EAV steps up e-cargo bike drive system

Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) has confirmed a technical partnership with Finland e-bike motor and gearbox designer Revonte which will see work on its EAVcabs start in April.

Revonte is focused on developing advanced software for its hardware drive systems which include a fully integrated stepless transmission in the new Revonte One Drive system providing customisation, connectivity and services through on-board software.

EAV’s EAVcab – a robust and efficient e-cargo bike described as having been ‘engineered down from a van rather than up from a bicycle’ – will be integrated with Revonte’s One Drive system developed for e-cargo use.

It could offer a package for urban lightweight commercial vehicles (ULCV) to provide a greater user experience, improve operation efficiency and deliver valuable user data, EAV says.

“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,” EAV founder and technical director Adam Barmby says.

“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.”

Revonte will work closely with EAV to customise the software to match the demands of a new line of cargo e-bikes.

“The future of commercial vehicle operations in urban environments in now unquestionably based on the e-cargo or ULCV concept,” Revonte chief executive Otto Chrons says.

“Lightweight, efficient and with zero emissions, we can see these vehicles in operation globally in large numbers in only a short time.”