CityQ innovates urban transport with electric vehicles

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The Norwegian startup, CityQ, has been acknowledged for its innovative approach to urban transport, aiming to electrify urban transportation with zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative is expected to address challenges such as congestion, parking, and inadequate car charging infrastructure. The company’s CEO, Morten Rynning, detailed how the inception of CityQ was driven by the introduction of car restriction policies in cities without providing viable alternatives. Following initial prototype developments in Norway, a skilled team was assembled in Nurnberg, Germany, to enhance the products with automotive quality and introduce advancements like a chainless drivetrain and connectivity.

CityQ’s focus is on manufacturing lightweight, four-wheel electric bikes that do not require a license for operation, catering to individual and family urban transportation needs, as well as goods movement. Rynning highlighted that their product range includes passenger vehicles accommodating 1-2 adults or an adult with up to two children, and cargo vehicles with varying capacities designed for goods transportation.

He elaborated on the technical specifications of these e-bikes, emphasizing their capacity for speeds up to 25 km/h and ranges between 50-120 kilometers on a single charge, thanks to advanced electric drivetrains and swappable batteries. Rynning also mentioned the additional safety and comfort features provided by the car-like chassis, making these four-wheelers more impact-resistant and stable compared to two or three-wheel vehicles.

CityQ has taken measures to ensure convenience and operational efficiency through battery swapping, which allows for quick replacement of batteries, minimizing charging downtimes. This system is seen as particularly beneficial in Europe, where there is a noticeable lack of comprehensive public charging networks for EVs.

Rynning shared that CityQ’s launch markets include Germany, Benelux, the UK, and Scandinavia, with initial pricing starting at above €11k. However, he anticipates that costs will decrease as production scales up, making the e-bikes more accessible to private families and offering attractive leasing options for corporations.

Reflecting on Norway’s successful EV adoption, Rynning credited government incentives and infrastructure investments as key drivers. He suggested that other countries could learn from Norway’s example to accelerate the transition to electric transportation.

Looking towards the future, Rynning predicted a significant shift in urban mobility by 2030, with a move away from traditional and larger EVs towards lightweight electric vehicles. He foresees cities adapting their infrastructure and incentives to support sustainable urban mobility solutions, highlighting the importance of such innovations in achieving climate goals and enhancing urban living standards.

[Image Source: ePowerTrucks]

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