An off-grid, three-wheeled cart was officially launched on Tuesday, October 24 on Murray Esplanade, with production of the unique invention set to be held in the twin towns.
The cart features a mobile, battery-powered “café”. The twist comes in the form of its lightweight, towable tricycle assembly, and can be used without connecting to a power grid.
The cart is the brainchild of Let’s Do Coffee owner Daniel Mackrell and Green Pedal Cycles owner David Barry, who showcased their invention at the Port of Echuca as they launched their new enterprise EVCart Co.
“The off-grid coffee cart isn’t just about innovation, it’s also about creating opportunities and connection,” Mr Barry said.
“The fully-equipped coffee cart can be a ready-made business for a uni student, sole traders, small business, schools, community groups and corporates.
“Coffee is all about bringing people together, sharing stories and making connections. The ability to make quality barista coffee without connecting to the power grid creates so many new possibilities.
“I’m delighted that the Campaspe Port Enterprise has supported us in our journey so far. Echuca’s Discovery Centre has been the ideal location for our first to-market cart, and launching our new venture, EVCart Co, in Murray Esplanade is just perfect.”
The cart is transported around on a tricycle frame, with manoeuvrability and ease of access front of mind in the design.
With orders from as far away as Queensland, and with more designs coming in the future, they will be looking to collaborate with more local businesses going ahead.
“The response locally and nationally has been promising, with inquiries starting to come in far and wide,” Mr Mackrell said.
“If we go back to the start, David and I had a discussion about putting some batteries into my coffee van that I have.
“Off-grid means it’s fully lithium-powered, so it doesn’t need an external 240-volt connection to make it work. You can be out for a few hours making coffee.
“Just today we’ve doubled our order of the frame that’s being built in Echuca, so we’re trying to get all the locals on board that we can.”
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