Arcimoto’s Mean, Lean High-Performance Trike
Oregon, US
US light electric vehicle manufacturer Arcimoto has unveiled a unique high-performance e-trike using its patented tilt technology.
The Mean Lean Machine (MLM) features hub motors on all three corners and a pedal generator, eliminating the need for a chain, belt or any grease.
Arcimoto spokesperson and three-wheel tiling technology pioneer Bob Mighell said the MLM enables riders to “corner the same way you would on a regular bike with greater traction, more stability and better braking ability”.
The Oregon-based company plans to release the MLM in the US late this year.
Pilot Project in Australia
Arcimoto announced last week it is introducing some of its vehicles to Australia this year, partnering with Melbourne-based firm Directed Technologies on a pilot program to bring Arcimoto’s Fun Utility Vehicle and Deliverator to the Australian market.
Directed Technologies provides vehicle tracking devices and other technology solutions to corporate and private customers.
The pilot will help prepare Arcimoto vehicles for eventual homologation to Australian safety standards.
Driverless Delivery System
Also this month, Arcimoto revealed its driverless delivery vehicle, developed in conjunction with Silicon Valley start-up Faction Technology.
The Faction D1 combines autonomy with remote human teleoperation, offering a top speed of 120km/h, a range of 164km and a load capacity of 228 kilograms.
Faction and Arcimoto have a shared belief that right-sizing driverless electric vehicles will provide a significant boost in efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and offer significant cost savings over existing transportation solutions, especially during the average urban trip of eight kilometres or less.
Founded in 2020, Faction develops driverless solutions based on light electric vehicles, to revolutionise micro-logistics and vehicle-on-demand services.
Faction CEO Ain McKendrick said using Arcimoto’s light electric vehicle platform enabled Faction to develop its driverless system much faster.
The D1 features advanced sensors and safety systems, has a configurable cargo compartment that can be adapted for specialised payloads, in addition to general fleet-on-demand use.
It is anticipated commercial services will cost less than US$2 per mile (A$1.68 per kilometre) for driverless deliveries.
Faction expects to begin pilot customer trials this year, with production models expected to be released in 2023.