 mph
  • Three drive modes: forward, neutral and reverse
  • A one-key system where the ignition key also locks and unlocks the glove box
  • Roomy front and rear storage
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