EAV presents EAVan delivery Pedelec

The English startup EAV (Electric Assisted Vehicles) has presented the EAVan, a covered, four-wheeled and modular delivery vehicle with pedelec drive. There is already a first customer.

Similar to the Citkar Loadster or the Ono, the EAVan is essentially an electric cargo bike with four wheels and body. In this case, the “body” above the electric bike is strongly reminiscent of a van, hence the model designation.

The basic concept behind the vehicle was explained by Adam Barmby, Technical Director and founder of EAV: “Getting people out of vans and onto eCargo bikes isn’t easy if they think it’s going to be an awful experience,” before adding: “Being exposed to the elements or being low to traffic isn’t going to appeal to anyone.”

With a small thumb throttle, similar to those on the electric scooters, the EAVan can accelerate up to 5 km/h on its own. The rider then has to pedal, where he is supported by the electric motor at speeds of up to 25 km/h, typical of electric bikes. In freewheeling mode, the drive should even be able to recuperate electricity into the battery. EAV indicates a range of up to 96 kilometres if the optional batteries are ordered on the roof – otherwise it is 48 kilometres. The batteries are replaceable, but can also be recharged at a household socket.

Customers can choose between different modules when setting up the vehicle: The vehicle can be used, for example, as a delivery van, ambulance or patrol vehicle for security services. Longer and wider versions are also possible, according to EAV. In the next five years, the company says it could also bring larger delivery vans or even passenger transporters onto the market.

Until then, however, the sale of the smaller versions – presumably primarily with the freight module – will count. The DPD delivery service, for example, has already secured twelve copies. DPD intends to use the vehicles to test various possible applications. DPD has opted for the short wheelbase version, which has a payload of up to 120 kilograms. The EAVan with a long wheelbase can transport up to 175 kilograms. The short version costs from 10,000 pounds, the long version at least 12,000 pounds (10,909 euros or 13,090 euros).

carscoops.com, alphabet.com, commercialfleet.org, eavcargo.com, fleetandleasing.com (DPD)