Automotive

Tuk Tuk Factory launches all-electric e-Tuk Vendo

View 5 Images
The Tuk Tuk Factory has launched its new vehicle, the e-Tuk Vendo, which is a pure electric mobile catering truck
The Tuk Tuk Factory has launched its new vehicle, the e-Tuk Vendo, which is a pure electric mobile catering truck
The Vendo features an opening side panel, that reveals its serving station
The Vendo’s 72-volt AC motor manages a top speed of 50 km/h
The Vendo's lead-acid battery is able to keep the onboard refrigerator running while the vehicle is in transit
The Vendo incorporates a table that folds out from its side
View gallery - 5 images

When most people in the western world think of tuk tuks (if they even know what they are), they likely picture rather beat-up, primitive, noisy vehicles that zip around the crowded streets of exotic foreign lands. A Dutch company known as Tuk Tuk Factory, however, recently started building its own electric tuk tuks for sale within Europe. Apparently the traditional gas-powered vehicles from Asia couldn’t meet European environmental, quality or safety requirements. While the company’s existing models have all been aimed at ferrying around passengers, last week it launched the e-Tuk Vendo – an all-electric three-wheeled mobile catering machine.

The Vendo’s lead-acid battery charges in ten hours, providing a range of about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles). That battery is also sufficient to keep the onboard refrigerator running while the vehicle is in transit. When it reaches its destination, however, the Vendo should be plugged into mains power – not only will this keep its fridge, water pumps and other systems from killing the battery, but it will also allow the battery to recharge. An optional roof-mounted solar panel will help in that department.

The vehicle’s 72-volt AC motor manages a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph) – enough for city streets, but not for freeways.

The Vendo's lead-acid battery is able to keep the onboard refrigerator running while the vehicle is in transit

A panel on one side of the Vendo opens up to provide a sheltered selling space, which can be augmented with a table that folds out from the vehicle. Cargo storage is in the rear.

The e-Tuk Vendo is available now through several European dealers, with prices starting at €24,000 (US$31,565). As production is starting at a small scale, expect to wait three to four months if you order one.

Source: Tuk Tuk Factory

View gallery - 5 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
4 comments
Todd Dunning
I would like mine with a nicely padded lap seatbelt. You can call it a Tummy-Tuk.
Chris Jordan
Very clever; I hope they send an American-orange E-tuk to the US. Dutch people are having all the fun! A high-power hot dog cart would be excellent in this part of California.
wininthepines
Make a mini version for off-road and sell to golf courses for the "cart girl" to use.
Mr Stiffy
If the unit has solar panels on the roof and TWO fold up sides, and or a parabolic solar concentrator for HEAT - there probably would not be any need to plug it into anything either.