Ford Pairs Electric Bicycle With Transit Connect
Ford has developed a prototype electric bicycle that folds into the back of its Transit Connect compact van for possible use in congested cities by couriers, electricians and delivery services.
Photo courtesy of Ford.
Photo courtesy of Ford.
Ford has developed a prototype electric bicycle that folds into the back of its Transit Connect compact van for possible use in congested cities by couriers, electricians and delivery services.
The MoDe:Pro e-bike would allow a fleet driver to park the Transit Connect rather than fighting through congested traffic, and use the e-bike to reach the final destination to save time and possible idling time. Also, a driver and rider team could work together with the driver dropping off one or more riders at a hub to make their deliveries and meet them at the next stop, according to Ford.
The set-up is among 25 global projects launched as part of Ford Smart Mobility, which will help the automaker study mobility through innovation, connectivity, autonomous vehicles, customer experience, and big data.
Ford prototype MoDe:Pro e-bike is equipped with a 200-watt motor with a 9-amp-hour battery that provides electric pedal assist for speeds of up to approximately 15.5 mph. The e-bike charges when docked in the vehicle.
Photo courtesy of Ford.
The e-bike includes technology such as a rear-facing ultrasonicsensor that enables a rider alert system to warn the cyclist when a vehicle is passing by vibrating both handlebars. It also alerts motorists of the presence of the e-bike by illuminating handlebar lights.
The prototype MoDe:Pro e-bike works with a prototype app called MoDe:Link that's compatible with the iPhone 6.
Real-time information from the app enables the e-bikes to deliver navigation. Handle-bar grip vibrations let the rider know when to turn. Turn signals are triggered automatically for safety. The app can identify bike-friendly roads, hazards and alerts, and will be able to sense, and communicate with other vehicles
The app also provides multimodal navigation and smart routing that integrates journey planning with personal vehicle and public transportation networks, which can be filtered by cost, time, and amount of biking. Map includes weather, parking costs, and charging stations.
Ford has not announced plans to produce the electric bicycle.
More Green Fleet
The EV Breakdown Nobody's Talking About: Why Most Electric Vehicle Roadside Calls Aren't Mechanical Failures
Here's why EV breakdowns are widely misunderstood.
Read More →
ChargePoint Now Available in Energy Pass
ChargePoint and additional planned charging network integrations were added to GM's Energy Pass.
Read More →
First Look: Slate Auto's Electric Fleet Pickup
Could an affordable, modular EV pickup make electrification more practical for fleets?
Read More →
Slate Debuts Colorful, Unique EV Models
A recent media and client event, studded with electric vehicles dressed up on platforms, planted a new position for the manufacturer in the wider EV market. Fleets will find cost-saving advantages.
Read More →
Slate Electric SUV, Pickup Switchable Model Aims For Light-Duty Fleets
Everything about this EV is counterintuitive and understated, making it stand out from the crowd.
Read More →
Inspiration Mobility Acquires Key Electrada Assets
Inspiration Mobility Group has acquired select assets of Electrada, adding the fleet electrification provider's team, technology, and charging infrastructure development capabilities to its energy management business.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →