Meet ALECS, the new last mile cargo vehicle that is electrically powered and zero-emission

Warwick’s WMG have played a big role in the production of Pashley Cycle’s newest project, ALECS, the Articulating Lightweight Electrically-assisted Cargo Solution. This isn’t the first electric cargo solution on the market, but what makes ALECS stand out from the crowd is its tilting front section, meaning it has the stability of a tricycle, but rides like a bike.

Details of the ALECS design were released in 2020, and in 2021 the project won the NVN Nick Carpenter Innovation Award at LCV Cenex. Having successfully completed real-time safety, durability and rider ergonomics testing, production of the ALECS is now underway in 2023, with a demo fleet being made available for businesses to trial it in their own delivery operation. What’s most exciting is that this zero-emission bike has been designed and made in the UK, making both its production and usage sustainable.

WMG have brought a number of key technical capabilities to the project, including the development of realistic 3D visualisations to help give provide a full picture of the design, and the delivery of digital design review content for both desktop and virtual reality environments. They’re also responsible for the modelling and optimisation of the production facilities, as well as instrumentation of prototype/pre-production vehicles, including data analysis.

By utilising WMG’s skills, expertise, and facilities, Pashley Cycle have been able to create a robust, reliable, and lightweight product, which will have a competitive advantage in the market. It supports up to 110kg of cargo, has a battery range of up to 50km (including the option to store an additional battery), and its 250W electric motor can provide rider assistance up to 25kph.