Tag Archive: LEVS

  1. More work needed to improve LEVs as a viable car replacement option

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    Source: LEVERAGE

    As part of the LEVERAGE project, Breda University of Applied Sciences, HAN University of Applied Sciences, and Eindhoven University of Technology have surveyed 2,000 residents in the Dutch regions of North Brabant and Arnhem-Nijmegen on mobility perspectives and habits, such as their consideration of light electric vehicles as a sustainable transportation alternative to the car. The results indicate that although LEVs are being considered more as a viable replacement, policy involvement is recommended to encourage more usage.

    E-bikes and other light electric vehicles can help users travel more sustainably; however, from their findings, LEVERAGE researchers have concluded that their impact on car use and ownership remains limited.

    Adoption is larger for e-bikes than for other LEVs

    From the survey participants, 44% of households reported ownership of at least one e-bike. In regards to modes such as e-scooters, e-steps, and e-microcars, these are used much less, with only 4% of residents using them frequently. Car ownership still accounts for the majority of households, with 81%, making it the most dominant mode of transport by far.

    Encouraging effects of LEVs on car usage

    For frequent LEV and e-bike users, approximately half of them have decreased their car usage, with 9% and 14% of them respectively having fewer cars in their household.

    Micro-electros are being viewed more frequently as a direct replacement for the standard car; from users of these vehicles, 43% are thinking about owning fewer cars.

    Positive and negative drivers of LEV selection

    From the survey, the main reasons for choosing light electric vehicles are: environmental benefits, enjoyment, and comfort. The primary barriers to choosing the sustainable transportation modes are: cost, bad weather conditions, and safety concerns about other road users. Social acceptance has also been highlighted as playing a role, with the e-microcar scoring low on awareness and social support.

    Nearly a quarter of surveyed respondents have indicated that they would like to use small LEVs in the future.

    Interest for LEV usage is not only in city areas, but also in less urbanised settings.

    Policy encouragement needed

    Participants have shown broad support for measures tackling nuisance and traffic safety, like fat bike regulation, for example, which has received 84 to 92% support.

    Directive policies, which include higher parking fees or having fewer parking spaces, were met with resistance.

    Methods considered the most effective included investment in charging infrastructure, parking facilities, and improving public transportation connections.

    Conclusion

    The LEVERAGE researchers state that LEVs need to be included in a broader mobility policy alongside good public transport and cycling infrastructure that is high-quality.

    The full research report can be accessed online in Dutch.

  2. EV Pro enjoys a successful 2024

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    Source: Transport Media

    EV Pro, LEVA-EU member and importer of the Stuyf range of small electric vehicles, has seen a healthy uptake during 2024.

    EV Pro imports Stuyf (formerly Stint) small electric vehicles into Belgium from the Dutch company Mobilitum, and has seen a range of customers purchasing during 2024.

    The CE Pick-Up model was the most popular, with local authorities leading the way. The City of Antwerp bought 20, and others including Bruges, Ghent, Schoten and Schaerbeek have also been won over by this small vehicle, which has a loading capacity of up to 300 kg and a range of 40-80 km, depending on needs and use. Customers for this vehicle also include inter-municipal companies (Tibi in Charleroi), schools (HoGent), hospitals and a company by the name of Manus, which uses three of them.

    The CE Cargo version, which has a closed loading space and a loading capacity of 280 kg, can now be used as a means of transport, allowing it be driven (at a maximum speed of 17.2 km/h) without a helmet and without registration, with insurance now being covered by the user’s liability insurance.

  3. International Energy Agency Workshop on Light Electric Vehicles

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    The IEA Task 50 cordially organises a workshop to exchange information and discuss the status of vehicle technologies and production concepts for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) including opportunities and hurdles on:

    Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
    10:00 AM – 16:30 (CEST)
    Click HERE to join the workshop
    Access Code: 9pWpAs

    Or join in person:
    155 bis avenue Pierre Brossolette
    92120 Montrouge (near Paris)


    LEVs currently have a niche status on the vehicle market and so their potential for more sustainable mobility is not being exploited. In order to play a significant role in mobility and be competitive at the market, a number of factors need to be considered. New concepts, alternative ways of production and ways to guarantee sustainability criterias need to be addressed. An important aspect is also the price for LEVs, which could be reduced through cost-efficient vehicle concepts and innovative technologies. In addition, regulations should offer optimal framework conditions for the promotion of LEVs, while at the
    same time ensuring quality and safety standards. We would like to provide information and discuss questions such as:

    • Which current networks and initiatives for LEVs exist internationally?
    • How can LEVs be produced cost-efficiently bymutualization of parts and distributed factories?
    • What potential do new vehicle classes such asM0and intermediate vehicles provide?
    • What are region-specific challenges (Europe, Asia, …)and cooperation opportunities?
    • What are main benefits and which hurdles have to be overcome?

    One of the speakers is Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, who will explain what regulatory changes are needed to unlock the potential of light electric vehicles.

    The full agenda is here: https://rb.gy/sd6y58

  4. Light Electric Vehicles needed in mobility transition

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    Dutch trade magazine, Verkeerskunde, reports on the LEVERAGE project partnership for optimizing the potential of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs)

    Source: Verkeerskunde

    Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) are increasingly becoming a common sight in urban environments, encompassing e-scooters, e-steps, e-bikes, and micro cars. These vehicles present significant opportunities for enhancing sustainable mobility. They are virtually emission-free, occupy less space, and are appreciated by users for their efficiency and convenience. LEVs serve not only within cities but also as an effective means of pre- and post-transport for public transit.

    However, the integration of LEVs also brings challenges. Issues such as the nuisance caused by shared scooters in cities and safety concerns on cycle paths due to varying speeds are notable obstacles. Addressing these challenges requires innovative and courageous approaches. This need for bold solutions was highlighted during the kick-off event of the LEVERAGE project—a collaboration involving Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), Arnhem Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (HAN), Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE), and various public and private partners.

    Eighteen partners have committed to the LEVERAGE project, aiming to maximize the potential of LEVs in making mobility more sustainable, thus contributing to the accessibility, livability, and safety of urban regions. The project emphasizes effective collaboration and knowledge exchange among academic, public, and private entities. The practical, research-oriented approach of LEVERAGE is supported by funding from Regieorgaan SIA, a part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).

    Four research areas

    The LEVERAGE consortium focuses on four key research areas:

    • The effects of LEVs on car ownership and use. For example: To what extent and for which target groups can LEVs offer an alternative to a first or second car?
    • The integration of LEVs into the existing mobility system. For example: how can LEVs be used to improve the journey to and from public transport stops and train stations?
    • The impact of LEVs on road safety and experience. For example: what influence do LEVs have on the safety and experience of cyclists and how do we keep our cycle paths safe?
    • Developing new action perspectives and policy development for governments and stakeholders. For example: how do we move from current regulation to proactive collaboration between shared mobility providers, carriers and governments?

  5. Last Call for LEVA-EU Standardization Workshop 27/02

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    Tomorrow, Tuesday 27 February, LEVA-EU is presenting an exclusive workshop on standardization for light, electric vehicles, including EPACs, E-Cargocycles, E-Scooters, etc. This insightful event is co-organized with  SBS and promises a deep dive into the realm of standardization, offering invaluable information.

    The event will take place online only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Participation in the workshop is free for LEVA-EU and for SBS Members. Non-members pay € 175 for one participant, € 325 for 2 and € 450 for three. Participants must register in advance here: https://rb.gy/aq6s9p.

    Upon registration (members) and payment (non-members), we will send you an invitation with a online link to the workshop shortly before the start of the meeting.

    The agenda is as follows:

    1. Short presentation LEVA-EU and SBS

    2. What are standards?

    3. Why European/international standards?

    4. How is a standard being made?

    5. How is a standard structured?

    6. What’s the procedure to make and vote standards?

    7. Why and how participate?

    8. What’s the relation between standards and legislation?

    9. What is (the use of) harmonizing standards?

    10. How is a standard applied/used?

    11. Which standards, relevant for light electric vehicles are currently being drafted?

    12. What are the relevant published standards?

  6. NIPV publishes 2020-22 report on LEV fires in the Netherlands

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    Source: NIPV

    The Netherlands Institute for Public Safety (NIPV) is the Dutch public research and knowledge institute that links and strengthens ties between the country’s 25 security regions, central government and partner organisations in the crisis management domain through its four service pillars – scientific research, education, support and information.

    The report introduces the fire risks associated with LEVs, mainly around technical faults and charging. Locations of incidents are mainly in the home, and the dangers of such fires are the blaze itself, as well as the toxic smoke. The report aims to review the ways in which such fires start, and better understand these causes.

    The summary records a total 327 LEV fires over a 2 year period, with 65% involving an electric scooter, electric bikes 24%, mobility scooters 7%, and hoverboards 4%. Most of the fires were caused by arson, which was the cause in 37% of the cases where the cause could be determined. In 35% of the cases, the fire was caused by a technical defect.

    The study notes that with increasing sales, we must be prepared that fires are likely to increase, and recommends as follows:

    “This trend calls for extra attention to the (fire) safety of LEVs by the manufacturers of these vehicles. However, building managers will also need to consider fire risks, such as managers of bicycle storage facilities where e-bikes and e-scooters are parked and managers of nursing homes where mobility scooters are stored. Additionally, individuals with hoverboards and e-scooters should consider the fire risks of their vehicles. Finally, sellers can contribute to the fire-safe behavior of consumers by providing targeted information on the safe use (maintenance, charging, storage) of LEVs.”

    Read the report in full, in Dutch, here.

  7. Take part in the micromobility and LEV survey by Voylt and UScale

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    Short online survey to collect data on Light Electric Vehicles with results expected in May

    voylt is a European portal for sustainable e-mobility that offers interested parties a wide range of information and intuitive buying advice. Together with market research partner UScale, and with the support of the Federal Association of eMobility e.V. and electric empire (Federal Association of Small Electric Vehicles e.V.), vyolt is conducting a representative survey on the subject of micromobility / LEVs. More specifically, it concerns the large number of low-speed, light electric vehicles (LEV) that are used in urban areas for short distances in private ownership or as sharing offers. The hosts shared, “We want to clear up the myths, fake news and prejudices. What’s really going on out there on the street? In fact, many people only discuss based on assumptions – we want to change that!”

    The survey should take 7-10 minutes and you may complete it by following the link below:

    Click to take the survey

    The results will be published at the end of May at the polisMOBILITY Trade Fair in Cologne. You may also find a summary online at https://uscale.digital/news/ from the end of May.

  8. Electric Vehicles are measurably reducing global oil demand; by 1.5 million barrels a day

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    Source: Axios

    Approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil were displaced each day in 2021 due to Electric Vehicle usage. This quantity is slated to grow as EV uptake and usage continue to rise.

    These new, tangible effects of EV uptake are helping to challenge the opinion that such vehicles are a niche climate technology. Over the past 6 years, the amount of oil displaced by EVs has doubled. Download the full report by BloombergNEF, here.

    A key fact from the report that will be especially interesting to LEVA-EU readers states, “Two- and three-wheeled EVs accounted for 67% of the oil demand avoided in 2021,” attributed to rapid adoption in Asia. It can be assumed that the majority of these vehicles would be classified as Light Electric Vehicles.

    Two- and three-wheeled EVs were followed by buses, which displaced 16% of total oil, and passenger vehicles, the fastest-growing segment, which displaced 13%.

  9. Micromobility Europe 2022 Announced

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    The event will take place in Amsterdam, June 1-2, 2022

    Micromobility Europe is the world’s fastest-growing mobility conference, bringing together top builders, thinkers, and leaders. The two-day event is a discussion and celebration of small electric vehicles and their power to radically transform our cities.

    The event boasts over 50 world-class speakers, 100+ expos and demos, and over 1,000 global visitors. Discover more detail via the official website, here.

    The event is hosted at Kromhouthal, an event venue at the IJ in North Amsterdam. The impressive industrial site of over 5000m2 has been transformed into an event space after decades of history as a manufacturing hall. In the past six years, it has blossomed into a leading destination for a wide range of events in Amsterdam.