Logistics company UPS has commenced testing its mini electric delivery vans as a cleaner alternative to its ICE trucks. These electric vans which are somewhat four-wheeled e-bikes come on the heels of similar moves by the USPS. The US testing follows similar tests carried out by UPS in Europe earlier this year.
The new UPS mini electric vans use a mid-drive electric motor paired with a set of bicycle pedals. The quadricycle is called the eQuad produced by Fernhay. The eQuad is a four-wheeled e-assist cycle designed for pickups and deliveries in places where a larger van need not reach. It is 33 inches wide and less than 3 meters long. Its versatility means it can enter places where a bicycle can. The UPS eQuad will therefore be useful for last-mile deliveries quickly and more efficiently. The cargo space is up to 6 feet long and is swappable as a modular system.
The Fernhay eQuad could prove a great asset in congested urban settings and also useful for small cargo deliveries. It is designed to share the bike lane with other bicycles. The low load area and high seat allow the rider to have greater visibility around the eQuad. The testing is being carried out in New York. The success of the UPS eQuad delivery vans in New York will see the program extending to other cities. There is no word yet on timelines for the completion of testing of the eQuad in New York.
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