Founded in 2004, EnVironmental Transportation Solutions, LLC (EVTS) has developed the EcoV, a 25 mph street legal LSV that is roadworthy with automotive ride, comfort, and reliability while offering a safe driving experience on public roads. EVTS is changing the paradigm for LSVs. Not a glorified golf cart, the EcoV can be used to drive on most public roads 35mph and slower with a feeling of safety and comfort and can be used for a private, commercial and fleet use.

EVTS founder and President Richard Marks designed the EcoV based on his 35 years of experience in the automotive industry, including five years with GM’s Electric Vehicle program. Rich is supported by the manufacturing capability and management team of Energy Components Group, a manufacturer of machined precision components and complex assemblies. Our key personnel include:

Richard Marks, P.E., President. Rich has over 35 years of experience with the automotive industry, including 25 years with General Motors and six with Tier 1 suppliers. While at GM, Rich spent five years in the EV1 electric vehicle program, and afterwards, created, designed and built the first EcoV. He has worked on complete systems and their integration for various vehicles, and has been a part of several successful vehicle launches. He holds a BS and a MS degree from Cornell University in Mechanical Engineering.

Todd Kilgus, President of ECG. Todd has over twenty years of experience in management, sales, and business development for the automotive and industrial industries, including executive positions with companies that provide precision machining, fabrication and assembly of high quality components to OEM’s and Tier 1 customers. Todd has a keen interest in the renewable energy sector, and as the founder of ECG, led the company to diversify into the alternative energy market. He holds a BA in Sales and Marketing from Michigan State University and a MBA from Wayne State University.

Rich Pirrotta, Chief Operating Officer of ECG. Rich is an executive and management consultant with over twenty years of experience in delivering successful business growth in manufacturing, technology and e-commerce. His prior experience includes serving as a Vice President of a division of a Fortune 50 company, General Manager of an e-commerce startup that grew from five to 200 employees, Senior Manager in the Manufacturing and M&A practices of Deloitte Consulting, and in Product Development with Procter & Gamble. He has global experience in over 35 countries, and holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Penn State, and a MBA in Financial Management and Operations Management from Wharton.

Fred Nothdurft, General Manager of ECG. Fred is a senior operational leader with over 35 years of experience in delivering outstanding business results in manufacturing and operations. He has served in a variety of roles from Plant Manager to Vice President of Operations of a multi plant/multi site entity, and has direct experience in vehicle assembly. During his career, he has worked with or led teams responsible for the production of Police Security vehicles, Ambulances, Ryder trucks, UPS trucks, Armored Plated vehicles, Beverage trucks, and Combat/Command vehicles for the Canadian Army. This deep expertise has enabled Fred to take a leadership role in the development of the Bill of Materials (BOM) for the EcoV, as well as the facility and equipment layout for production and assembly. Fred received a BA degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.

Melanie de Vries, Chief Marketing Officer. Melanie brings over 20 year experience in developing business and marketing strategies to drive profitable growth for start-up and second phase companies and in managing the internal challenges associated with rapid growth. Her prior experience includes as the lead marketing executive for a leading homeland security consulting firm and for an Internet start-up company. In addition, she served as National Director of Marketing for one of the world’s largest professional services firms, after serving as national head of marketing for the firm’s manufacturing practice. Melanie has a B.A. in Honors English from the University of Michigan.