How PopWheels helped a food cart ditch generators for e-bike batteries
Overview
PopWheels has developed a battery swapping network that enables food carts to eliminate the use of generators by switching to e-bike batteries. This innovation provides a cleaner, more efficient energy solution for food vendors operating in urban environments.
Key Features
- The startup’s charging cabinets can hold up to 16 batteries, ensuring scalability and accessibility for multiple food carts.
- PopWheels designed its battery cabinets with fire safety in mind, including mechanisms to swiftly extinguish a battery fire if any incident occurs.
- The network allows food cart operators to access energy through a subscription model, reducing reliance on traditional generators.
Expansion and Partnerships
PopWheels has raised $4.7 million to expand its e-bike battery swapping infrastructure, with plans for an aggressive rollout this summer. The company is also partnering with urban mobility initiatives to support sustainable food cart operations in cities like New York.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
By replacing generators with e-bike batteries, food carts reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. The battery-swapping system also eliminates the risk of battery fires associated with traditional charging methods, which are often stored in basements or apartments.