VDL ETG Projects manufactures special eBike
VDL ETG Projects of Eindhoven, part of VDL Groep, has taken on the series production of the Trefecta eBike. The Trefecta eBike is an electric bike that is designed to function under the most extreme conditions, such as rough off-road terrain. That makes this eBike a professional, sustainable means of transport for users such as police and defence personnel. VDL ETG Projects will initially supply all the manufactured parts for the eBike. Then VDL ETG Projects will take responsibility for the entire supply chain. Production will begin with 200 units in the second half of 2016. The production volumes are expected to rise in the years thereafter. The first eBikes to which VDL has contributed will be put on the market in late 2016.
From prototype to series production
Trefecta started developing this eBike in 2012. What makes this electric bike special is that it is very fast both on difficult terrain and on normal roads, even when climbing steep slopes. The eBike can go from 0 to 45 km/h in less than 6 seconds. The bike has a top speed of around 90 km/h and can carry a lot of weight, around 160 kg. The compact design of the bike is fully compliant with the most stringent defence industry requirements. After a successful prototype stage and the production of an initial series of 50 bikes, Trefecta is now ready for the next step. The eBike has been further developed for series production by VDL ETG Projects. Both VDL and Trefecta have confidence in this new partnership and look forward to the opportunities presented by these eBikes. Meanwhile, there is interest from both the private and professional markets in Europe and North America.
Collaboration
Gerben Klein Baltink, managing director of Trefecta: “We are very pleased to have found a strong, respected partner in VDL ETG Projects for the production of high-quality components for our eBikes. The support that VDL can provide enables us to respond quickly to market opportunities and also provides us the support we need when approaching new customers.”
Arie van Kraaij, managing director of VDL ETG Projects: “We are impressed with Trefecta's vision regarding the construction of this unique electric bike and are very pleased with this collaboration. The manufacturing and assembly technologies that VDL ETG Projects possesses fit perfectly with the technical requirements for this high-tech product and our partner's ambitions.”
VDL ETG Projects
VDL ETG Projects is based in Eindhoven and is one of the production locations of VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG). The company has a recognized track record in the series production of high-mix, low-volume products and in the design and construction of prototypes and complex production lines. VDL ETG is a global player in the field of complex and innovative mechatronic systems. The company develops and makes components and modules as well as fully integrated systems for high-tech production equipment, analytical instruments, medical systems, and the solar and aerospace industries. These systems typically involve vacuum technology, precision positioning and high displacement speeds. From our production locations in Eindhoven, Almelo, Trübbach (Switzerland), Suzhou (China) and Singapore, VDL ETG provides the complete process of product design, value engineering, component manufacturing, supply chain management, regular and clean room assembly, testing and installation. With our strong design and engineering capabilities we provide customers with support throughout the entire life cycle of their products.
Trefecta
Trefecta is based in The Hague (office) and Hillegom (prototype and specials), with production outsourced in Eindhoven (NL), Kornwestheim (Germany) and Altenstadt (Germany). The company focuses on the development, production and sales of light electric vehicles, with durability, strength, functional design and modularity as the main characteristics. Trefecta was founded in 2014 to translate ideas developed within the parent organization, eMobility Concepts, to series production-ready vehicles. Two special eBikes, the Trefecta URB and DRT, are currently available as series-produced vehicles. At present, the company is in transition from start-up to scale-up. Trefecta is wholly owned by eMobility Concepts GmbH, a company with extensive experience in the defence industry.