Global warming, the debate surrounding particulate emissions and the general trend toward electrification in the transportation sector is leading to a growing interest in small electric vehicles supported by pedal power. The potential applications being focused on include everything from commuting and shopping to local delivery and transportation tasks, especially in urban areas where pollution from particulate emissions is a real problem. Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) acquired a cooperative research mandate along with its university status. The innovative CarPet project making its debut at HANNOVER MESSE 2020 is a result of the DHBW’s application- and transfer-based approach.

CarPet is a lightweight, mechanically and electrically modular pedelec transportation trike designed for speeds of up to around 15 miles per hour (optionally up to 28 miles per hour). Conceived to offer a more stable and comfortable ride than two-wheelers, the basic mechanical design provides scope for extra transportation/storage space depending on the intended application. Where this is deemed necessary based on the area of use, required range and local topography, the trike is also set to be upgraded with range-extending equipment such as a hydrogen fuel cell in the future.

Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) (70174 Stuttgart, Germany)
Website: https://www.dhbw.de/english/home.html