DPD Takes Delivery of Electric Assist Cargo Bikes

UK last-mile parcel provider DPD has taken delivery of the first 10 EAV P1 electric assist cargo bikes – the result of a partnership with Oxford-based manufacturer EAV.

Five of the unique bio-mechanical hybrid electric-assisted pedal bikes are currently being tested on the streets of London, York and Newbury, while the other five are being shipped to DPD business units in Ireland, Spain, Germany, Portugal and France to help support British manufacturing and exporting abroad.

The purpose-built, quadracycle measures 2m long by 1m wide, weighs 75kg and can carry a 120kg payload. The 250 watt motor helps the rider accelerate to a maximum 15 mph. The P1 can cover a range of up to 60 miles in a day and over 100 parcel stops and then be recharged using a normal 13amp, 240v plug socket.

The bike’s body is made from advanced composites which include the latest fully recyclable materials, for example; the fascia is made from a composite strengthened with hemp fibres stuck together with a resin based on the oil from cashew nut shells.

The EAV P1 is part of DPD’s aim is to be the most responsible city centre delivery company and the leader in electric vehicles in the UK. In October last year, DPD opened the UK’s first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster and plans to have a fleet of 500 electric vehicles by the end of 2020.