A large auto company has just completed the research and development (R&D) on a new product, the Electrobicycle. The Electrobicycle is an electronic, climate-controlled bicycle with zero emissions. The R&D efforts focused on developing the capability to utilize electricity to power bicycles. Ultimately, the auto company expects Electrobicycles to be popular for most urban citizens due to convenience and low cost. The R&D, which cost $3 million, is complete and paid for. The plant and equipment to mass produce the Electrobicycles will cost $2 million. This plant and equipment will be depreciated over 5 years using the straight-line method to zero book value ($400,000 per year). A working capital investment of $1 million will be needed at the beginning of the project. A working capital investment of $200,000 per year will be needed thereafter. At the end of 5 years, the auto company believes there will be no more sales opportunities for Electrobicycles and will cease all production. Thus, at the end of the project, all working capital investments (the $1 million initial investment and the $200,000 per year) will be recovered at full value. The plant and equipment will be scrapped for a salvage value of $300,000 (after tax). The company expects moderate sales in years 1 and 2, and then significant growth in each year thereafter as consumers adopt the Electrobicycles. Revenues and earnings will cease at the end of Year 5. The revenues, after-tax earnings, and cash flow for the 5-year life of the project are shown in this table.

Determine the NPV for the Electrobicycle project. Use the annual project cash flow from the table above. For the required rate of return, use the percent value from your birthday date. For example, if your birthday falls on the 16th of the month, the required rate of return would be 16%. For guidance, review Section 7.1 of the textbook, NPV Example: The Pizza Scooter Delivery Project Revisited.

Table 1 Projected Electrobicycle Financial Projection Numbers in $000's Revenues After-tax earnings After-tax earnings Plus: Depreciation Less: Cost of plant, equipment Less: Working capital Plus: Recovery of working capital Plus: Salvage value Annual project cash flow Note: n/a not applicable Today ($2,000) ($1,000) Year 1 $1,000 ($500) ($500) $400 $0 ($200) n/a n/a ($300) Year 2 $1,500 $100 Project Cash Flow $100 $400 $0 ($200) n/a n/a $300 Year 3 $3,000 $300 $300 $400 $0 ($200) n/a n/a $500 Year 4 $6,000 $600 $600 $400 $0 ($200) n/a n/a $800 Year 5 $12,000 $1,200 $1,200 $400 $0 ($200) $2,000 $600 $4,000