It's a Tricycle, It's an EV, It's Another Solar-Electric Velomobile!

The fully-enclosed evovelo mö promises to "combine conventional car comfort with the benefits of a bicycle."

The prototype of another (one mö?) entry into the velomobile market (à la the Organic Transit ELF) offers a fully-enclosed body, a 50km electric-only range, seats two passengers, and has rooftop solar panels to assist in charging its 48V/15Ah battery pack.

Spanish startup evovelo is showcasing its mö velobmobile design and looking for beta testers in a bid to build an "ultra-efficient" vehicle that keeps riders out of the weather and is a potentially low-carbon transportation option. With full-electric mode and pedal-assist mode, the driver and passenger can opt for either sweat-free locomotion or solar-electric transport, and the regenerative braking feature can help recharge the battery while on the move.

The mö is said to weigh in at 85 kg (187 lb) empty, and to measure 140 cm wide by 200 cm long by 130 cm high (55" x 79" x 51"), so it will fit in spaces designed for bicycles, such as bike lanes and parking spots (although it is obviously quite a bit wider than a standard bicycle). The vehicle also has the essentials for safe riding, such as lights, turn indicators, mirrors, a horn, and other features that offer some security while parked (locking doors and trunk).

© evovelo

Power is supplied to the wheels directly from an electric motor (of which there are a number of options, ranging from 250W to 1500W, depending on which regulations apply in the locations where it would be sold), or through a 6/7-speed transmission, and charging for the battery comes from either the 100W solar panels on the roof or via an onboard charging port. The battery can also be removed for charging if desired.

According to evovelo, there is "No need to charge the battery with moderate use" (10-25 km per day), thanks to the solar panels and regenerative braking feature, and the vehicle would be responsible for minimal emissions (as low as 0.001 kg/CO2 with "intensive use" at 40 km per day). The estimated retail price for the mö is said to be about €4500 ($4900), and the vehicle is designed as both a ready-to-use vehicle or as a kit. In addition, evovelo says that its plans will be open source and available once the beta program is complete, which may allow DIY-ers to build their own versions of this little solar-electric vehicle.

Find out more at evovelo.