Dutch company Need The Globe (NTG) has launched what it claims is the first-ever solar e-cargo bike. The SunRider has three integrated solar panels which help it cut CO2 emissions by 50 per cent compared to other e-cargo bikes on the market.
“Given that solar panels are becoming both more efficient and affordable, they have become increasingly suitable to integrate into moveable objects and can be used to develop a sustainable and commercially viable product,” commented Chris van Houdt, co-founder and Chief Energy Officer of NTG.
The SunRider’s solar panels have a 545 watt-peak capacity. They feed a 1.6 kWh swappable battery from which a 250W hub motor draws its power.
The bike’s said to gather about 50 per cent of its power from the solar panels, on average – but up to 100 per cent on sunny days.
The bike itself can fit 1m³ Euro pallets and transport up to 150kg of cargo.
“We achieved a friendly design that easily blends in on bicycle paths, with other cyclists,” said Chris Klok, who leads NTG’s development team.
“The driver has an excellent 360-degree view thanks to the sleek lines of the cargo box, which is positioned behind the driver. The curves of the cargo box, with integrated solar panels and the use of lightweight materials, not only improve aerodynamics, but also make the SunRider the lightest, and the most elegant cargo e-bike on the market.”
Last month we reported how a South African couple are set to embark on a round-the-world trip in an electric tuk tuk that features almost 4.6 square metres of solar panels across its roof, back and sides.
The 400kg vehicle, which has been developed by Norwegian start-up Infinite Mobility, will also be fitted with a wind turbine for when Karl van Zyl and Santie du Toit are camping at night.
