Go back just 10 years and zero-emission deliveries almost didn't exist. As green-tech prices fall, batteries become more durable and charging points start to spring up on regular streets, cutting emissions to zero for local deliveries seems like such an obvious choice. Now an exclusive agreement has been signed between signed between Oxford-based manufacturer Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) and Finnish company Revonte, to supply smarter electric motor technology. WhichEV assesses the likely impact.
To help reduce all forms of inner-city vehicle pollution, Electric Assisted Vehicles created a part-bike, part-van hybrid called the EAVan. The cool design and environmentally friendly propulsion system earned them a big order from DPD Group, Europe's second largest courier express parcel delivery company. In November, they added a cold storage add on that allows for the transportation of products at -18 degrees Celsius. To expand its offering even further, EAV needed a more powerful drive system. Enter Revonte.
EAV is expected to receive eBike motor technology from Revonte, further developing its robust EAVcab. EAV already has one of the most efficient electric-assisted cargo bikes with the EAV P1 – the kind of model used by DPD in London, York and Newbury.
With offices nestled near the lakes, 90 minutes inland from Helsinki, Revonte stands out for its focus on software and they'll be working closely with EAV in developing a new line of cargo eBikes. Customers can expect customised software make the whole experience of choosing EAV better.
Together, the companies will explore the next generation of modular e-cargo quadcycles to create a zero emission option for cities around the world. Revonte has developed the ONE Drive System as a complete solution with motor, automatic step-less transmission and electronic hardware. With the help of unique software, the company aims to make adjustments like level of electric assist, available torque and power as well as the number of gears and gear ratios.
Otto Chrons, CEO of Revonte, said: “We can see these vehicles in operation, globally and in large numbers, in only a short time. Working with EAV we can use the Revonte ONE Drive to make that vision even better – with bikes that are easier to use, easier to maintain and ideal for extracting data for commercial operators”.
The Revonte ONE motor produces 250 watts and 90Nm of torque, pushed by a sizeable 36 volt, 635 Wh battery. They have also developed the software using an open API, meaning companies and delivery services can easily develop rider apps specifically for their service.
EAV’s vehicle chassis is scalable and made of carbon fibre, helping to counter the weight of Revonte ONE Drive System (4.7 kg for the drive unit and another 3.98kg for the battery).
Technical Director and founder of EAV Adam Barmby said: “We know that we can use a bio-mechanical electric hybrid vehicle like EAV to replace most vans and even cars in urban environments without any loss in operational efficiency, but we need to see how far we can improve that offering and where those improvements need to be. We’re already fully modular with the EAVcab offering multiple models on the same chassis and we’re working on our own wheel, tyre and braking developments to over-engineer safety in to all EAV vehicles. The inclusion of the Revonte ONE Drive system and working with Revonte to package that with EAV vehicles will take our ULCVs well beyond the next level”.
At WhichEV, we are excited to see to what new limits these two boundary-pushing companies will take cargo delivery within cities, while striving for a cleaner future. Development on the integration of the Revonte ONE Drive into the EAVcabs is scheduled to start in April.
Find out more about EAV over here.