The Dutch company Need The Globe (NTG), founded by Chris Cramer and Chris van Houdt, presents the SunRider: the first cargo e-bike in the world to use solar energy. This innovative 'last mile delivery concept' ties in seamlessly with the Green Deal Zero Emission City Logistics by linking sustainability to productivity. The self-charging feature of the SunRider reduces the pressure on the overloaded power grid and with its sleek design and user-friendly features, it is a suitable solution for the urban logistics challenges.

The perfect bike for city logistics

The SunRider stands for maximum ease of use. His cargo box has a volume of 1 m3 and is suitable for a Euro pallet. The payload is no less than 150 kg. The combination of a powerful (250 Watt) electric motor and an exchangeable 1.6 kWh battery makes the SunRider easy to handle, even with a heavy load. The SunRider's highly efficient solar cells, with a total output of 545 Wp, provide a sustainable energy source and thanks to the built-in lighting, the SunRider is also ideal for night-time deliveries. Various integrated digital facilities also provide perfect insight into the routes traveled and energy yield. This contributes to an even more efficient use of the SunRider.

“The SunRider is characterized by a friendly design that blends perfectly into the normal traffic flow. It can also easily find its way on busy cycle paths, ”says Chris Klok, who heads the Need The Globe development team. “The SunRider driver has excellent 360-degree visibility thanks to the clean lines of the cargo box, which is positioned behind the rider. In addition, form and function are in balance: the lightweight and aerodynamic cargo box with integrated solar panels catches the eye with the rounded finish of the corners. This is how an elegant appearance and optimal aerodynamics come together. ”

Working towards a fossil-free economy

While cities are constantly changing, the technology around them ensures that the urban environment evolves. The transition to electric transportation has already shown promising results in supporting global zero-emission goals. The SunRider is committed to a fossil-free economy in every respect. Although a conventional cargo e-bike is locally emission-free, it generally uses energy that comes from the electricity grid. Because a lot of electricity is still generated with fossil fuels, even cargo e-bikes contribute to CO2 emissions. Because the SunRider 'fuels' solar energy while on the road, it reduces those emissions by at least 50%. Compared to the emissions of a vehicle with a diesel engine, the profit is as much as 95%.

Chris van Houdt: “Creating the SunRider has become possible because solar panels have become more efficient and at the same time cheaper. Moreover, they can be integrated better and better in moving objects ”. Chris Cramer added, “Most importantly, the SunRider paves the way for further reductions in fossil fuel use. Moreover, the drivers of a SunRider get moving, which boosts their vitality and also contributes to the well-being of the urban environment. ”

De SunRider contributes to the realization of important Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, including Good health and well-being (goal 3), Affordable and sustainable energy (goal 7), Decent work and economic growth (goal 8) and Sustainable cities and communities (goal 11 ). 

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