Tag Archive: LIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLE

  1. Fast-charging network for LEVs under development by UltraChargers

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    Source: Zag Daily Image credit: UltraChargers

    Finnish start-up UltraChargers is developing a fast-charging network that is capable of charging light electric vehicles in 20 minutes, including micromobility units, low-voltage microcars, electric motorcycles and more. The network will initially focus on fleet operators in the Nordic region, aiming to address several pain-points of fleet management.

    UltraChargers Co-founder, Val Leinonen, spoke to Zag Daily to outline the key issue they are tackling. “LEV adoption isn’t blocked by demand – it’s blocked by charging time. When a vehicle needs hours on a socket, it can’t behave like real transport. Fast charging turns LEVs into practical, high-uptime vehicles for both riders and operators.”

    The first locations in the UltraChargers network are planned for deployment in 2026, with a target of 30 active units by Q4. Initial targets are fleet operators and site owners in Finland and the wider Nordic region, with a high fleet density and where maintenance of vehicle uptime is a priority. UltraChargers’ aim for the network is to make a significant positive impact on the operational costs, capital expenditure and vehicle downtime associated with traditional charging methods and battery swapping systems.

    Targeted fleet operators include postal and last-mile delivery services, shared mobility providers and corporate LEV fleets, where a typical deployment would be chargers installed at depots, microhubs or warehouses for the company to manage their own charging requirements.

    Another use case would be deployment at partner locations such as mobility hubs, car parks, or even petrol stations. Any compatible vehicle, whether private or shared-use, could use such infrastructure, with the site owner responsible for management of the services.

    Leinonen described some of the negative results of slower charging which are hindering the greater adoption of LEVs; in fleets, slow charging can lead operators to invest in oversized batteries and more vehicles, simply to counter the effects of downtime due to charging. For private users, slow charging “limits spontaneity and makes LEVs feel like a short-range gadget, not real mobility,” says Leinonen.

    UltraChargers is currently pre-commercial, and is raising Seed and Series A funding. After the initial focus on the Nordic region, the company plans to expand into the Benelux and DACH regions, and Italy.

  2. Micro may move Microlino production to China

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    Source: Electrive, Microlino

    The LEVA EU member has stated that it is considering moving production of its Microlino outside of Europe, due to a lack of support in the region for light electric vehicles. The Swiss brand has stated that is considering China as a relocation option due to its production incentives.

    Micro’s Ouboter family, who created the Microlino, have invested approximately 70 million Swiss francs (approximately EUR 75 million) into the vehicle’s development and manufacturing to date, producing nearly 4,800 units at their facility in Turin, Italy. However, they have reported feeling disadvantaged in comparison with traditional carmakers, noting that their expectations of support from European authorities have not materialised.

    According to the company, current European regulations pose significant challenges for vehicles classified in the L7e category, which includes its microcar, Microlino. Unlike larger electric cars, L7e vehicles do not qualify for subsidies, CO₂ credits or tax incentives in most European markets. They are, however, subject to import duties. Additional complications arise from inconsistent classifications: in Switzerland, for instance, the Microlino is registered as a small motorbike but treated as a passenger car for import purposes.

    Another inconsistency, is that while light electric vehicles do not qualify for government benefits, bulkier, heavier-weighted electric cars (including SUVs) that take up more space on roads receive support from the government, such as carbon-emission policies and trading schemes, as well as subsidies.

    The founders argue that these regulatory inconsistencies hinder the competitiveness of light electric vehicles and contribute to rising production costs. By contrast, they estimate that manufacturing in China could cut their production expenses by approximately 50%.

    “If Europe doesn’t act, production will no longer take place here in future,” founder Wim Ouboter told Swiss media, highlighting that China offers government subsidies and substantially lower manufacturing costs that could make relocation appealing.

    Earlier this year, India was also explored as a potential production base, though China’s financial incentives appear to be more advantageous. The consideration of a move comes shortly after the company unveiled a new variant of its compact electric model at the Brussels Motor Show.

  3. SOL Motors CEO on Charging Stack episode

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    Source: Charging Stack

    Manuel Messmer, who leads LEVA-EU member SOL Motors, joined Charging Stack, a prominent electric mobility podcast, to discuss the award-winning Pocket Rocket model and his vision for design, innovation, and the future of e-mobility.

    Known for its bold minimalist design and cutting-edge engineering, SOL Motors has been redefining what urban mobility can look and feel like. With a vision being rooted in sustainability, innovation, and aesthetic precision, the brand continues to turn heads across the global light electric vehicle scene.

    The interview covers Messmer’s perspective on topics including:

    • The journey of SOL Motors and how its Pocket Rocket was born
    • Why it has been described as “not quite a moped, not quite an e-bike”
    • How minimalist design meets the needs of the real world for rideability
    • Regulations shaping micromobility adoption across Europe
    • The future of light electric vehicles in urban transportation, and what is next for SOL Motors

    From its beginnings in Stuttgart to becoming a renowned European brand in electric mobility that has won numerous design awards, SOL Motors exemplifies engineering excellence and design artistry in helping to shape the future of electric mobility.

    The full episode with SOL Motor’s Founder and CEO can be watched on YouTube.

  4. Creating room to facilitate LEVs in urban mobility

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    Source: LEVERAGE

    Dutch collaborative initiative, Leverage, notes that light electric vehicles such as electric scooters, microcars, and cargo bikes are becoming an increasingly visible part of Dutch urban mobility, yet they lack a standardised place on the streets. According to Marith Dieker, associate professor in mobility transition at Arnhem-Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (HAN), providing dedicated infrastructure and clear guidelines could improve both the frequency and safety of LEV use.

    Dieker believes that LEVs have the potential to make a real difference in Dutch cities, especially as urban populations grow, as a more practical alternative to a car. “Cleaner and more accessible cities—that’s what LEVs can definitely contribute to. That’s why it’s important to investigate what’s needed in terms of design, regulations, and amenities to encourage people to use them more,”.

    A key concern is the fair allocation of public space for vehicles. Dieker has stated that the disproportionate amount of urban space that cars occupy should be addressed. “Look at the Han campuses, for example, and a very large portion of the space is reserved for a relatively small group of people who come by car. Reserving so much space for parked cars shouldn’t be a given,” Dieker observes.

    Creating more space for LEVs in public areas, however, is not straightforward. Dieker emphasises that systemic change is required: “Many different cogs must move simultaneously.” As a researcher focused on the mobility transition, she collaborates with Leverage, a partnership of knowledge institutions, network organizations, businesses, and government agencies that aims to translate research into actionable municipal policy.

    Municipalities play a pivotal role in integrating LEVs effectively. While some cities have experienced cluttered streets following the introduction of shared scooters, others in Europe have successfully implemented well-organized parking and charging solutions for both tourists and residents. Dieker highlights the challenge: “The question for many municipalities is: how do you create space for shared LEVs on the cycle path and in public spaces and prevent it from becoming a mess?”

    In response to these challenges, HAN engineering students recently designed a mobile charging station for LEVs with an independent energy system. “This solves two problems,” Dieker notes, “LEV batteries can be charged more safely and sustainably because they don’t have to be removed from the LEV to charge them indoors or in the shed. And the LEVs get a logical, dedicated place in the public space.”

    The upcoming Experience Day on October 28, co-organized by the Leverage project, will provide a platform to discuss these issues and explore practical solutions. At the event, Dieker and colleagues will present findings from an initiative in which four HAN professorships investigated opportunities and barriers to the mobility transition. The Arnhem and Nijmegen campuses served as “living laboratories,” where participants reflected on their own mobility choices. Attendees will also have the opportunity to test electric cargo bikes, scooters, and microcars. Those interested in attending can register here.

  5. Cross-brand charging network to be implemented across Europe

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    Source: Electrive

    Swedish start-up Standab has generated €3.6 million to fund a public network for charging e-bikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles, with its coverage expected to reach 15 European cities within a year.

    The micromobility service provider has developed and patented its Marma charging station, which consists of robust bike stands integrated with charging functions, enabling vehicles to be charged as they are parked. The Marma is described by Standab as being “compatible with more than 85% of existing scooter and e-bike fleets”. Standab has listed vehicle operators as its network partners, which include Dott and Tier, and also said it will cooperate with public transport providers and cities to deploy its Charging-as-a-Service model.

    The latest financing round, of which Standab’s main investors were Spintop Ventures and Almi Invest Greentech, is expected to be used to scale operations for expanding into 15 European cities in the second half of 2026, as well as bolster partnerships with micromobility operators.

    An alternative to battery swap and private charging methods

    Standab’s cross-brand parking and charging network is an alternative solution to the battery-swap approach that’s more commonly used by operators, which involves a transporter collecting and swapping the vehicle’s battery when its power is running low. There are also operators that take the vehicles for charging at private stations. Standab described the downsides of these methods as “inconsistent charging practices [which] have led to operational inefficiencies, high costs, and street clutter”.

    Standab seeks to provide an alternative or complement through automated charging at centralised parking hubs. “In pilots, Standab has shown a 50% reduction in charging costs, 45% higher fleet availability, and up to 55% fewer swap tasks, while cities benefit from decluttered streets and free infrastructure,” the company says.

    Marcus Adolfsson, co-founder and CEO of Standab, emphasizes that the Marma station will be a key charging solution for the micromobility landscape in Europe: “Cities and operators alike are calling for smarter ways to integrate micromobility into the urban landscape. Our universal charging solution solves operational inefficiencies while reducing emissions and creating cleaner streets. With this funding, we can accelerate our roll-out and work towards making Standab the European standard for micromobility charging.”

  6. Five Dutch cities call to ban LEVs from cycle lanes

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    Source: Dutch News, NL Times

    The five largest cities in the Netherlands have called for the government to allow them to ban the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric vehicles from cycle lanes, arguing that the varying sizes and speeds of electrically powered vehicles on bike paths present a danger to more vulnerable road users.

    In the message written to the parliament’s infrastructure committee by the aldermen of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven, it is stated, “Bike paths must remain safe for all cyclists, not just the biggest, strongest, and fastest.”

    The cities’ aldermen go on to state that current cycle networks are not equipped to deal with e-scooters – the first of which have now been licensed for use in the Netherlands, not without controversy. The city officials express concerns about e-scooters’ safety compared to standard bikes. “Councils must be able to move some vehicles, such as large cargo bikes, to the roads and ban other electric vehicles, such as the e-scooter, on a local basis,” the statement said.

    The five cities have also called for parliament to halt the approval of new LEVs, and to impose a standard 30 kph speed limit in built-up areas. This, they say, will improve safety and create space to shift faster vehicles from the cycle lanes to the road. 

  7. Fernhay e-bikes added to Zoomo lineup of micromobility fleet solutions

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    Zoomo, provider of last-mile electric fleet solutions, has announced its plans to double down on four-wheeled e-cargo bikes, catering to the needs of the burgeoning urban logistics sector. The announcement sees Zoomo welcome LEVA-EU member Fernhay, micro-mobility vehicle solutions provider, to its platform, alongside Vok, a provider of automotive-grade cargo bikes.

    Zoomo will offer financing for both Fernhay and Vok vehicles, with full maintenance and its advanced fleet management software which helps businesses track and maintain their delivery fleet. The announcement builds on Zoomo’s recent introduction of EAV to its product line-up, reinforcing the company’s dedication to putting more light electric vehicles (LEVs) on the road.

    With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the introduction of anti-car legislation in major cities, the urban logistics sector is actively exploring alternative vehicle form factors to replace traditional delivery vans. Four-wheeled e-cargo bikes are coming out on top, and Zoomo is confident this form factor is meeting the last mile delivery sector’s evolving demands. This is because compared to conventional vans, e-cargo bikes offer faster urban delivery, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, all while being more cost-effective.

    Both Fernhay and Vok e-cargo bikes are tailored to the specific requirements of urban delivery, offering a spacious 2,000-litre cargo capacity and a robust 200 kg payload limit. With a 250W output and supported speeds of up to 25 km/h, these vehicles present an ideal replacement for traditional vans.

    Michael Johnson, Co-Founder and CRO, Zoomo, said: “We’re all in on e-cargo bikes as true ‘van-replacers’. We know our customers in urban logistics want this solution to achieve their sustainability goals and drive more efficient deliveries. We have traction from customers around the world, including the likes of Evri, who are reaping the benefits of integrating cargo bikes into their fleets, and we’re determined to build on this momentum.”

    Zoomo is resolute in its belief in the future of e-cargo bikes within cities, and that regulation will ultimately favour these form factors, not hinder. The productivity and efficiency gains, such as the ability to circumvent traffic, park without fines, and reduce costs, remain compelling reasons for their adoption. Fernhay and Vok offer unique and compelling solutions for companies seeking to optimise their urban logistics operations.

    Peter Schenkman, Fernhay COO, said: “Our partnership with Zoomo is a significant step towards offering efficient, green, and cost-saving urban logistics. We share a commitment to sustainability and believe that e-cargo bikes can revolutionise last-mile delivery.”

    “The financial and operational infrastructure to support a widespread micro-mobility revolution in the world of city logistics is in its early days and it’s evident that Zoomo is at the forefront here”, says Indrek Petjärv, Vok Bikes Co-founder and CEO. “We could not be happier to join forces and give Zoomo’s customers the possibility to make the switch using our vehicles and in turn bring the administrational flexibility to our own customers.”

    Fernhay and Vok will leverage Zoomo’s global reach in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and North America. Furthermore, both existing and future customers of VOK and Fernhay gain access to Zoomo’s extensive service network, telematics-integrated software platform, and financing options.

  8. EUROBIKE dedicates new area to Light Electric Mobility

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    A spotlight on micromobility and lightweight vehicles

    Source: EUROBIKE

    2023 will see EUROBIKE expand to include new types of vehicles of all sizes and classes that demonstrate solutions for an alternative future mobility. Also on display will be urban infrastructure, another integral part of the overall mobility complex. This will feature feasible systems that can coexist and function safely as an alternative means of propulsion.

    The broad selection of light electric vehicles will collaborate in the Future Mobility Hall 8, with a test track on the exhibition grounds to give all interested parties the opportunity for hands-on experience.

    PRODUCTS & EXHIBITION

    The Light Electric Mobility Area focuses on products from established global brands and small and medium-sized enterprises. Start-ups in micromobility and lightweight vehicles, mobility infrastructure and services will additionally feature at the exhibition in 2023, a year in which electric microvehicles, such as e-scooters, will have equal footing with the traditional four-wheeled vehicles.

    The announcement from EUROBIKE stated: “We’re extending the range of EUROBIKE beyond the bicycle, e-bike and cargo bike and including the vehicle types so important for implementing the green mobility transformation, namely light electric and micromobility vehicles as well as infrastructure and services for mobility…Light electric vehicles in all their diversity will be on display in concentrated form in Future Mobility Hall 8 as well as on the open-air grounds with a test track, where all interested visitors will be able to gain a true experience of driving and using them. Services ranging from fleet management, leasing, insurance through to infrastructure providers are all part of the new EUROBIKE in Frankfurt as well.”

    EUROBIKE CONVENTION

    21 June 2023, Hall 8

    Created in 2022, the EUROBIKE CONVENTION provides a perfect platform for the LIGHT ELECTRIC MOBILITY exhibition. On offer at the world’s largest bicycle and future mobility program, is an opportunity to stage discussions on current issues of the green mobility transformation. “Smarter Tomorrow” is the motto of the 2023 Future Mobility Conference, reflective of how the mobility sector can be of influence in the debate surrounding smart cities and industry, and responsibilities in climate protection, the mobility transformation and industrial policy.

    EUROBIKE and BEM: together for more electric mobility

    Joining EUROBIKE for the first time as a partner in the LIGHT ELECTRIC MOBILITY Area is the German Federal Association for eMobility (BEM) whose members will also be planning their own formats on the subject.

  9. Microlino: the Pioneer Series – Digital launch

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    LEVA-EU member Micro Mobility Systems has unveiled the launch edition of the Microlino – limited to 999 vehicles

    After six years in the public eye, the Microlino is ready to take to the streets, driving off a production line based in Turin, Italy. The Pioneer Series vehicles are equipped with a 10.5kWh battery giving up to 177km of range. Additionally, the Microlino incorporates a sunroof and premium vegan leather and suede interiors for a truly luxury light electric vehicle experience.

    See the full launch video here.

    To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Microlino, Micro Mobility Systems will host a virtual launch event on their channel, Tuesday 24th May 2022, at 5 pm. Future launch dates, memberships, and other exclusive benefits will be shared.