ONO: E-Cargobike with new boost

The Berlin-based new mobility company ONO is receiving support for the introduction of its heavy e-cargo bike PAT. EIT InnoEnergy, a specialist in sustainable energy, has announced a new partnership with ONO to support the market launch of the ONO PAT (Pedal Assisted Transporter) "Pioneers Edition" across Europe. This support will be both financial and through access to one of the largest European innovation networks, according to the provider. The market launch of the PAT in Germany is planned for this fall in the cities of Berlin, Munich, and Leipzig as well as on the island of Langeoog. The energy company intends to invest three million euros in the company, founded in 2016, over the next two years. This investment serves to prepare for the European-wide introduction of the PAT planned for 2022. Long-term, the Berlin-based company aims to bring a total of 14,000 transporters onto the streets in over 60 cities by 2025.

Modular design, quick change

The electric transporter, classified as an e-bike, is intended to combine the flexibility of a cargo bike with the load capacity and durability of a small truck. The vehicle is modularly constructed, allowing various modules to be exchanged within just a few minutes. Made with components and processes from the automotive industry, the vehicle features an interchangeable battery and has a range of 60 kilometers. The design of the PAT bears the signature of ONO co-founder and Head of Design Murat Günak, a former chief designer at Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen.

"I've always been tempted to break away from the traditional forms in the transport sector and develop something fundamentally new," says Günak.

With a cargo capacity of 2.1 cubic meters, the ONO PAT is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications in different industries. The market launch will initially focus on the rapidly growing CEP segment (courier, express, and parcel services). A first pilot project with Hermes is already in preparation. "The European CEP market alone was worth 58 billion euros in 2018, with an annual growth rate of 8 percent. The last mile is the most important and at the same time the most expensive part of the supply chain. Additionally, regulatory pressure to decarbonize the transport sector is increasing," explains Beres Seelbach, CEO of ONO.

Continual growth with support

Thanks to the collaboration with EIT InnoEnergy and other project partners, they can now respond to the demands of the European CEP market and ensure continual growth in other market segments. They aim to contribute to reducing traffic congestion and emissions in this area, adds Philipp Kahle, Technical Director at ONO. However, ONO's ambitions go beyond the European CEP market. With its modular design and low operating costs, the PAT is also seen as ideal for the retail, catering, and passenger transport sectors.

"The way people and goods move in city centers is currently changing dramatically. Many cities are launching new initiatives to permanently improve urban life. ONO can play a central role in this transformation with its innovative products," believes Christian Müller, CEO of EIT InnoEnergy Germany.

Cost-effective in operation - the price is expected to drop further

Besides the environmental aspects, the provider also points to the economic advantages. According to a comparative study of different delivery vehicles, the operational costs of the PAT are around 20 percent lower than those of the other examined vehicles, making it the most cost-effective solution for inner-city transport. Through the involvement of EIT InnoEnergy, they hope to further reduce production costs and thus the overall cost of the vehicle. In addition to EIT InnoEnergy, the indoor farming company InFarm and e-bility, manufacturer of the Kumpan Electric e-scooter, are also participating in this project.