ePack is capable travel at speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour/Cityshuttle
It is unlikely that you have ever seen a pedal-electric delivery vehicle quite like the ePack. To accommodate 4,000 liters of cargo space, the six-wheeler has the same articulated form factor as a semi-trailer truck.
As courier companies and others increasingly try to save money and reduce their carbon footprint As a result, many are looking for electric three- or four-wheeled cargo vehicles to make deliveries in congested city centers. New Atlas writes more about it.
These vehicles are not only cheaper to buy, maintain and “fuel” than traditional minibuses or trucks. They can also, as a rule, bypass slow motorized traffic, moving on less crowded bike lanes. And, of course, they do not produce carbon dioxide emissions. Made by British startup Cityshuttle, the ePack really does boast all of these features.
An additional bonus there is the fact that the carrying capacity of the ePack is not limited by the body, which must be small enough to fit directly on the vehicle. When transported on a trailer, the ePack can transport cargo with a volume of 4,000 liters and a maximum weight of 350 kilograms.
Both of these figures are at least double that of most other e-bikes and delivery quads.
ePack is a small electric pedal truck: watch the video
The power of pressing on the pedals is amplified by two 250-watt motors in the rear wheels of the main unit, which allows the ePack to develop a maximum speed of up to 25 kilometers per hour. Depending on factors such as terrain and load weight, one charge of the quick-change lithium battery should last for a distance of 60 to 100 kilometers.
All six cast 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and double wishbone suspension. Other features include a full LED lighting system with turn signals, a security camera and alarm inside the trailer, as well as locking doors and an engine immobilizer system.
What's more, users can earn a few extra bucks, selling ads on two integrated QLED screens. Located on either side of the trailer, they switch ads every six seconds.
A Cityshuttle representative said that ePack is already in use in London and that a number of commercial customers have placed orders to be fulfilled over the next six weeks. For now, at least, the vehicle is only available for hire to businesses – so no, you can't buy it and turn it into a motorhome.
A passenger version of the taxi, called the GECO, is due to launch in London later this year.