Imagine a bustling cityscape with the gentle hum of electric vehicles replacing the roar of combustion engines. A unique pilot program is setting the stage for this eco-friendly symphony by combining the efficiency of a Mercedez-Benz eSprinter electric van with the agility of ONO electric cargo bikes. This duo forms a formidable alliance in the quest to streamline last-mile deliveries with sustainability in mind.
The Mobile Micro-Depot Concept
The heart of the program lies in the eSprinter’s transformation into a mobile micro-depot. This electric van, laden with ONOMOTION’s specially designed container modules, courses its way through the city to designated transfer points. Here, a swift exchange takes place: containers are seamlessly transferred onto an ONO electric cargo bike. The bike then takes charge, buzzing off to deliver the goods on the last leg of their journey.
Tackling Urban Delivery Challenges
Addressing urban delivery dilemmas extends beyond mere carbon footprint reductions. Although all-electric fleets present a giant leap towards a greener future, they don’t inherently solve issues like traffic congestion and curbside space monopolization during deliveries. Enter the electric cargo bike: a compact and nimble solution that eases traffic and diminishes curbside dwelling times, helping maintain a steady urban flow.
The SUSTAINEER: A Technology Demonstrator
The intriguing SUSTAINEER van, a “technology demonstrator” based on the eSprinter, serves as a testbed for future-forward delivery transport ideas. It boasts an array of innovative features, including a hydraulic arm equipped with rollers for loading and unloading heavyweight containers, each capable of carrying up to 200 kg (440.9 lb).
Efficient Container Transfer System
Pairing efficiency with swiftness, the containers are designed with wheels for quick moves from van to bike. This process is further optimized by pre-arranging parcels in delivery sequence, enabling e-cargo bike riders to swiftly dispatch each package on their route without a hitch.
SUSTAINEER’s Eco-Friendly Additions
Mercedes-Benz Vans didn’t stop with just an integrated container lifting system. The SUSTAINEER Van revolutionizes energy conservation by employing “near-body heating” and zonal air conditioning, slashing climate control energy needs by half. Furthermore, a PM10 filter at the vehicle’s fore reduces particulate pollution, contributing to a healthier environment for urban couriers.
ONO E-Cargo Bikes: The Last-Mile Dynamo
ONO’s contribution to this dynamic partnership comes in the shape of their pedal-assisted e-cargo bikes, whose design incorporates throttles for smooth departures from stops and swappable batteries that ensure a substantial range. Configurable for various delivery needs, the ONO cargo models exude versatility, from whizzing through tight city spaces to functioning as compact versions of a pickup, ready to transport larger cargo loads.
As urban centers continue to swell, the collaboration of innovative electric vans and cargo bikes holds the promise of a more organized, cleaner, and efficient delivery ecosystem. It’s a glimpse into a future where last-mile delivery dovetails seamlessly with the pulse of city life, all while treading lightly on the planet.
