61-3-571. Definitions. As used in this part, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following definitions apply:

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Terms Used In Montana Code 61-3-571

  • Low-speed electric vehicle: means a motor vehicle, on or by which a person may be transported, that:

    (a)has four wheels;

    (b)has a maximum speed of at least 20 miles an hour and no greater than 40 miles an hour as certified by the manufacturer;

    (c)is propelled by its own power, using an electric motor or other device that transforms stored electrical energy into the motion of the vehicle;

    (d)stores electricity in batteries, ultracapacitors, or similar devices, which are charged from the power grid or from renewable electrical energy sources;

    (e)has a wheelbase of 40 inches or greater and a wheel diameter of 10 inches or greater;

    (f)exhibits a manufacturer's compliance with 49 CFR, part 565, or displays a 17-character vehicle identification number as provided in 49 CFR, part 565; and

    (g)is equipped as provided in 61-9-432. See Montana Code 61-1-101

  • Medium-speed electric vehicle: is a motor vehicle, on or by which a person may be transported, that:

    (i)has a maximum speed of 45 miles an hour as certified by the manufacturer;

    (ii)is propelled by its own power, using an electric motor or other device that transforms stored electrical energy into the motion of the vehicle;

    (iii)stores electricity in batteries, ultracapacitors, or similar devices, which are charged from the power grid or from renewable electrical energy sources;

    (iv)is fully enclosed and includes at least one door for entry;

    (v)has a wheelbase of 40 inches or greater and a wheel diameter of 10 inches or greater;

    (vi)exhibits a manufacturer's compliance with 49 CFR, part 565, or displays a 17-character vehicle identification number as provided in 49 CFR, part 565;

    (vii)bears a sticker, affixed by the manufacturer or dealer, on the left side of the rear window that indicates the vehicle's maximum speed rating; and

    (viii)as certified by the manufacturer, is equipped as provided in 61-9-432. See Montana Code 61-1-101

  • Vehicle: means a device in, on, or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn on a public highway, except devices moved by animal power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. See Montana Code 61-1-101

(1)”Class 1 vehicle” means a vehicle having an unladen gross weight of less than 6,000 pounds.

(2)”Class 2 vehicle” means a vehicle having an unladen gross weight of at least 6,000 pounds but not more than 10,000 pounds.

(3)”Class 3 vehicle” means a vehicle having an unladen gross weight of greater than 10,000 pounds but not greater than 26,000 pounds.

(4)”Class 4 vehicle” means a vehicle having an unladen gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds.

(5)(a) “Electric vehicle” means a vehicle that:

(i)is originally equipped with a 100%-electric motor that draws propulsion energy solely from a battery with at least 20 kilowatt hours of capacity that can be recharged from an external source of electricity;

(ii)has at least four wheels; and

(iii)is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways.

(b)The term does not include:

(i)a low-speed electric vehicle; or

(ii)a medium-speed electric vehicle.

(6)”Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” means a vehicle that:

(a)is originally equipped so that the vehicle draws propulsion from an internal combustion engine and a battery with at least 5 kilowatt hours of capacity that can be recharged from an external source of electricity;

(b)has at least four wheels; and

(c)is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways.