When it comes to sustainable logistics, a new e-cargo bike delivers With the support of EU funding, a German manufacturer has optimised its innovative e-cargo bike and improved its customer service capabilities. Transport and Mobility © ONOMOTION The drastic increase in online shopping has led to a big increase in deliveries. With packages being transported from warehouse to front door via trucks, vans and motorbikes, cities have noted an uptick in traffic congestion and air pollution. In fact, it is estimated that so-called ‘last mile delivery’ is responsible for 30 % of all city traffic. During rush hour, that figure jumps up to 80 %. Furthermore, those big, fossil-fuel powered delivery trucks are responsible for 25 % of all transport-related greenhouse gas emissions and up to half of other transport-related pollutants. To help solve the logistics sector’s emissions problem, companies such as the German company ONOMOTION are working to develop electric delivery vehicles. “Our company specialises in innovative solutions for the urban transport sector that reduce road congestion and air pollution,” says Beres Seelbach, co-CEO at ONOMOTION. “The ONO e-cargo bike is a weather-protected electric vehicle that combines the flexibility of a bicycle with the durability of a cargo van.” With the support of the EU-funded ONO project, the company has been able to advance its electric cargo solution, optimising it to compete in the lucrative e-vehicle sector. Specifically, ONOMOTION successfully advanced the design of both the e-cargo bike and the container-module prototype for pre-series production. The company also implemented a pre-series production service model and demonstrated that their solution was fit for market. A more robust and efficient e-cargo bike According to Seelbach, one of the most significant results emanating from the project was improvements in lifespan and stability. Over the course of an 18-month test phase, and based on continuous feedback from its customers, the team was able to enhance the durability of a number of components, including the hinges, locks, side doors and software. “The net result of these improvements is a more robust and efficient product to offer our customers,” adds Seelbach. Another key outcome was the successful implementation of a maintenance and service concept. By defining its strategy, mission, values and commitment to customer support, ONOMOTION successfully rolled out a technical service department consisting of 18 team members located across five facilities in Germany. “This competency allowed us to provide our customers with a secure, high-quality service,” remarks Seelbach. “It’s also given us an important competitive advantage – one that has led to increased sales.” A big company ready to make an even bigger impact Although the EU-funded project is now finished and the ONO e-cargo bike is busy making carbon-free deliveries across Germany, the company’s work has just begun. The team is currently working to enter new markets and recently launched its services in Paris. It also cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art production facility in Berlin and has a client portfolio that includes such marquee names as Hermes, UPS and DPD. “From the assembly of the vehicle itself to the new facility, new service infrastructure and new markets, the EU funding allowed us to turn an idea into an industry-changing solution,” concludes Seelbach. “As a result, we are now well-positioned not only to become one of the biggest e-cargo bike manufacturers, but to make an even bigger impact on society.” Keywords ONO, ONOMOTION, last mile delivery, sustainable logistics, e-cargo bike, traffic congestion, air pollution, urban transport, greenhouse gas emissions, electric vehicle, e-vehicle
