Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) has launched EAVcool Cargo, the world’s first fully temperature-controlled e-cargo bike.
Revealed at the Restaurant and Takeaway Show at London’s Excel Arena, the zero-emission quadracycle is primarily designed for the urban transport and delivery of chilled or frozen goods within a continuous cold chain.
It measures 2m long by 1m wide (6.5 x 3.ft), weighs 120kg (265 lb) and can carry a 120kg payload.
Using an e-nertia boost button, a 250W motor helps the rider accelerate up to an initial 6km/h (3.7mph) and then on to a maximum pedal-assisted 25km/h (15 mph).
EAVcool can cover a range of up to 60 miles (96.5km) in a day and then be recharged using a standard 13A, 240V plug socket.
Batteries can also be swapped to keep the EAVcool in constant use but are fully recharged in under six hours.
Developed in conjunction with Lancashire-based Solomon Commercials, the rear compartments are designed from high-tech insulation and provide two independent zones for frozen (down to -18oC) and chilled products. Temperature control is maintained onboard by a 12V cooling system from Dometic.
According to EAV, this process is different to insulated boxes or chill bags used in vans, cars and motorcycles that aim to reduce the thawing or warming time of frozen or chilled goods but which break the cold chain logistics cycle.
Thus, to guarantee fresh deliveries, EAVcool can maintain frozen and chilled products at their optimum temperature ensuring delivery at the same temperature they were packed at.
EAV believes the vehicle has the potential to be more efficient than conventional vans in certain locations, due to being able to transport items faster and get closer to delivery addresses than most vans and motorcycles.
Nigel Gordon-Stewart, executive chairman of EAV, said: “Our programme with Solomon Commercials is a further extension of the EAV concept and now allows cool cargo such as perishable foods, nutrient products, flowers, plants, biopharmaceutical products, chemicals and even artwork to be delivered without needing vans or cars and therefore emissions free.
“It is clear evidence of the real potential of vehicles like the EAVcool to operate efficiently and environmentally in towns and cities worldwide.
“EAV’s contribution is increased efficiency and a very significant reduction in both pollution and congestion which, we truly believe, will help to change the world we live in.”
