Empty battery? No power within reach? If it is up to Tropos Motors Europe, these worries will be a thing of the past from now on. In an innovative pilot project, the Herne-based electric utility vehicle manufacturer is testing integrable photovoltaic cells in the cargo box.
Thanks to this trendsetting technology, all models of Tropos ABLE will soon be able to operate almost independently of external power sources, with a significantly longer range as a result. The pilot project will start at the end of June and has an initial duration of four months.
Revolution
"We expect to introduce no less than a revolution in the electric vehicle market with this solution," says Markus Schrick, managing director of Tropos Motors Europe. "The first experiments have shown that it can be done. Now we are extensively testing the technology in practice for performance and other possibilities. As a whole, we want to analyse what solar panels can do for our customers."
Integration into the construction
What makes this new technology different is the way it is integrated into the construction. The photovoltaic elements replace existing cargo boxes. They are fully integrated into the cargo boxes without adding weight. Self-generating solar energy is expected to further significantly increase the electric transport vehicles' range. The Tropos ABLE runs exclusively on solar power and recharges itself. This reduces charging costs, makes it independent of power sources and improves its carbon footprint. It avoids the CO2 emissions associated with using conventional power mix.
Use excess power generated
Within the pilot project, Tropos is also investigating options for using excess power generated. This could include external power supply for charging other vehicles or end devices and batteries of, for example, power saws or hedge trimmers.
Ecosystem
"We see Tropos as an ecosystem consisting of a vehicle, a body and digitalisation. Our philosophy revolves around innovative solutions that provide sustainable added value for our customers," says Schrick.
Emission-free
All models of Tropos ABLE are completely emission-free. With a compact width of 1.40 metres, a length of 3.70 metres and a small turning circle of 3.96 metres, the electric transporter can be used both on the road and in enclosed spaces. Until the very end, all the advantages of electric vehicles remain fully exploitable. Thus, they can close the gap between cargo bike and van.
Transport capacity
With the large loading area and a load volume of up to 4.5 m³, the vehicles have enormous transport capacity to offer. The convincing features offer versatile application possibilities for diverse target groups: industry and intralogistics, horticulture and gardening, delivery and parcel services, technical trades and building management, cities and municipalities, catering and tourism, food trade, zoos, amusement parks and sports venues.
Photo: Tropos Motors Europe
