Motorized delivery traffic has become a permanent problem in many German cities. One solution is the comeback of the cargo bike. At IAA Commercial Vehicles, a series of innovative cargoes will be on display, which will revolutionize urban transport in the near future.
In the face of congested inner cities, the climate crisis and diesel driving bans, logistics companies are looking for alternatives, especially with regard to the "last mile". Driving small packages from door to door with big transporters - that's not smart. But mini-robots or drones remain for the time being still future music. A much more concrete alternative are the Cargobikes, which not only make a career as a substitute for big city cars, but also motivate transport companies to think again. UPS, DHL and many more are currently testing the performance of cargo bikes, which experts believe can each replace a van in the right setting. Particularly promising is the construction of micro-distribution centers, from which payload sheds swarm out with prefabricated interchangeable containers and thus supply customers in the immediate vicinity with no emissions.
Cargo bikes are by no means new. In the time before the Second World War, they were in many cities even common means of transport, which, however, was displaced by the automobile. In addition to a change in mentality, decisive technical progress has fueled its renaissance: Thanks to modern e-bike technology, cargo bikes and their drivers are significantly more efficient than conventionally driven counterparts. There are now over 100 kilogram heavy cargobikes, which are designed for more than 200 kilogram load. Without the engine, nothing works.
The e-bike revolution has also been discovered by automotive suppliers. In addition to Brose and Continental, Bosch is above all responsible for the enormous boom pedelec technology has been undergoing for years. At the IAA, the industry giant will present some examples of use in the segment of cargo bikes. Above all, the strong CX drive makes it possible to promote heavy bikes confidently. And thanks to the dual battery system, longer operating times are possible.
Even with the commercial vehicle offshoot of the VW Group has become aware of the topic. In a world premiere, the Hanoverian show at the IAA with the Cargo E-Bike in some points innovative and also elegantly designed cargo bike, the VW already wants to build 2019 in series. It is a tricycle with the low cargo area between the two wheels of the front axle. The clou: A hitherto unique kinematics should ensure that the transported remains even when cornering horizontal and thus stable in its position. Powered for a payload of 210 kilogram designed VW bike from a 48-Volt mid-engine from Continental, which transmits its power via toothed belt to the rear wheel. The energy supplies a lithium-ion battery.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) presents a transport wheel with a fuel cell as an exciting alternative to the battery electric version. At the center is the cargo bike Movr, which was developed by the Bremen-based company Rytle and whose engines are not supplied with energy by batteries but by a fuel cell. This offers several advantages: For additional range, the hydrogen tank requires less space than batteries. In addition, the energy source remains efficient even in cold and heat. Finally, referring to the overall CO2 balance, fuel cells are more climate friendly than batteries, since the latter are produced using comparatively high energy input.
Together with private and public partners, DLR plans to deploy test fleets of 2019 hydrogen cargo bikes in five European cities, including Groningen, Aberdeen and Stuttgart, at the end of 2020 or the start of 10. On the basis of practical experience, DLR intends to develop a complete logistics system that is ready for the market, including not only the cargo bike with fuel cell, but also the distribution center and the hydrogen refueling station.
Mario Hommen / SP-X