The Current News- February 1, 2023

Hello, dear readers and riders! Welcome to the first installment of our EV news roundups for February 2023. This week, we’ll look at a sustainable bamboo bike you can build yourself, homegrown EV initiatives in Africa, and the recent spike in two-wheel EV sales. If you see any stories that catch your eye, please share them with us at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.

Build-It-Yourself Bamboo Bicycles

Designer James Marr’s DIY bike kit allows users to build their vehicles in their living rooms. The result is a sturdy bicycle constructed from bamboo poles and a lugged frame made from recycled aluminum. Marr took it one step further by creating a community for his bikes. The Bamboo Bicycle Club teaches riders to build their bikes from the ground up.

 Africa Places Emphasis on e-Mobility

In an effort to combat climate change, local communities have come together to promote the “Made in Africa” brand. This has resulted in several recently launched African EV startups, including Rwanda Electric Mobility which has already retrofitted over 120 motorbikes with electrical components. Another company called Kirra Motors is outfitting buses with solar panels for emission-free mass transport.

 Volta to Release EV Delivery Trucks

EV truck startup Volta plans to develop purpose-built electric delivery trucks in Q2 of 2023. The 16-tonne trucks will have a range of 95 to 125 miles. Volta also plans to offer Truck as a Service (TaaS). The plan includes insurance, training, maintenance, service, and charging infrastructure.

 Meet the Solar-Powered Spaceship Car

Aptera Motors is taking reservations for its three-wheeled, solar-powered spaceship cars. The lightweight EV is equipped with 700W of proprietary solar technology, allowing it to cover 40 miles directly from sunlight. Aptera’s car can go from zero to 60 in four seconds and has a 400-mile range.

EV Two-Wheel Sales Predicted to Skyrocket

A recent report found that electric two-wheeler sales will reach 22 million by 2030. Increasing demand for affordable transportation is driving the E2W sales spike.

The Ultimate e-Bike for Camping

 Want to take a convenient camping trip? The SpaceCamperBike makes every outdoor adventure effortless. The new vehicle is an all-in-one cargo e-Bike, workstation, and tent. The e-Bike is made by Spacecamper, a German company that makes flexible, ultra-lightweight VW camper vans. The e-Bike camper is the brainchild of Spacecamper CEO and co-founder Ben Wawra. An RV enthusiast, Wawra wanted to bring the van-life experience to two-wheel lovers. Designed with digital nomads in mind, the SpaceCamperBike features a multi-adjustable sleeping platform, mobile workstation, and deployable over-the-bike tent.

Electrify America Bringing Fast-Charging to Gas Station Chain

Electrify America is partnering with TravelCenters of America with plans to build 1,000 DC fast chargers at 100 TA/Petro locations. The charging stations will be built over the next five years and feature 350kW DC fast chargers.

 NYC Non-Profit Supplying Immigrants and Asylum Seekers with e-Bikes

 Bike New York is providing immigrants and asylum seekers in New York City with refurbished e-Bikes and riding lessons. This will give NYC’s new arrivals an efficient and affordable way to get around.