Comments Off on Citkar ready to scale with new investor and management
The Berlin-based mobility company Citkar has found a new investor in Bloomit Ventures, the Dutch accelerator for light electric vehicles, originated by the founders of Babboe Cargo Bikes. Citkar, a manufacturer of e-cargo bikes for last-mile delivery, and LEVA-EU member, is now led by a new management team Stefan Räth (operations) and Andreas Schäfer (technology).
Citkar produces four-wheeled pedelecs that combine the best aspects of a delivery van with the benefits of an e-bike. A smart mix of low running costs, zero-emission transport, and a small road footprint with comfort, weather protection, and a high carrying capacity. Together with Bloomit, Citkar aims to quickly scale up in cities in Europe and beyond.
FROM PROTOTYPE TO SERIES PRODUCTION
Before series production started in 2020 in Berlin-Marzahn, Citkar spent many years developing. Over time, a variety of prototypes have been crafted to meet the needs of the market. Recent prototypes have won several awards, including Best of Mobility Award (2019), Green Product Award (2020), and German Award for Sustainability (2021).
AHEAD OF THE PACK
With 4 wheels, a covered cabin, a steering wheel, a cup and telephone holder, an adjustable seat with a backrest, light indicators, a large cargo space, etc., the Citkar looks like a van, but it is an e-bike (width: 98 cm). Cycling is supported by a strong e-motor (250W) and two batteries (1600 Wh), rechargeable in 3 to 5 hours in any regular outlet, with a range of 60 km. Tech specs that make the Citkar exceptional can be found here.
NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM
Citkar is active in 7 countries, with various big brand clients and a growing turnover. To handle the growing demand and varied needs, both operationally and technically, Citkar is now led by a joint management: Stefan Räth is CEO with a profound background in finance and operations, while Andreas Schäfer, CTO and co-founder of Citkar, is responsible for technical development and production.
FUTURE-PROOF CITY LOGISTICS
Last-mile city logistics is a growing challenge. However, electrifying delivery vans will not solve traffic jams or parking pressure. Citkar and Bloomit share the same vision that the Electric Vehicle Transition is a great opportunity to choose smart and smaller urban vehicles that take up less space, use less energy, create less unsafety and deliver major health benefits, e.g. in terms of emissions of pollutants or noise. Citkar is a great example of a clean, easy and accessible transport solution for everyone aged 16 and over.
Comments Off on Cake appoints Stina Fagerman to the board of directors
Senior executive at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and formerly managing director at one of Scania’s market companies, joins Swedish maker of premium electric motorcycles
LEVA-EU member Cake, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight electric motorcycles, today announced the addition of Stina Fagerman to the board of directors. Stina brings 15 years of experience in the automotive industry and commercial transportation, from several international roles at Scania, leading sales, marketing, and services.
“Stina brings significant experience within transportation and logistics, as well as building and maintaining world-class sales and service networks. Her insight into these areas strengthens our ability to grow as a premium global brand in mobility solutions,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO, Cake.
“I look forward to working with a company where the sustainability focus has been there from the start, influencing all activities and decisions already from the beginning. One of my main contributions will be to help the organization grow while remaining efficient,” says Stina Fagerman, joining member of the Cake board of directors.
Stina has spent the last three years with Scania in Thailand, as Managing Director and member of the board of Scania Siam, and previously headed sales for Scania in Switzerland. Since the beginning of May, Stina is now heading the Marketing, Sales, and Services departments and is a member of the board of Management.
Comments Off on AureusDrive – riding towards carbon neutrality
LEVA-EU member AureusDrive partners with Arbofino in a large tree-planting initiative
In a bold step toward CO2 neutrality, the e-bike brand will be responsible for a 200 teak tree plantation in Manabi, Ecuador. Over 20 years this plantation will compensate upwards of 115 tonnes of carbon. Following the growth period, trees can be harvested, with profits used to plant further trees; this creates a circular carbon sequestration scheme. Additionally, AureusDrive will reforest 1/8 hectares of jungle in the same location.
The next step is calculation of grey energy usage during e-bike manufacturing and disposal, from here a further compensation plan can be made.
Comments Off on Bafang overcomes the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic
Recently, the severe spread and skyrocketing infection figures of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused great uncertainties in the manufacturing industry in many places. The market is facing escalating challenges such as shortage of raw materials, sluggish logistical efficiency, severe supply difficulties in Corona-related sealed-off areas (see e.g. Shanghai port closure) and suspension/impediment of battery product exports.
LEVA-EU member Bafang is actively addressing these influencing factors and challenges to meet customers’ trust and expectations. Based on a sophisticated supply chain with a carefully developed management system, the company has implemented sound production and transportation planning. The company’s production management has imposed strict pandemic prevention requirements on the regular operation of each production line. At the same time, Bafang has had the foresight to increase and structure the finished product and raw material stock sufficiently to ensure long-term internal production and thus maximum stocking of the central warehouse.
Although the global chip shortage continues, Bafang Electric has very good chip replacement solutions for its electronic control components. Strategic cooperation with key suppliers ensures a stable supply of the required raw materials. Also beneficial is Bafang’s pricing of most order items for six months, which helps to counteract the pressure of rising raw material prices. Due to the close, cooperative collaboration and support of the suppliers involved and the closely synchronized supply structure, Bafang Electric is in the advantageous position of being able to implement a stronger “anti-risk strategy” with regard to core components.
The company’s entire logistics department (incl. import/export) responds quickly to the challenges of daily transport and delivery. Here, Bafang not only uses the remaining open channel of the Shanghai port, but actively and constructively seeks other available export channels in various trans-regional cities such as Beijing, Qingdao, Nanjing, Ningbo, Xiamen and Shenzhen.
“Although shipments have been delayed to varying degrees due to the impact of the Covid 19 virus, we are able to respond in a timely manner to local policy and channel opening decisions, with appropriate actions, and adjust our measures with pinpoint accuracy. Thus, we can ensure continuous export of goods.” said the director in charge of Bafang Import and Export Department.
Furthermore, Bafang is working hard to increase its own capacity at production plants abroad. Coordinating domestic and overseas delivery systems thus leads to more effective support and management of more customer orders and demands. In support of this, Bafang is in close and positive communication with the OEMs involved to discuss and adjust production schedules accordingly.
Bafang is committed to protecting customers’ interests to the highest degree and ensuring the continuous supply of e-bike drive systems worldwide. In the current pandemic situation, with its drastic measures/restrictions in places, such as the Shanghai port lockdown, these challenges can only be overcome through joint, constructive cooperation.
Comments Off on VanMoof expands leadership with Gillian Tans in new role as President
Former Booking.com CEO ushers in VanMoof’s next stage of global expansion
Today, LEVA-EU member VanMoof has announced the appointment of Gillian Tans as President: a major new hire for the e-bike company. She takes up the new position with immediate effect. Gillian joins the world’s fastest growing e-bike brand at an exciting time.
Focus on scale and experience
Gillian Tans was previously CEO of Booking.com. During her 20 year tenure, Tans oversaw the company’s massive expansion from a Dutch start-up to becoming the world’s leading online travel agency. At VanMoof, she’ll help realize the vision of making electric biking the default transport choice for moving around our cities worldwide.
As President, Tans will lead the company’s management team and oversee business operations, helping to further solidify VanMoof’s position as the breakthrough leader in today’s rapidly growing mobility category.
Founders Taco and Ties Carlier have been working closely alongside Tans since she first invested in the company several years ago. Over the years the brothers have developed deep respect for Tans’ considerable managerial and executive expertise. Tans’ appointment will allow the Carlier brothers – who remain Co-CEOs – to focus on long-term strategy. Ties will remain focused on product innovation, while Taco will be dedicated to the scale-up’s global corporate strategy.
Expansion of management expertise
The company’s decision to introduce the role of President is the result of many months of operational planning and marks the next phase of VanMoof’s growth. Tans’ experience combines years at the highest executive level, building world-class teams and scaling global operations – all factors that will be crucial in the next stage of VanMoof’s growth.
VanMoof S5 & A5 launch success
After tripling sales in 2020, VanMoof has grown its service footprint to 50 locations worldwide over the last year. The recent reveal of VanMoof’s next generation S5 & A5 e-bikes on April 5 saw all early stock sell out ahead of shipments. With the e-bike wave showing no sign of slowing down, VanMoof continues to be the catalyst for widespread e-bike adoption across cities worldwide.
“Born and raised on a bike, I’ve seen first hand how riding opens cities up. As a dedicated VanMoof rider myself, I’ve been following Taco and Ties’ journey over the years and I’m thrilled to play a part in scaling this unique brand at such an exciting moment.” – Gillian Tans, President VanMoof
“We’re very excited to have Gillian join us. She’s been an incredibly valuable mentor to me and Ties over the years. It’s great that we can now build VanMoof’s next chapter together. How we scale is as important as how we develop our product. Deepening our leadership with Gillian expertly sets VanMoof up to realize our ambitious goals in this next chapter for the company.” – Taco Carlier, Co-founder VanMoof.
The Ready, Steady, Go line includes three models of two-wheelers to get kids riding from a young age
LEVA-EU member, CAKE, has unveiled three new models aimed at children above 18 months. The range consists of the CAKE Ready, a 12” balance bike, the CAKE Steady, a 16” single-speed pedal bike, and the CAKE Go, a fully electric mini dirt bike. The first two models are designed to introduce young riders to bikes, with the final ‘Go’ model being a fully-fledged LEV for individuals six years or older.
The small-format electric dirt bike has a parent-controllable speed limit of up to 40 km/h (25mph), adjustable in line with rider skill level. Weighing 32kg, the model has a 1hr run time thanks to the included 48V 8.8Ah battery. The model will retail for €3,500 with a €200 down payment.
CAKE is not the first company to make such a move, with competitors Harly-Davidson and SUPER73 making similar models in the past. Clearly, there’s no limit to how early one can start building brand loyalty!
Comments Off on Cake appoints Krister Thour as CTO
Ex CTO Northstar-SiteTel, advisor to Scania/Volvo and battery technologies and electrification specialist to lead the engineering team at Swedish maker of electric motorcycles
Cake, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, today announced the appointment of Krister Thour, as Chief Technology Officer. Coming from a long entrepreneurial background in electrical engineering, Krister brings valuable experience and perspectives from within both technology and growing organizations.
“I have always chosen electrification over other opportunities. I’m excited about joining Cake, which allows me to both build new organizations, learn from skilled colleagues, and secure the handover to a sustainable production”, says Krister Thour, CTO at Cake.
“Engineering is where innovation comes to life. Krister will lead the very core of Cake, and take it to the next level. We’re particularly excited about his entrepreneurial attitude and drive, which is a perfect match with our company culture”, says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO at Cake.
On his journey, Krister has led design and engineering teams, and also started several companies within electric areas. In recent years, Krister has worked as an advisor for Scania, Volvo, and Huawei, and acted as CTO for 13 years with industrial battery solution maker Northstar-SiteTel.
Further information: Media inquiries: christian.lundgren@ridecake.com Cake pressroom: ridecake.com/en/pressroom
About CAKE Cake is a Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles and mopeds, with a clear mission to inspire towards a zero-emission society, by combining excitement and responsibility.
The model range currently consists of three different platforms – the versatile offroader Kalk, the modular utility bike Ösa, and the urban commuter Makka. Thanks to an extensive range of accessories and configurations, Cake is addressing a wide matrix of users and applications, including commercial use for last-mile delivery and other short-haul urban transportation.
Along with numerous awards and recognitions for its design and innovative approach to mobility and other societal challenges, Cake was identified as one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company in both 2020 and 2021, and received the Time Magazine 100 most important inventions award in 2021.
Comments Off on All-new drive unit for SCOTT Addict eRIDE
The SCOTT Addict eRIDE now features the new MAHLE X20 system, released 20th April 2022- the world’s lightest e-road bike just got faster, more versatile, and even more powerful. LEVA-EU member SCOTT’s eRoad bike raises the bar yet again.
The SCOTT Addict eRIDE has been the cornerstone of the brand’s eROAD segment for a couple of years and this benchmark lightweight E-Bike just raised the bar again. Working with drive train partner Mahle, the bike now features a new lighter, more powerful system – the Mahle X20.
The result is a bike for the discerning rider, a truly lightweight package at 10.6kg. Full integration with an engine that can be tuned to provide custom levels of support and simply turned off when not needed.
E-Road bikes aren’t on this earth to make things easier. They’re here to make things more interesting, to help you climb higher, longer and steeper.
Discover the features and technologies behind the SCOTT Addict eRIDE below.
Visit the official SCOTT Addict eRIDE webpage here.
Design and Integration SCOTT’s DNA is ITD – Innovation, Technology, Design – and the Addict eRIDE featuring the Mahle X20 is an excellent example of this. Everything on the bike from components to drive train and drive unit works as a single system. The minimalist design of the drive unit allows SCOTT to keep the aesthetic and design of its premium road racing bike the Addict RC, and a fantastically low weight of 10.6 kg.
A major enabler of this is the new X20 system from Mahle. This hub-driven motor allows for a minimalist silhouette so it’s truly indistinguishable from a traditional road bike. Hidden in the downtube is a 250Wh battery with the possibility of replacing a water bottle with a Range booster to further extend your horizons.
As the drive unit is located in the hub, the new X20 hub features an innovative plug system and a standard thru-axle making the removal of the rear wheel as easy as on a regular bike. Integration extends to the controls: a simple button on the top tube showing power and mode through color and optional shifters under the grip tape.
Performance The new Mahle X20 sees power increase to 60Nm which means a smoother and more powerful acceleration for the rider with more power on tap. The Mahle unit is hub-driven which leads to a very smooth experience for the rider in terms of power delivery.
The system has evolved across the board from weight to performance and integration. The new rear hub weighs in at 1.399kg, shedding over 500g from the system with better integration and control. The hub also switches to a standard 142×12 thru-axle and can take a full range of freewheels from SHIMANO, SRAM and N3W.
It’s a true smart system that can make adjustments through a range of sensors including a new torque and cadence sensor in the bottom bracket. These allow the E-Bike to accurately read each watt of power you apply, giving the user the appropriate response thanks to AI and Machine Learning. The system learns from you and adapts to your needs and the environment at every moment leading to a better riding experience.
Smart Riding A key benefit of the new X20 system is the ability to customize the system to the rider’s preference. Do you want maximum support when the road gets steep or simply minimal support and to be pushed hard physically? Only have two hours for a ride but want to cover more ground? This is also possible. The Mahle ONE app allows the rider to set their own limitations, not the road.
In short, the system can adapt to you and to your needs. A simple Sunday spin in January can be just as pleasurable as a long day up the Stelvio Pass in Europe. Your bike, your way.
Customization is simple using the new Mahle ONE app. Riders can personally configure the level of power and response from the system at each of the three power modes.
As an additional benefit, the drive unit is dragless. This allows the rider to turn the system off to conserve battery on a descent or on the flat. Your battery is no longer a limit.
Light Weight The lightest electric-assist road bike frame on the market just got even lighter. With a frame weight of just 1.04kg, a drive unit total system weight of 3.2kg and a complete bike weight of 10.6kg, the Addict eRIDE is a milestone in the electric road assist category. More than a number, the Addict eRIDE has been developed in close collaboration between our dedicated eRIDE and road engineers to perfectly balance the needs of a drive unit with the superior carbon layering of a World Tour-proven road bike.
For eROAD bikes which seek to replicate the feeling of a traditional bike, the low weight of the Mahle X20 system is really a game-changer that contributes to low overall bike weight.
SCOTT and MAHLE SCOTT and Mahle first worked together on the Addict eRIDE models released in 2020. With a shared philosophy of seamless integration and uncompromised riding performance, the two brands have reached the perfect synergy with the integration of the new Mahle X20 system into SCOTT’s Addict eRIDE models, rider-focused innovations that result in a better riding experience.
The Addict eRIDE Range The Addict eRIDE is available in 5 different models including a dedicated Contessa version as part of SCOTT’s Contessa Signature Collection: Addict eRIDE Ultimate (9.999,00 €), Addict eRIDE 10 (7.499,00 €), Addict eRIDE 20 (6.999,00 €), Addict eRIDE 30 (5.999,00 €). Contessa Addict eRIDE (6.999,00 €). Pricing may vary according to market.
Comments Off on Introducing the RadExpand 5 – Rad Power Bikes
LEVA-EU member Rad Power Bikes expands its range with the latest generation of electric folding bikes. This RadExpand 5 is lighter, has bigger all-terrain tires, handles better, comes with a heavy-duty rear rack preinstalled, and is available in a black (and white) frame.
After the resounding success of previous models, Rad Power Bikes took on the feedback received from many of the 400,000 riders in the community to create a new edition to meet new desires. From here the RadExpand range was born.
The RadExpand 5 is a natural go-getter with all the benefits of a regular folding bike. “It’s a lot of little things,” says Rad Power Bikes Chief Product Officer Redwood Stephens, “that add up to a big difference.” The main change launching this e-bike off-road and onward to adventure is the tire width – the RadExpand’s tires are now four inches wide, a true “fat tire” e-bike for tackling all terrain. It offers improved ergonomics for a wider range of riders, courtesy of adjustable high-rise handlebars that can be moved in or back. And, should a rider want to load up with cargo – the bike’s high quality and heavy-duty included rear rack will allow so.
The new step-through frame allows for riders of heights 147cm to 178cm and is the ideal frame for those with limited mobility. Additionally, the bike’s weight has been reduced by 2.3kg, motor cable adjustments have been made for easier maintenance, and a new ergonomic saddle with a built-in handle makes for easier riding and transportation.
The RadExpand “provides incredible value,” emphasizes Redwood. “The value for what you get is off the charts – you have a 250-watt powertrain coupled with a 672-watt-hour battery that takes you up to 70+ kilometers per charge, and Rad-engineered details you expect.” Such details include waterproof connectors, electrically integrated lights, and puncture-resistant tires.
