The majority of the population (73%) in Europe live in urban areas! A few years later, the percentage is projected to rise (over to 80%). As we know, urbanisation brings a lot of socio-economic benefits, but on the flip side, it also puts high pressure on urban infrastructure and mobility. As the population increases, the customer service expectations heighten, thereby, the firm seeks new ways to serve urban customers.
ONO joins forces with EIT InnoEnergy
Recently, EIT InnoEnergy has unveiled a new partnership with ONO, a Berlin-based e-mobility company. As a result of this partnership, EIT InnoEnergy will support ONO in the rolling out of its Pedal Assisted Transporter (PAT) Pioneers Edition. The support includes €3M over the next two years and assists a Europe-wide launch in 2022.
Founded by Beres Seelbach (CEO), Murat Günak (CDO), and Philipp Kahle (CTO), ONO claims to focus on creating transformative change in urban mobility in a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective way.
“Europe’s CEP market alone was valued at €58B in 2018 while showing an annual growth rate of 8%, with the last mile delivery representing the crucial and most cost-intensive piece of the overall supply chain. At the same time there is an important push towards decarbonising transport,” said Beres Seelbach, CEO of ONO.
Aims to expand in 60 cities
Based out of Berlin, ONO plans to launch its PAT in Berlin, Munich, Leipzig, and Langeoog this fall. This e-cargo bike is a combination of a bicycle and a transport van developed for clean transportation within cities. The German urban mobility company aims to have at least 14,000 vehicles on the road in more than 60 cities by 2025.
“Our collaboration with EIT InnoEnergy and the other project partners enables us to perfectly address the needs of the CEP market in Europe, allowing for continual growth in further market segments while decreasing car traffic and emissions,” added Philipp Kahle, ONO’s head of engineering.
Based on modular platform
The ONO PAT features a modular platform with interchangeable module-units that can be exchanged within a minute. As per the company, the e-cargo vehicle is made up of Tier 1 automotive parts and manufacturing processes, with an swappable battery system every 60km.
With the cargo capacity of 2.1 cubic metres, the company is planning to focus the initial rollout on the rapidly expanding CEP (Courier, Express, and Parcel) market, including an already announced pilot with Hermes. ONO also claims that its modular design and low operating costs make this e-cargo vehicle well suited for the retail, catering, and passenger transport sectors.
Partners of the innovation project include urban indoor farming company InFarm and e-bility, maker of Kumpan Electric e-scooters.
Main image credits: ONO