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START-UP INCUBATOR

New electro-mobility solutions are a key element for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. To develop those innovative and integrated solutions, cooperation between cities worldwide, industry and innovators is key. To this end, SOLUTIONSplus has established the SOLUTIONSplus Start-up incubator. Led by ERTICO in close cooperation with FIER, and benefitting from the experience gathered by the ERTICO Start-ups initiative and its “Connect. Innovate. Grow.” approach:

Connect: focuses on “fit-for-use”, connecting SMEs and start-ups with relevant stakeholders to make sure strategic partnership and cooperation can be set in place, and identifies the supporting incubator actions to assure on-time and quality deliveries;
Innovate: focuses on key services offered by the incubator. Such as building competence, expertise and knowledge optimisation, improving business intelligence, focussed marketing, and dissemination;
Grow: focuses on business development and scaling up (both geographical and in terms of portfolio). 

Thanks to this approach, the SOLUTIONSplus start-up incubator offers a unique opportunity for collaboration with start-ups, SMEs and industry partners to co-develop e-mobility solutions that can generate economic opportunities across different regions, Africa, Asia and Latin America, and, of course, Europe. More concretely, the SOLUTIONSplus Start-up incubator provides seed funding and guidance to 13 start-ups that participate in nine demonstrations happening in different cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

The support for local innovators goes well beyond funding, and includes also: 

  1. Support in drafting their SOLUTIONSplus business plans; 

  2. Local hackathons and start-up events to strengthen the partnership between local companies with European innovators and industry partners; 

  3. Opportunities for project partners to act as customers for the services and the products of identified start-ups, or to act as (co-)investors in these start-ups; 

  4. Scale up opportunities and replication of business models to increase their potential revenue basis after the end of the project;

  5. Renewed business plans with potential scale-up and investment opportunity;

  6. Dedicated trainings.


By engaging with and bringing together highly committed cities, industry, research institutes, implementing organisations and finance partners, SMEs and start-ups, SOLUTIONSplus enables cooperation and innovation by establishing a global platform for shared, public and commercial e-mobility solutions to kick start the transition towards low-carbon urban mobility worldwide.

Business Models -
Latin America

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CargoBike (Uruguay), a small start-up, manufactures electric cargo bicycles in e-long-john format and piloted them in Montevideo, covering nearly 200 km and 40 driving hours. Key findings include the necessity for rider training, improved road infrastructure and business models incorporating goods consolidation to optimize the use of these larger, heavier vehicles for urban logistics. 

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Bixicargo - Ecuador, Quito

Bixicargo, an Ecuadorian start-up, promotes sustainable mobility in electric cargo bicycles for goods transportation across Ecuador and Latin America. They manufactured 10 e-cargo bikes and tested them in Quito for 2 months, achieving significant efficiency gains for different use cases, covering 1,071 km, transporting 16 tons of cargo, reducing emissions by 491.74 kg CO2e and innovating with electric motor assistance and user-centric designs, with ongoing support to enhance their designs further. 

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coradir - argentina

Coradir (Argentina) specializes in developing electronic equipment and electric vehicles, working closely with national and provincial governments to produce various vehicle models for public and corporate sectors. Their “Tita” electric pick-up trucks, with a 500kg load capacity and 100km autonomy, were successfully piloted for agricultural logistics in Escobar, demonstrating potential for broader municipal program applications. 

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eve-move - uruguay

Eve-Move (Uruguay), an SME specializing in EV chargers, provides comprehensive services from supply and installation to maintenance and operation, supporting residential, commercial and public charging needs to enhance the growing EV market. They have installed over 10 chargers in key locations across Montevideo, Canelones, and Punta del Este, partnered with local governments for public fast chargers, launched a mobile app for real-time monitoring and collaborated with renewable energy providers, significantly contributing to sustainable urban mobility. 

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farmasol - ecuador, cuenca

Farmasol (Ecuador), a public company from Cuenca, focuses on providing affordable medications, supplements and personal care products while promoting sustainable and decentralized development. As part of the SOLUTIONSplus project, they implemented two electric tricycles for last-mile logistics to replace heavy diesel trucks, enhancing their pharmacy delivery operations with a 300kg load capacity 

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Green Star – Montevideo, Uruguay

GreenStar SRL (Uruguay) produces electric three-wheelers suitable for urban activities, meeting safety standards and offering a satisfactory autonomy of over 80 km per charge. Their innovative exploration with Valeo powertrains led to the development of a new four-wheeler vehicle, currently in prototype stage, aiming to enhance urban mobility further in the context of the SOLUTIONSplus project. This innovative approach demonstrates GreenStar’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology integration. 

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miral - ecuador

MIRAL (Ecuador) specializes in designing and manufacturing buses, showcasing innovation by locally assembling Ecuador’s first electric electric bus and receiving funding to produce e-minivans for logistics and passenger transportation in Quito. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse product range, including mobile offices and clinics, while recognition from global brands like SCANIA and MERCEDES BENZ underscores their industry leadership and quality standards. 

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LOGYCA - Colombia

Logyca (Colombia) exemplified by their successful pilot of electric vehicles for last-mile logistics, facilitating nearly 15,000 deliveries across five cities while promoting collaborative models to reduce carbon emissions. They actively promote collaborative business and operational models to improve transport logistics, reduce carbon emissions and enhance decision-making through innovative tools like performance dashboards for visualizing pilot results. 

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Sidertech (Ecuador), an innovative company, is manufacturing 4 e-quadricycles named Phoenix with seed funding from the SOLUTIONSplus project, incorporating VALEO powertrains to create environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Phoenix, a uniquely designed electric vehicle, combines the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle, providing a sustainable and user-friendly option for urban transit in Ecuador. 

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sero electric - argentina

Sero Electric (Argentina), an Argentine manufacturer, specializes in electric vehicles, producing innovative models with a focus on sustainability since 2010, including electric vans funded by the SOLUTIONSplus project for parcel distribution in partnership with the National Postal Service, enhancing operations & reducing emissions. With a 2000 square meter plant in Buenos Aires, they are poised for mass production, offering various models for cargo, passenger transport and specialized logistics operations, aiming to introduce cutting-edge electric vehicles with extended range. 

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Tembici, colombia

Tembici (Colombia), a leading micromobility company in Latin America, operates docked bike-sharing systems across multiple cities, achieving over 70 million rides and significant CO2 emissions reduction. With funding from the SOLUTIONSplus project, they innovated by incorporating electric engines into mechanical handcycles, enhancing mobility access for People with Disabilities and demonstrating a commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban transportation solutions. 

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Wheele, based in Uruguay, offers a diverse range of electric vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and electric skateboards. Their pilot project with PedidosYa revealed crucial challenges for electric cargo bikes in urban settings, underscoring the necessity of thorough rider training. This expansion into Chile reinforces Wheele’s dedication to affordable electric mobility and regional sustainability. 

Carishina en Bici - Ecuador

Carishina en Bici (Ecuador) is a community-based organization founded in 2010 by Charlotte Fagan, a US biker. Named after a Kichwa word meaning “like a man,” it promotes urban biking among women in Quito, Ecuador, to increase their city presence, raise awareness of their rights and use biking as a political tool. Key activities include the Hadas Madrinas en Bici mentorship program and free urban and countryside rides, encouraging women to move freely and autonomously in Quito. 

Business Models -
Africa

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Africrooze

AfricroozE GmbH (Tanzania), formed by EURIST e.V., aims to boost e-bicycle adoption in Africa through successful pilot projects promoting socio-economic development, partnering with FABIO in Uganda and currently operating in multiple African nations. Within SOLUTIONSplus, they provided pedal-assist electric bicycles jointly designed by EURIST, Hero India, and HNF Nicolai, facilitating urban deliveries and medical supply transport, demonstrating innovative designs to address diverse needs across urban and rural Africa. The initiative also included comprehensive training sessions for local assemblers, ensuring sustainable maintenance and capacity-building within the community. 

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Ampersand, founded in Kigali, Rwanda, pioneers affordable electric motorcycles and battery swapping systems, driving Africa towards a zero-carbon future. 

Their innovative model enables e-moto drivers to swap batteries at charging stations, reducing costs and emissions significantly compared to petrol motorcycles. With a fleet of over 1,350 vehicles, expansion to Kenya and a focus on gender inclusion, Ampersand leads in sustainable transportation solutions, supported by the SOLUTIONSplus initiative. Their R&D efforts in locally designed and assembled batteries further underscore their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. 

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DIT & Auto Truck (Tanzania), aiming to mitigate climate change effects, introduces electric three-wheelers and pushcarts for light transportation in East Africa, with a goal of achieving a 30% share of electric vehicles in cities. With the assembly of electric three-wheelers, retrofitting of ICE vehicles and establishment of charging infrastructure, Auto Truck collaborates with the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology to advance electric vehicle assembly and promote green technology, earning recognition including awards from the Royal Academy of Engineering in London for their innovative efforts. 

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Basigo - Rwanda, Kigali

BasiGo (Kenya & Rwanda) pioneers clean, electric public transport in Africa, launching the first electric buses in Nairobi and expanding to Kigali, Rwanda, with a fleet of 19 electric buses deployed in Nairobi alone, mitigating CO2 emissions and diesel consumption. Through innovative Pay-As-You-Drive financing, BasiGo eliminates the high upfront cost of electric buses for private operators, enabling widespread adoption and offering convenient charging and maintenance services, setting a precedent for sustainable urban mobility solutions. 

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East african rural mobility and smart villages - Kenya

EASVRM (Kenya) pioneers rural e-mobility solutions in Kisii, Kenya, facilitating first-and-last-mile logistics and promoting access to modern energy for the Kisii Smart Community through a fleet of electric three-wheelers, serving over 400 local beneficiaries daily and fostering economic empowerment for women vendors. Through innovative partnerships and a circular economy approach, EASVRM extends the life of lithium-ion batteries, promotes local content and capacity building and empowers female entrepreneurs with training and business support, contributing to sustainable development and improved livelihoods in peri-urban communities, enhancing regional economic stability and resilience in Kenya. 

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Ekoglobe - Tanzania

EKOglobe (Tanzania) pioneers green mobility solutions in Tanzania, designing and assembling electric three-wheelers powered by 100% green energy for diverse applications such as passenger taxi services, on-demand deliveries and garbage collection, contributing to sustainable urban development. Through innovative approaches like mobile battery dispatching units and lease-to-own models, EKOglobe empowers drivers with affordable and eco-friendly transportation solutions, leveraging its expertise in renewable energy and capacity building to drive positive change in the transportation sector. 

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GURARIDE (Rwanda), a leading e-mobility public bike-share system in Rwanda, collaborates with the City of Kigali to launch operations in key cycling corridors, promoting sustainable transportation amid growing urbanization. Through SOLUTIONSplus, Guraride pioneers the integration of pedal-assist electric bicycles, addressing the challenges of hilly terrains and rugged landscapes while offering convenience and durability for users, marking a significant advancement in the region’s micro-mobility sector. 

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Mobile Power - Sierra Leone

Mobile Power, operating in Sierra Leone and other African countries, pioneers battery-swap solutions for electric two- and three-wheelers, catering to the needs of commercial motorbike riders in off-grid markets. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Mobile Power integrates solar-powered battery-swap hubs with local car washes, empowering youth to maintain and oversee the battery-swapping process, ensuring reliable and sustainable e-mobility solutions across Freetown. 

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NEEV Salone - sierra leone

NEEV Salone (Sierra Leone) introduces Sierra Leone’s first eco-friendly electric and solar vehicles, offering employment opportunities and cost-effective transportation solutions in Freetown, with a focus on enhancing urban mobility. Through SOLUTIONSplus, NEEV Salone pioneers battery swapping stations, fosters gender-inclusive training programs and develops a user-friendly mobile app, showcasing a commitment to sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship in Sierra Leone. 

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SESCOM (Tanzania) pioneers electric three-wheelers in Tanzania through retrofitting, achieving a driving range of 90-100km per charge, comparable to traditional ICE vehicles. With partnerships and technical expertise, they advance sustainable mobility solutions, fostering efficient electricity usage and market development in the region. 

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Stima’s Mobility (Kenya) battery swapping technology transforms African moto-taxis, allowing riders to embrace electric bikes without upfront battery costs, significantly reducing energy and maintenance expenses. Their strategic partnership facilitates the development of electric motorcycles and a network of swapping stations, while subsidized lease-to-own plans empower women, promoting sustainable urban mobility across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

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TRí, a Tanzanian electric mobility startup, empowers drivers with doubled daily profits and reduced asset ownership barriers. Their iterative approach, incorporating driver feedback, ensures local spare parts availability & ongoing innovation. Through SOLUTIONSplus, TRí’s deployment of electric three-wheelers and advocacy for government policies underscores their commitment to sustainable transportation. 

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Zembo is the largest provider of electric motorcycles and battery swapping stations in Uganda. Their business model for supplying and maintaining the equipment has a focus on affordability, reliability, and longevity of the electric motorcycles. The partnership between Zembo and local mechanics or workshops provides a comprehensive approach to equipment maintenance and repair. 

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Wahu Mobility (Togo & Ghana) is revolutionizing sustainable transportation in Ghana and beyond with  their locally built electric bicycles, empowering gig economy workers, especially women, through  affordable subscription plans and comprehensive support services. Their innovative approach not  only reduces carbon emissions and promotes economic growth but also fosters gender equality and  inclusive mobility by deploying female-led delivery fleets and establishing a local production site with  a team of African engineers dedicated to continuous improvement. 

Business Models -
Asia

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Rickshaws, providing affordable electric two-wheelers and locally manufactured electric three wheelers since 2014. Through innovative initiatives like remodeling Safa Tempo (electric 3-wheeler) with better performance for passenger and cargo use and converting petrol mini-van to electric, they’re contributing to emissions reduction, recognized through awards like the SME project under the SOLUTIONSplus initiative. 

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loca company limited - laos

LOCA Mobility Ecosystem in Laos and the Mekong region is leading the charge in eco-friendly transportation, boasting a fleet of 370 electric vehicles and plans to expand to 2,500 by 2030. Their innovative self-sufficient approach, including a custom payment system and unique electric vehicle development, sets them apart as a leader in sustainable mobility within ASEAN, with projected annual CO2 reduction of 3,000,000 kg by 2030. They are have regional cooperation with Udon Thani, Thailand to develop e-3-wheeler services under SOLUTONSplus replication project. 

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mbi motors - vietnam

MBI Motors’ (Vietnam) venture, MBI Sharing, has rapidly become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s shared e-bike market, boasting a user base of over 60,000 riders and reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 57 tons. Their emphasis on user-friendly innovation, from robust e-bike design to a streamlined app experience, has propelled their success, paving the way for into major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. MBI sharing is also willing to support SOLUTIONSplus demo in Hanoi on expanding the e-2 wheeler shared system in major locations to increase environment friendly last mile connectivity to public transportation and other destinations. 

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QIQ now rebranded as Elevate Mobility, has pioneered a green shared transportation system in Vietnam, offering rapid charging solutions for electric personal mobility with fully recyclable batteries. Partnering with key stakeholders like Ecopark and GIZ, Elevate Mobility has successfully deployed electric bike-sharing systems in cities like Hanoi and Hoi An, serving hundreds of trips daily and contributing to sustainable urban mobility in Vietnam. With its innovative approach and commitment to accessibility, Elevate Mobility is poised to continue expanding its presence and impact across Vietnam, providing efficient and eco-friendly last-mile transportation solutions. 

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Tojo Motors (Philippines), has led the charge in the Philippines’ electric vehicle industry since 2014, offering over 10 diverse EV models and addressing urban mobility challenges with innovative solutions. Their comprehensive E-Mobility system integrates smart vehicles, ride and cargo sharing platforms and a smart charging network, positioning Tojo Motors as a leader in sustainable urban mobility innovation, driving the country’s transition towards a greener future. The smart e-quaricycles for passenger and cargo use with booking application, developed under SOLUTIONSplus, will support green mobility services in Pasig city. 

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Shree Eco Visionary Pvt. Ltd (SEV) in Nepal is a pioneer in advancing electric vehicle technology, achieving milestones such as designing and fabricating electric vehicles that save around 35 metric tons of emissions annually and continuously innovating, from assembling three-wheeler electric vehicles with AC drive to developing app-based electric taxi services and four-wheeler waste collection vehicles with high scalability potential. In SOLUTIONSplus, they are developing e-3 wheeler for passenger and cargo services. 

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stl group holdings company limited (Stallions) - thailand

STL Group Holdings Co. Ltd, (Thailand) has prioritized electric mobility R&D, customer training and after-sales support, contributing nearly 90% of its resources to propel the adoption of electric vehicles in Thailand. With strategic partnerships like SOLUTIONSplus, they’ve deployed close to 1,000 electric motorcycles, notably benefiting motorcycle taxi riders. Leading in innovation, STL Group operates a cutting-edge facility, committed to delivering high-performance electric motorcycles that prioritize safety and sustainability, solidifying their role as an OEM and ODM in the global EV market. 

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swap & go - Thailand

Swap & Go, (Thailand) a subsidiary of PTT, has led the charge in revolutionizing electric mobility through innovative battery swapping services, boasting 30 strategically placed stations catering to over 100 riders. Collaborating with various electric motorcycle models like Stallions and I-Motor, Swap & Go offers rental services and battery swapping packages via their user-friendly mobile app. Their pioneering universal battery system, coupled with partnerships with OEMs and initiatives like SOLUTIONSplus, underscores their commitment to creating a robust and accessible electric two-wheeler ecosystem while empowering local businesses. 

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