All-electric van + electric cargo bike = transport heaven
Mercedes Benz Vans has come up with a concept that equates to transport heaven. Essentially, an all-electric van partners with an electric cargo bike to deliver goods. If the company is to be believed, these two transport modes go together like fish and chips.
All-electric van + electric cargo bike = transport heaven
Mercedes Benz Vans has come up with a concept that equates to transport heaven. Essentially, an all-electric van partners with an electric cargo bike to deliver goods. If the company is to be believed, these two transport modes go together like fish and chips.
Introducing the van
The van in question is the Mercedes-Benz SUSTAINEER, a technology demonstrator that the company first rolled out back in 2021. (Lest you wondered, SUSTAINEER is a name that was coined from the expression “sustainability pioneer”.)
The all-electric van is based on the Mercedes Benz eSprinter, which is scheduled to be launched in South Africa towards the end of this year. E-mobility has been in focus at Mercedes Benz Vans for some time; in overseas markets, the company already offers a fully electric version of all of its vans. By 2030, electric vehicles are expected to make up more than 50% of total sales.
However, the SUSTAINEER is no run-of-the-mill electric van. Instead, it features a whole bundle of special features that aim to decarbonize the entire vehicle life cycle, reducing resource consumption, and increasing the circular economy, as well as improving the quality of life and well-being of the driver.
Just one example is the vehicle’s particulate filter, which substantially reduces particulates. This filter, made with help from Mann+Hummel, reduces the tiny particles that come from vehicle components like worn tyres, brakes, and the road itself.
The filter was tested on two eSprinter vans operated by Österreichische Post in Graz. Over about a year, these vans travelled a total of 22,680 miles, delivering parcels. On average, they drove about 31 miles each day and stopped around 100 times. When the vans were parked, charging, or moving at speeds below 35 km/h with the fan running, the filter cut down on 55% of the particles with a size of up to 10 micrometres. The engineers discovered that 35% of the particles filtered were from the vehicle itself, while 61% were from the road. In places with more pollution, like cities, the filter works even better.
Introducing the bike
The ONO e-cargo bike, which is produced by Berlin-based cargo bike manufacturer ONOMOTION, is already being used by customers in many German cities.
The ONO e-cargo bike boasts a range of up to 15.5 miles, thanks to its 1.4 kWh battery that provides pull-away assistance up to 3.7 mph. The battery is easily replaceable, taking just seconds, and having a spare effectively doubles the range. Charging is a breeze with a standard earthed socket. Plus, you don't need a driving license to operate it, which simplifies the search for new employees. Its compact size means it takes up less space in traffic, which is great news for congested urban areas.
The ONO is super comfortable for riders, who are protected from rain in a weatherproof cabin. Furthermore, the bike can obviously be used on cycle paths, and it can travel right up to someone’s door, without the rider spending ages looking for parking. The delivery is also fast, because the rider doesn’t need to walk far (since he’s already at the recipient’s front door).
Van meets bike
But how do these two modes of transportation work together? Well, the process starts at the logistics centres, where consignments are packed into interchangeable wheeled ONOMOTION containers, which offer a load volume of more than 70 cubic feet and a payload of up to 440 lb. Those containers are loaded into the van.
The eSprinter – which acts as a micro-depot – meets the e-cargo bike at a designated handover point. The SUSTAINEER has an integrated lifting arm that offloads the containers quickly, safely, and effortlessly.
The ONO e-cargo bike makes its deliveries while the eSprinter continues its journey to the next ONO e-cargo bike in another neighbourhood or village.
The benefits of the concept are many, and include a vastly reduced curb-side time for the eSprinter. The van can also dash back to the logistics centre much faster and can, for example, complete a second route more quickly.
Looking ahead
In the future, the concept mooted by Mercedes Benz Vans can certainly become a reality. The bike exists already, and all the technical solutions and concepts installed in the SUSTAINEER – a solar panel on the roof and components made from recycled materials, for instance – were designed with a view to possible series-production application in future Mercedes-Benz vans. So, don’t be surprised to see a van and bike tag team in your neighbourhood in the near future!
ENDS
