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Konstantin Grcic and Polestar Rethink the Electric Cargo Bike, Ditch the “Bike” Part

A collaboration between Konstantin Grcic and electric car startup Polestar has yielded a design for a speculative and new type of delivery vehicle. In essence, they looked at an existing form factor, that of the electric cargo bicycle, and seemed to conclude: If it’s electric-powered, why do we still need the bicycle part?

The result is this “multi-functional electric transporter concept,” which they call “a more sustainable approach for last-mile delivery.” There’s also more room for packages on it, given the cargo area in relation to the overall footprint. The deliveryperson now stands at the rear of the vehicle, chariot-style. And though the design is envisioned as a replacement for delivery vans, the overall dimensions are still bike-sized:

“The multi-functional electric transporter is only 750 mm wide – perfectly suited to bicycle lanes – and is capable of carrying loads of up to 180 kg.

"The low-carbon aluminium chassis has an electric tilt mechanism, allowing the vehicle to ‘lean-in’ to turns, improving stability and manoeuvrability, and reducing its turning circle to less than seven metres. Disc brakes instill further dynamic confidence in the EV while a damped rear swing arm is designed for driver comfort and to reduce fatigue. Always-on lighting improves forward visibility for the driver, while brake lights, optional indicators and a horn help to ensure the vehicle is visible to pedestrians and traffic.”

Interestingly, the company states that in addition to executing urban package delivery, the concept could bring “cargo transportation to rural areas lacking developed infrastructure.” I think that might be a bit optimistic, depending on how rural we’re talking. The area I’m in features two-lane roads with no bike lane nor shoulder, and a decent flow of enormous logging trucks that render double-yellow lines a suggestion; I’m not sure drivers of this transporter would be eager to share such roads. And with electric cargo bikes in general, we still haven’t seen anyone addressing the issue of inclement weather.

Other collaborators on the project were Swedish electric bike company Cake, who supplied the battery, hub and technology and aluminum producer Hydro, who provided the frame’s low-carbon aluminum, which was produced with renewable energy.

“The passion and expertise our partners have brought to this project shows the power of great design,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Electrifying vehicles is the start point, not the end game. Our engineers have proven that this kind of open collaboration will accelerate innovation and the shift to truly sustainable mobility.”

https://www.core77.com/posts/109969/Konstantin-Grcic-and-Polestar-Rethink-the-Electric-Cargo-Bike-Ditch-the-Bike-Part