DPD tests out EAV e-cargo bikes

UK parcel carrier DPD has taken delivery of its first 10 P1 electric assist cargo bikes, the result of a partnership with EAV.

Five of these are currently being tested on the streets of London, York and Newbury, while the other five are being shipped to DPD business units in Ireland, Spain, Germany, Portugal and France.

The quadracycle measures 2m long by 1m wide, weighs 75kg and can carry a 120kg payload. The 250 watt motor helps the rider accelerate to a maximum 15 mph. The P1 can cover a range of up to 60 miles in a day and over 100 parcel stops and then be recharged using a normal 13amp, 240v plug socket.

The bike's body is made from composites which include fully recyclable materials. For example, the fascia is made from a composite strengthened with hemp fibres stuck together with a resin based on the oil from cashew nut shells.

"The early trials show that the P1 is performing really well and clearly has potential to be more efficient for us than traditional vans in certain locations. It is highly manoeuvrable, can carry a good day's worth of parcels and can often get closer to delivery addresses than the vans.,” says Dwain McDonald, CEO at DPD, which recently called on vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, national and local government to start working together to reduce emissions and congestion.

"We're on a journey with electric vehicles and as usual, we are ahead of the pack. But it is uncharted territory, and the reality is that we are going to need to invest in new and different types of vehicles to solve new and different challenges. We know that the environment and climate change matter more than ever to our clients and the feedback we get when we share our EV vision with them is really positive."