CitiPod
The project combined e-bike technology with leading-edge automotive design and engineering techniques to develop a zero-emission mass micromobility solution.
Project Overview
The CitiPod provides a zero-emission mass micromobility solution. It combines e-bike technology with leading-edge automotive design and engineering techniques, resulting in a safe, stable, weather-protected active travel vehicle. It has a similar comfort level and protection as a microcar while still conforming to UK and EU e-bike regulations. It can travel on cycleways and roads, with a space footprint of less than a third of an average car. Its ultra-lightweight construction (~85kg) makes it highly manoeuvrable and minimises wear and tear on roads. Passenger and Cargo versions of the vehicle using common chassis and drivetrain will deliver substantial economies of scale in volume production. The aim of the PoC project (our first funding received from NVN) was to build and test a prototype of the CitiPod Cargo.
Technology Developed
The project built and tested a Proof of Concept lightweight electric vehicle. The serial hybrid drivetrain solution, with four power sources (pedal generator, batteries, solar panel and regenerative braking) has proven to be viable to achieve a high level of energy efficiency. We did not achieve our weight target, but progressing from GRP to HDPE for canopy body will reduce kerb weight by an estimated 10kg.
The project concluded that the vehicle is feasible and with the right pedal generator and motor the cost could be competitive and the demand strong as evidenced by customer interaction at the National Cargo Bike Summit and Micromobility UK.
Significant Project Outcomes
The project now have a fully detailed 3D Model and 2D drawing pack, BOM, design analysis and physical PoC vehicle for further development. It has been showcased it at National Cargo Bike Summit and Micromobility UK and generated substantial interest among delivery companies. The prototype has become a valuable physical demonstrator in discussions with potential customers and investors
Future Commercial Opportunities
The project have received interest to trial test vehicles for potential inclusion in their delivery fleets. The partners are actively pitching for investment and continue to seek funding for further development, including grants, crowdfunding and VC investment. To bring the product to market, detailed supply chain research to select lower cost motor, generator, battery and other component suppliers for volume production needs to be undertaken. Further research on body materials and strength testing of the vehicle is also required.
NVN Funding
Following four years of designing and planning the development of the CitiPod, the NVN PoC grant enabled us to finally build a prototype that could both prove and test the technology and create market and investor interest by having a physical demonstrator. The PoC project has been a highly positive experience. In particular, input from assessors at the grant interview prompted us to improve the vehicle design significantly before the project started. The consortium model encourages collaboration while at the same time making partners responsible for their own budgets.
