Currently in the United States, approximately 2.9 million semi-trucks are operational, transporting essential goods nationwide. While vital to modern life, these vehicles are creating an adverse effect on our climate. Collectively, they emit around 413 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, contributing to the 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions coming from the transportation sector. 

Zach Schieffelin, Founder & CEO of Civilized Cycles, and his team are developing the critical technology needed to address this challenge at Newlab in Detroit. The company produces light electric commercial vehicles, notably the Semi-Trike, offering a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive vehicles like semi-trucks. The Semi-Trike merges the cargo capacity of a van with the minimal carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness of an e-bike, making it ideal for urban freight and last-mile delivery.

A recipient of the Michigan Central Scale Fund award, Civilized Cycles has initiated a pilot program in collaboration with Lime Scooters, Newlab, and Michigan Central. This initiative aims to assess the Semi-Trike's impact before full-scale commercialization to get the trikes in cities across the country, and world—all striving to reduce the substantial carbon emissions associated with traditional freight transport.

Learn more about Zach and the Semi-Trike.