The urban mobility sector is forging ahead towards a more sustainable future with innovative and eco-friendly transportation options. While electric bikes have gained widespread popularity, the utilization of solar power in the bicycle industry has been limited due to design constraints.
Norwegian startup Infinite Mobility is breaking barriers with their latest creation, the electric cargo bike Inga, which successfully incorporates solar panels. This breakthrough could revolutionize the industry and pave the way for cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.
Creating an e-bike with built-in solar panels is no easy feat due to space limitations. However, Infinite Mobility has ingeniously integrated solar panels into the cargo container of their electric cargo bike, potentially providing enough power for a full day of delivery trips. This innovative solution allows for sustainable and efficient transportation of heavy loads.
The Inga is a bakfiets-style cargo bike with a sturdy steel frame. It is equipped with a powerful 250W rear hub motor from Danish e-motor company Promovec, delivering 100 Nm of torque and a maximum assisted speed of 25 km/h (15 mph). Its 36V 16.5Ah battery provides a range of up to 60 km (37 miles), and the integrated semi-flexible solar panels can add an extra 50 km (31 miles) of range.
With a total of 160W of solar power, this bike is designed for sustainable and efficient transportation, using high-quality Maxeon/Sunpower interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells.
The Inga electric bike may cover modest distances, but its unique feature is constant recharging in the sun. An hour in the sun provides at least 8 km of riding, and the battery can be recharged from zero to full if the bike is exposed to sun rays all day long. Additionally, Inga boasts a payload capacity of up to 250 kg (550 pounds).
The Inga solar-powered cargo bike is set to begin production next month. Prototypes have been sent to selected bike shops in Europe for testing. The company has not yet disclosed pricing or release date details. Additionally, the manufacturer is developing another model called Løkka, designed for last-mile deliveries in urban areas. This second solar-powered cargo bike features a three-wheel design and a larger storage capacity capable of integrating up to 550W of solar power.
