EV That Transforms On The Fly
by Cynthia ShahanSince I first wrote about a covered motorcycle in 2012, I’ve kept my eyes open for one of these on the road. I have not seen one. From Poland, though, a variation on the two-wheeler shows promise.
The new Polish EV appears to be a covered three-wheeler, for those who want a bit more protection from the elements. However, there is more. One easily leans into the corners, as the wheels pull in keenly, proving the best of both worlds — stability and agility. The EV transforms on the fly. Watch those wheels spread and contract.
From the Triggo EV 2021 YouTube video above: “Some describe it as ‘unique in the world’ for the variable geometry of its chassis which allows it to shift its track width from 148 centimetres to 86 centimetres, depending on the needs of its surrounding driving conditions.”
Besides protection from the weather, Triggo provides a bit of fun even in a monotonous commute. And yes, you can take a friend. There is room for a passenger.
Two Modes of Operation
Triggo explains that “when you have miles to swallow, it is stable like a car.” Though, the driver can lean into and take corners as with a regular motorcycle. “When you need to go through traffic jams or find a parking spot, it is agile like a motorcycle. All thanks to the revolutionary concept of variable chassis geometry with two modes of operation.”
Mobility in small spaces is a definite issue in urban life. Triggo supplies a fully functional, pre-production version which is ready for commercialization in most markets. Triggo has plans for the carsharing market as well. “Thanks to the Drive-By-Wire control, Triggo is already ready today for platooning in e-carsharing.”
Triggo also offers a “Battery Rapid Change” system — battery swapping. “Instead of vehicle downtime for the time of charging, it’s enough to just charge and replace the batteries.”
Some more of the stats:
- 148 cm wide with chassis extended
- 86 cm wide with chassis retracted
- 90 km/h max speed with chassis extended
- 25 km/h max speed with chassis retracted
- 3.5 meter turning radius with chassis retracted
Triggo does bring to mind the Renault Twizy, which is a wonderful fit in urban areas and pops up in places such as Rome that offer barely enough space for a compact mixture of pedestrians, small Fiats, and motorcycles. Though, the Twizy doesn’t have a retracting and expanding chassis like the Triggo has.
The Microlino also comes to mind, but it is clearly a different creature.
And then there’s Arcimoto, perhaps the most similar, but a three-wheeler and surely a different driver and rider experience.
Fun, bright EVs! It would be interesting to drive and compare them all.