EAV bikes to be used for Westminster logistics hub trial

By Sam Pither

21 April 2023

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eCargo bikes developed by Oxford-based EAV are set to be exclusively deployed at a new micro hub launched by Westminster City Council.

The EAV2Cubed and EAV2Cubed+ will be deployed by zero emissions logistics provider Delivery Mates as part of the Defra-funded Clean Air Logistics for London programme, which is aiming to increase the volume of freight moved by river in London, supported by zero emission eCargo bike delivery methods and using micro logistics hubs in Central London.

Electric delivery vehicles will deliver parcels to a hub in the Q-Park Pimlico parking facility then distributed to address in Westminster and the surrounding area by the eCargo bikes. Delivery Mates already operate five existing hubs in London and have shared important data and insights, such as projected CO2 emissions savings and the number of parcel collections and deliveries expected so the trial can be fully monitored.

Kevin Savage, Chief Operating Officer at Delivery Mates, said: “We are hugely proud to be working on this exciting project. Opening a Micro Logistics Hub in Pimlico will further strengthen Delivery Mates’ capability to deliver sustainable logistics to customers, residents and local retailers.

“We look forward to playing a part in reducing congestion, removing emissions and creating a safer delivery environment for all stakeholders within Westminster.”

Researchers at the University of Westminster used GPS data to compare routes taken by cargo bikes in London with routes that vans would have to take to deliver the same parcels. Results show that services provided by cargo bikes in London are 1.61 times faster than that performed by van, which in a year saves over 14,500kg of CO₂ and over 20kg of NOx (nitrogen oxides).

Adam Barmby, Founder and CEO of EAV, said: “Again, EAV is at the cutting edge of providing and proving new, innovative solutions for city-based logistics. This trial microhub project allows EAV to work with both Westminster and Delivery Mates, both of whom are setting the international standards in urban lightweight commercial vehicle utilisation.

“It’s going to be exciting to see how the trial performs - although we’re confident that EAV bikes will achieve all the set objectives being more efficient and safer than vans, reducing congestion and being emissions free.”

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.