SolarCabrio
The chain-less all-electric solar cabrio!
Because of his victory, Flemish companies joined forces and a network of sponsors and suppliers was created:
Raf van Hulle is experimenting with a new powerfull machine, that consumes half of a regular speed pedelec. With this e-bike, he want compete in the exciting 2025 Sun Trip through the Sahara and tries to break the world day record of 475 km. He has taken his previous 2018 winner and adapted it for a streamlined all-electric, all-wheel-drive with electronic load-balancing, improved solar panels and regenerative braking. There are many new innovations! For a start, the rider (Raf) now sits forward in a low, reclining position, behind a streamlined windshield in which a solar panel has been incorporated. He drives a pedal generator to charge the battery and has no more direct chain drive to the wheels. It has become a fully ‘fly-by-wire’ Solar Cabrio!
When the sun is fierce or it rains, he raises the main solar panels above his head like a protective roof. When the weather is milder, he lowers them behind him, offering less wind resistance. What’s more, the main 2x 225 Watt panels are telescopic and can be tilted to the sun for maximum effect. And there’s a generous 90 litre luggage bin behind his seat. Where does this continuous innovation and testing end?
The frame is a Pino Hasebikes. In a few minutes the SolarCabrio can be converted into a tandem and you can take your sweetheart on a solar world tour.
May 2025: We're doing a test drive in the Sahara. Follow us (suntrip.com)
If all goes well, other prototypes can be built on request.