Electric trikes approved for Queensland
A Brisbane-based company focussed on “first and last mile” goods transportation has recently received approval from the Australian Road Vehicle Safety authority to run electric-powered delivery trikes on Queensland roads.
Distributed by e-Motion Concepts, the trikes are available in two configurations – CT-KARGO and CT-KUBE. Both feature hub-mounted electric motors and lithium batteries, with a top speed of 45km/h and driving range of up to 100km between charges.
Compact dimensions, including width of less than a metre for both models, make them ideal for inner-city deliveries, according to e-Motion Concepts. The vehicles are manufactured by RAP SEV, a Chinese company specialising in intelligent electric vehicles for export markets.
The CT-KUBE is the smaller of the two models and is said to be ideal for delivery of food and beverages, fresh flowers, pathology products and medical supplies.
With a 1545mm wheelbase and 2145mm x 775mm x 1850mm (LxWxH) dimensions, the CT-KUBE has a load capacity of 50kg. The dual DC permanent magnet motor is fuelled by a 51.2V battery that delivers range of up to 100km between charges and an 8-hour recharge time.
Other KUBE features include front and rear disc brakes, a reversing camera, LED lighting, 18-degree lean angle for the rider’s cabin, smartphone app to monitor vehicle functions and the option of a freezing/heating dual-mode refrigerator in the cargo area for meal delivery.
The CT-KARGO rolls on a longer 2420mm wheelbase, with larger overall dimensions of 2920mm x 980mm x 1850mm (LxWxH) and a bigger cargo box of almost 1.4 cubic metres that increases carrying capacity to 180kg.
Designed for distribution-centre-to-business delivery (and vice-versa), the CT-KARGO features barn doors on the correct (left) side for Australia, with other clever features like an interior light and solar panels on top of the insulated cargo box to feed energy back into the battery.
The CT-KARGO runs an AC asynchronous motor and a higher-voltage 73.6V battery, but due to the additional weight, range is 91km, with full recharge in 8 hours.
Like the KUBE, the KARGO also carries a rear-view camera, LED lighting, disc brakes and vehicle tracking mobile app.
The ergonomically-designed driver’s cabin on both models features an adjustable backrest, full-colour TFT instrument display and USB port.
Ahead of Queensland release, e-Motion Concepts have provided provisional pricing of $14,000 for the CT-KUBE and $16,000 for the CT-KARGO.
Further details can be found at http://rapsev.com.au/
