Author Archives: Annick Roetynck

About Annick Roetynck

Annick is the Manager of LEVA-EU, with decades of experience in two-wheeled and light electric mobility.

• LEVA-EU to Host Info-Session on Standardisation at International Cargobike Festival

  07/10/2024 17:08 Comments Off on LEVA-EU to Host Info-Session on Standardisation at International Cargobike Festival

  At the International Cargobike Festival (ICBF), LEVA-EU will host a free information session on standardisation on Friday 25 October from 12:00 to 14:00. The meeting is free of charge for all interested professional visitors and press, but for practical reasons registration here, https://shorturl.at/6lVzJ, is required. The session will guide participants through the intricacies of standardisation, including how standards are developed, approved, and connected to legislation, as well as how companies can get involved in the process.

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  The aim of this meeting is to familiarise participants with all aspects of standardisation. Attendees will learn how standards are developed and approved, how they relate to legislation, and how companies can be directly or indirectly involved in the standardisation process. In addition, LEVA-EU will provide a comprehensive overview of the current standards for e-carrier cycles.

  The new Machinery Regulation and Battery Regulation issued by the EU last year will also be discussed. The meeting will explain how these regulations intersect with existing standards. Moreover, under the new Battery Regulation, the European Commission has tasked CENELEC with developing a series of new standards for batteries used in light transport vehicles. These as well as the amendment to EN15194 for EPACs, which introduces new battery requirements, will also be covered. Attendees will have ample time to ask questions.

  

  
  In addition, with the support of SBS, LEVA-EU has published a detailed briefing on standardisation. This document is available for free via this QR code.

  LEVA-EU will be present at ICBF on both days with at booth. Don’t hesitate to come and visit us if you have any questions about electric carrier cycles or light electric vehicles in general, about LEVA-EU membership or about rules and legislation. On Thursday, both LEVA-EU technical director Bram Rotthier and LEVA-EU manager Annick Roetyck will be present, on Friday Annick Roetynck only. Should you wish, you can plan an appointment in advance: https://calendly.com/annick_leva-eu/eurobike-meeting

• LEVA-EU at ICBF to Support E-Cargo Bike Companies with Key Regulatory Updates & Guidance

  30/09/2024 15:00 Comments Off on LEVA-EU at ICBF to Support E-Cargo Bike Companies with Key Regulatory Updates & Guidance

  LEVA-EU will have a booth at the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) in Utrecht, Netherlands, on October 25th and 26th. This event offers LEVA-EU a unique opportunity to engage with businesses in the e-cargo bike sector and discuss critical changes in regulations and standards. With the recent release of the long-awaited EN 17860 standards, new Battery and Machinery Regulations, and the Right to Repair Directive, the sector is on the brink of significant transformation.

  Fundamental regulatory changes for e-cargo bikes are closer than ever. The European Commission has recently adopted new urban mobility policy recommendations, which could reshape the technical framework for light electric vehicles, including e-cargo bikes. These recommendations could potentially result in the removal of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) from Regulation 168/2013 and the Machinery Directive. That could, in turn, allow for the lifting of the restrictive 250W power limit and for technologies other than pedal assistance only. This change would unlock new opportunities for developing e-cargo bikes capable of carrying heavier loads, giving the sector much-needed freedom and growth potential.

  At the ICBF, LEVA-EU will be available at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht to provide insights into these regulatory developments and to listen to the concerns of industry players. In addition, LEVA-EU will host a free information session on standardisation on Friday, October 25th, from 12:00 to 14:00, open to all professional visitors. Supported by SBS, this session will guide participants through the intricacies of standardisation, including how standards are developed, approved, and connected to legislation, as well as how companies can get involved in the process.

  LEVA-EU will also provide a detailed update on the current state of e-cargo bike standards, including the impact of the new Machinery and Battery Regulations. With CENELEC tasked by the European Commission to develop new standards for batteries in light electric vehicles, this session will cover everything professionals need to know. There will also be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

  Additionally, ICBF will mark the launch of LEVA-EU’s annual membership promotion. New members can sign up starting November 1st, receiving two bonus months of membership through December 31st of the following year. Businesses that join on October 25th or 26th will also benefit from this special offer.

  For an appointment with LEVA-EU at ICBF, please contact LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck, annick@leva-eu.com. She will be present on Friday and Saturday. LEVA-EU Technical Director, Bram Rotthier, will be at ICBF on Friday only.

  Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and connected in the evolving world of e-cargo bikes!

• EIT UM Call for Projects aimed at promoting a competitive & sustainable European Cycling Industry

  23/09/2024 17:27 Comments Off on EIT UM Call for Projects aimed at promoting a competitive & sustainable European Cycling Industry

  This call results from the European Declaration on Cycling, signed last April. The Declaration emphasises cycling as a strategic priority and describes it as one of the “most sustainable, accessible and inclusive, low-cost and healthy forms of transport“.

  According to EIT Urban Mobility, the growing share of e-bikes has created a wealth of opportunities for new services and business models in the industry, and a need for more digital and battery innovations. Simultaneously, existing services like bike sharing need to be optimised to allow operators to expand services to new consumers.

  Through this call, EIT Urban Mobility aims to fund innovative solutions that promote a competitive and sustainable European
  cycling industry, focusing on three sub-topics:

  • Light means of transport (LMT) batteries
  • New services and business models, and
  • Sustainable local manufacturing.

  Consortia should consist of 2 to 5 partners from at least 2 EU Member States or/and Horizon Europe associated countries. EIT will fund a maximum of 65% of the total project cost, with budgets expected to range between € 300,000 and € 700,000. The total indicative funding allocated for this call is € 1.5 million, which allows for approving 2 to 5 projects. The project should start from 1 January 2025 and run for one year.

  There are 2 mandatory KPI’s:

  • either an innovation needs to be put on the market or a start-up created
  • second KPI is demonstration

  As a result, there has to be at least one commercial partner and one demonstration host, either a city/municipal government or a company. The solution to be piloted should have successfully reached a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6.

  Once the project has started, consortium partners are required to become EIT UM members. The lowest annual membership fee is € 5,000.

  This call will close on 15 October at 17.00 CET. The evaluation results will be communicated end of November.

  All further details are here: https://rb.gy/hxgrxc

• Draft Standard Heavy Weight Carrier Cycles: Have Your Say

  02/09/2024 15:25 Comments Off on Draft Standard Heavy Weight Carrier Cycles: Have Your Say

  At this very moment, the public enquiry for prEN 17860-4, Heavy weight carrier cycles – Mechanical and functional aspects, is underway. This means that the draft text of the standard is freely (without charge) accessible, albeit in English only. You can retrieve the text of the draft on the website of your national standardisation institute. If you work in the heavy-weight carrier cycles industry, this is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the standard at a very early stage and even to provide input on the draft of the standard.

  You can submit any comments on the draft text directly to your national standardization institute. For Belgium, you can do this online through the special portal where all draft standards are available for review. If you cannot find the relevant draft standard on your standardization institute’s website or if you’re unsure how or where to submit your comments, it is best to contact your institute directly for assistance. The list of all national standardisation institutes is here: https://standards.cencenelec.eu/dyn/www/f?p=CEN:5.

  CEN will close this public enquiry on October 10th. However, national standardization institutes set earlier deadlines to allow enough time to compile comments and forward them to CEN. For example, the Belgian NBN’s deadline is September 16th.

  Another way to provide feedback on the draft standard is to send your comments to SBS expert Eddie Eccleston at eddie@leva-eu.com. Eddie is an SBS-expert in TC333, specifically focused on protecting and advocating for the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

  Through his so-called mirror committee, Eddie will forward all individual comments directly to CEN. However, your comments must reach him before October 1st.

  If you wish to become a permanent member of his mirror committee, please request this via email as well. Eddie will then keep you regularly updated on developments related to standards for electric (cargo) cycles in CEN TC333 and inform you about all public enquiries on draft standards that can be commented on. Membership of his mirror committee is free of charge.

  If you are not yet fully familiar with standardization or if you have specific questions about it, we would like to refer you to the comprehensive briefing in which LEVA-EU and SBS attempt to answer all questions related to standardization. This comprehensive resource is now available for free, accessible via the following link: https://vqr.vc/Ejy0eaDbu.

• IEC TC125 calls for Battery Experts

  12:16 Comments Off on IEC TC125 calls for Battery Experts

  TC125 of the International Electric Committee (IEC) is dedicated to the development of standards for e-transporters. A while ago, the TC decided to investigate existing battery standards and requirements with a view to developing appropriate requirements for batteries use in personal e-transporters, such as self-balancing vehicles and e-scooters. That work is being carried out as a Preliminary Work Item (PWI) 125-4. The project leader of this PWI, Wangtan Yuan, has now launched the following call for additional experts to join this battery project.

  Project Overview

  Objective: To develop appropriate safety requirements for batteries used in personal e-transporters, such as self-balancing scooters or electric scooters.

  Scope: Identifying safety risks, evaluating current standards, and formulating appropriate safety requirements

  Goal: To provide a scientific and practical basis for international standardization in the field of batteries for personal e-transporters

  Expertise Sought: We are looking for industry professionals with expertise in battery technology and safety for personal e-transporters as well as in consumer safety

  Expert Responsibilities: Experts are expected to engage in online/f2f (if possible) discussions, to provide professional insights based on their expertise and to assist in drafting the proposal

  How to Join If you are interested in contributing to the project: 1) Contact your national standardisation institute to join IEC TC125 WG1 2) Send an introduction email to: Wangtan Yuan (Project Leader): wangtan.yuan@ninebot.com, to François Rummens (Assistant Secretary of IEC/125): francois.rummens@ceb-bec.be.

  We look forward to collaborating with you to enhance the safety of personal e-transporters globally. 

  Wangtan Yuan,
  Project Leader

  LEVA-EU is also part of IEC TC125. You’re welcome to contact technical director, Bram Rotthier, bram@leva-eu.com, if you have further questions on the procedure to join and on the functioning of TC125.

• GIANTS Project: Shaping Affordable and Sustainable Urban Mobility through Frugal Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) – Call for Participation in Survey

  26/08/2024 16:17 Comments Off on GIANTS Project: Shaping Affordable and Sustainable Urban Mobility through Frugal Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) – Call for Participation in Survey

  GIANTS is a Horizon Europe project that aims to provide affordable and accessible mobility solutions to both emerging and advanced markets. GIANTS has the goal of developing frugal (economical, without excessive features) vehicles / mobility solutions based on user demand. This will be built on a set of technological solutions that allow the production of L5,L6,L7 class Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) suited to provide urban traffic solutions. The approach offers modularity, scalability, interoperability, and features innovative charging and energy optimisation solutions.  

  One of the Giants’ partners, Polis, is currently carrying out a survey in the framework of the project. Polis is looking for support to their research in developing frugal L5, L6, L7 class LEVs in the GIANTS project by completing their survey. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and is available here.   

  The survey aim is to create a vehicle platform that meets user needs without unnecessary features. This approach will not only make mobility solutions more affordable but also maximise societal benefits and minimise environmental impact. These vehicles should also be integrated in the urban mobility ecosystem in a way that meets city needs without providing unintended challenges. By participating, you will help the project to identify and understand city needs, concerns and acceptance of frugal LEVs, including road safety and infrastructure requirements, fleet management including circular economy and modularity principles, and integration into urban mobility ecosystems.

  Information gathered in this survey is anonymous (no personally identifying information intentionally requested or collected) and the results will be used within the consortium to support and enhance the goals of the project. 

  One of the GIANTS’ partners is Dutch battery producer and LEVA-EU Member Cleantron. Li-ion batteries are the key component in drivetrain electrification. Within the GIANTS project Cleantron will develop and engineer battery modules, ensuring scalability and reliability for the use in different vehicle categories. The key responsibility within the GIANTS project is to lead with other partners the definition of an energy-optimal ecologically e-driveline solution, which fulfills stakeholders and users requirements in advanced and emerging markets. Furthermore, Cleantron will support the development of standardised in-vehicle docking stations and external charging stations.

• Speed Pedelecs in the Year 2050

  15:52 Comments Off on Speed Pedelecs in the Year 2050

  Jos Aerts, founder of the Speedpedelec Evolution website, used the summer break to reflect on the future of the speed pedelec. His outlook is thoroughly detailed in a long and engaging article. Below is the introduction, the full article is here: https://rb.gy/vmebv3

  There is now no doubt that cycling in general is considered healthy and that e-bikes and speedpedelecs in particular can have a significant beneficial impact on both climate as human. The fact that this has also been recognised by politicians in 2024 is evident from the recent “European Declaration on Cycling” and substantial national budgets related to bicycle mobility. Nevertheless,
  we note that the speedpedelec does not just break through in our mobility. Previously we have identified 5 factors that block growth and that can also vary from country to country.

  In this Special Report of Speedpedelec Evolution however we project our outlook for speedpedelecs in the year 2050 were all of these challenges have been met and it is the only bicycle one needs.

  Following our 2020 specifications for the ideal speedpedelec, the Dreamspeed 1.0 in our previous website, Speedpedelec evolution is now describing the ideal speedpedelec as in use in 2050 when all 5 challenges to fulfil its real potential have been met. That speedpedelec is a bicycle suitable for speeds up to 60 km/h, biobikes no longer exist and higher speeds can be done with the nonpedalling motorcycle or of course the car in whatever specs are applicable then. E-bikes have gone and the speedpedelecs are the only bicycles on the road as being able to cruise at low speeds as well.

  We follow Philippe Thomas, friends call him Peetee, and his bike Friend, the name Peetee has given to his speedpedelec model FRND, an acronym of Fiets Research & Development according to its designers, although the “F” could also stand for Fahrrad.

• Capital for your Mobility Startup – EIT Urban Mobility invests in EU Mobility Ventures to help them scale sustainably

  15:21 Comments Off on Capital for your Mobility Startup – EIT Urban Mobility invests in EU Mobility Ventures to help them scale sustainably

  EIT Urban Mobility is looking for startups offering innovative urban mobility solutions to create a more social and healthier environment in cities. The call has been open since 15 February 2024 and will be continuously open until the end of 2025, with the next cut-off date being 6 September 2024.

  Each cut-off date is followed by two-stage evaluation process after which all applicants will be informed about the results. The whole procedure is usually taking between 10 to 12 weeks.

  As an impact investor, EIT Urban Mobility invests in solutions that contribute positively to at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to sustainable cities and communities, clean energy, and climate action. Furthermore, EIT Urban Mobility encourages inclusive and gender-balanced teams to apply for this funding on green mobility.

  To stimulate the talent and entrepreneurial mindset in all of Europe, EIT Urban Mobility pays special attention to startups incorporated in the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS), where conservative and risk-avoiding policy-making can slow down change and innovation. After their application, startups from these countries will be invited to a specific investment committee to ensure the channelling of the additional financial support available to RIS startups.

  The objective of the Financial Support to Startups Open Call is to hands-on support selected investees in driving their growth, gaining visibility, and strengthen national and international market position. For ventures coming from Horizon Europe Associated Countries and willing to stretch their outreach, it opens doors to European markets and mobility ecosystem. 

  All further details are here: EIT Urban Mobility Startup Investments – EIT Urban Mobility
  The application form is here: Start-up-Investments-Open-Call-2024-Application-Form.pdf (eiturbanmobility.eu)

  Good luck to all the applicants!

• Leveraging the EU battery production to achieve net-zero with light electric vehicles

  19/08/2024 12:01 Comments Off on Leveraging the EU battery production to achieve net-zero with light electric vehicles

  EIT Urban Mobility and EIT InnoEnergy have published a join report that looks at batteries for light electric vehicles. Based on both quantitative research and qualitative input from the LEV and battery industry, it aims to assess the potential for EU-made batteries to power a modal shift from cars to LEVs. The report highlights the role LEV batteries can play in the European battery value chain, stressing their positive impact on mitigating raw material demands. The report casts light on the requirements of LEV batteries around costs, safety, and performance, and provides recommendations to improve the circularity and sustainability of these batteries.

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  Full report: https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LEV-Report-Final-Digital-1.pdf
  Infographic: https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EIT_LEVs_0907-1.pdf

  Batteries have been at the heart of Europe’s efforts to effectively decarbonise road transport and meet its climate goals. Significant progress has been made in establishing a domestic battery value chain, with €126 billion in investments across 111 major projects, while stimulating enough initial demand for electric vehicles to cross the 5% inflexion point to trigger mass adoption.

  Despite this progress, existing policies are falling short of meeting the EU’s 2030 targets, leaving a significant emissions gap of at least 165 MtCO2 eq. Furthermore, they are not generating enough electric vehicle demand to match the planned battery production in the midterm, potentially leading to up to 3 times overcapacity until 2030. Nearly halfway through this decade, the EU must explore additional levers to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility and bridge its emissions gap.

  However, batteries are just a means to an end. For road transport, the end is to ensure the safe, sustainable, and affordable movement of people and goods. This requires a comprehensive view of the EU’s mobility transition to equally support the uptake of alternative, fast-growing e-mobility solutions while strengthening their industrial and battery value chains. This approach will allow for strategically allocating valuable and limited resources and a more coordinated effort to achieve net-zero road transport.

  Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), such as e-bikes, e-kickscooters, e-mopeds, and e-motorcycles, are one such fast-growing solutions. With an estimated more than 10 million units sold in 2022 in Europe, LEVs are rapidly integrating in today’s urban mobility. LEVs have the potential to significantly reduce road transport emissions and help bridge the EU’s 2030 emissions gap by
  addressing a substantial portion of urban mobility needs with less energy and CO2 footprint – saving at least 30 MtCO2 eq just by replacing 13% of the daily short-distance trips made by cars and vans in cities. Beyond environmental goals, this shift could also contribute to industrial and economic goals, creating 1 million green jobs in an industry that is expanding its European
  footprint. In light of the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act, which aims to bolster domestic production of clean technologies, the next critical question is how to sustain and accelerate LEV adoption by leveraging Europe’s strategic industrial resources, particularly its battery value chain.

  This paper examines the implications of securing a European battery supply chain for the LEV industry, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for both LEV and battery players. It analyses the demand for LEV batteries in Europe and their impact on the supply of critical materials. It also explores essential factors for LEV adoption, such as battery costs, safety, performance, and carbon footprint, focusing on future battery chemistries and considerations for battery circularity.
  This paper was a collaborative effort between EIT Urban Mobility and EIT InnoEnergy and draws on expert insights from the LEV and battery industries.

  Key takeaways:

  There is potential room for EU battery production to power the modal shift to LEVs, with minimal demand for critical resources:

  • By 2030, Europe’s planned battery production capacity of 1,144-1,800 GWh will far exceed the projected battery demand of 317-696 GWh from electric cars under current policies.
  • Some of this capacity could be allocated to support the modal shift to LEVs, which have an estimated annual battery demand of 36 GWh by 2030 and 71 GWh by 2040 – requiring 10-30 times fewer critical metals than electric cars.
  • However, LEV players may face challenges securing an EU battery supply due to the low demand compared to electric cars, exacerbating existing supply chain risks, as 95% of LEV batteries are currently sourced from Asia.

  In turn, LEVs could bolster the EU battery value chain by serving as ideal off-takers of standard cross-application cylindrical cell production:

  • Europe’s cylindrical cell production capacity is expected to increase from 7.6 GWh in 2021 (10% share) to 100 GWh by 2030.
  • As the preferred format for most LEV applications, EU battery players could secure up to 85 GWh cumulative battery demand until 2030 from domestically produced LEVs, stimulating the ramp-up of cylindrical cell production.
  • Leveraging cylindrical cells as a strategic, cross-application standard enables EU battery players to meet diverse industry demands beyond LEVs and e-mobility, strengthening and diversifying the European battery value chain.

  Current and future battery technologies will play a critical role in making LEVs a more attractive and viable alternative mode of transport:

  • While ongoing advancements in battery technologies for passenger cars will continue to trickle down to LEVs, dedicated research and funding are still needed to meet LEV’s specific requirements and overcome adoption barriers.
  • Key battery factors –safety, costs, and performance– directly impact the affordability and consumer acceptance of LEVs and, thus, their adoption. These advancements and their implications for LEVs are explored later in the paper.

  Strengthening the current regulatory framework and upskilling the workforce are critical
  to a more sustainable and circular value chain:

  • To facilitate the repair, reuse, and recycling of LEV batteries, the battery passport needs to become more operational and aligned with the needs of the various value chain actors.
  • There needs to be clearer and stronger safety and liability warranties in place to enable battery repairs.
  • Upskilling the labour force and investing in appropriate training is critical to facilitate repair and recycling, as will battery pack design for disassembly and circularity.