More than 80 percent of all urban trips are shorter than three miles, which means we don’t really make the proper use of internal combustion. At least that is what the South African entrepreneur who created the Mellowcab believes. It’s a fully electric minicab designed to provide an efficient on-demand taxi service in urban areas. Green, cheap, safe and fast.
It’s easy to ride. Crowded cities around the world are only getting more crowded and the genuine cab is slowly but surely losing its supremacy. While some cities already have Tesla Model S taxis, others are still looking for new solutions. Micro-transport entrepreneur Neil du Preez believes the real solution comes with size. Its creation is a lightweight (230 kg / 507 lbs) three-wheeler powered by pedals and an electric-assist motor.
35 percent of the cab’s power is generated by the flexible solar panel on the roof, the breaking is regenerative and its shell is made from recycled PET composites, which also create a light, durable and sustainable vehicle. Preez claims the company is also collaborating with Hydrogen South Africa to develop a hydrogen-fueled Mellowcab.
Rechargeable batteries with a maximum range of 110km
Rechargeable lead-crystal batteries with a maximum range of 110 km (roughly 68 miles) provide the power which can propel the vehicle with a top speed of 70 mph (112 km/h). As to safety measures, an ultra-rigid roll cage, seat belts and proximity sensors are included. The speed can also be programmed to stay within a set speed limit.
Mellowcabs function through a similar system Uber service does and the company not only makes the vehicle but also provides the drivers. In fact, to ensure passenger safety, drivers must complete an in-house training program and possess a valid South Africa motorcycle license and professional-driving permit. The staff is also monitored via real-time GPS tracking, and must submit to random alcohol and drug tests.
It works through an app, of course
As previously mentioned, customers will call for a cab through a specially developed smartphone app. The passengers can see where the nearest Mellowcab is and call for it, while the payment will be done through credit-card transfers. Patrons pay a flat fee for transport within about a 4-kilometer radius around an urban centre, which obviously eliminates disputes over confusing rate structures and weird fare meters.
The new taxi service is now being tested in Franschhoek, located about 75 km of Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape province. However, reports claim Mellowcabs is preparing an official country-wide launch of more than 60 vehicles in the next several months.
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