New electric trike can operate for “pennies a day”

A new electric trike that can reportedly “operate for pennies a day” is set to hit North American markets, designed to follow in the steps of the Ford Model T and original VW Beetle as a new phase of affordable and clean transportation for North America.

Canadian based technology company DSG Global, through its automotive division Imperium Motor Corp, announced this week the launch of its new electric powered T01 model trike.

Boasting a 1.5kW motor, a top speed of around 50km/h, seating for three, sunroof, reversing camera, and more, the $US3,990 T01 electric trike has already sold out its first batch.

“We are pleased to bring out the next phase of ultra-affordable transportation in North America,” said Rick Curtis, President of Imperium.

“The T01 is equipped right and can operate for pennies a day. They are easy to drive and easy to own and an especially well-suited option for inexpensive transportation and delivery services.

“Our first order of three containers of T01 e-trikes is already completely sold out and we will be ordering additional units.”

 

While the company has not published a lot of details about the T01, only the basic information available at the company’s website, it is nevertheless an interesting move and, backed by news that the company sold out its first batch of models, heralds a possible shift in transport usage.

Electric trikes such as the T01 are already remarkably popular in countries such as Japan, India, and China – with approximately 1.5 million electric trikes out on Indian roads and another 1.35 million in China – they are not a particularly common site on Western roads.

“This is another important step toward realizing our vision of supplying clean energy vehicles to the North American market,” said Bob Silzer, CEO of DSGT.

“This is a huge potential market opportunity, and we believe this modern-design model will be a winner. Priced less than many e-bikes on the market today, it is a great fit to meet the transportation needs of potentially millions of consumers.”

Electric trikes are often found in one of two form factors – models which look more like a modified mobility scooter or squished-down cars.

For example, Australia Post began utilising electric trikes last year for mail delivery, but which more like they belong at a retirement village than puttering around city streets.

Nevertheless, commercial uses such as mail delivery may be an important market for electric trikes such as the T01.