True cost vehicle comparison site Karfu says cargo bike interest high
A soon to launch but beta tested ‘true cost’ vehicle comparison website has told CI.N of “incredible amounts of interest in Cargo and electric cargo bikes (as a replacement for a families 2nd car)” in its beta user searches.
Dubbed Karfu, the website utilises algorithms to determine the environmental credentials of any give vehicle or vehicle type, as well as the likely true costs of buying and maintaining the vehicle. The impartial comparison tool offers insights on cars, vans, pick-ups, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, cargo bikes and scooters.
As for those metrics able to be compared and contrasted on the website, users can benchmark fuels, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric and human power; the range of access options available; including buying (including finance), leasing, subscription, sharing, rental, ride hailing, ride sharing and mobility-as-a-service.
Co-Founder and CEO Samuel Ellis told CI.N this morning: “What we are seeing from our Beta users is incredible amounts of interest in cargo and electric cargo bikes (as a replacement for a families 2nd car), and electric bikes as a replacement for a car previously used for commuting. Consumers’ consideration mix for vehicles has never been wider, especially post pandemic, based on the conversations with our users.
“For many in the UK, this is the first time they have seen a significant impact on their cost of living due to factors completely beyond their control. Karfu is coming soon to help people save money and time when trying to find the right vehicle, and ultimately the planet, by helping them learn and switch to more sustainable options.
“Finally, if you are a bicycle OEM, or retailer, we’d love to speak to you about joining the platform.”
Finally, Karfu has also developed a unique vehicle environmental life-cycle assessment, including production, delivery, use and recycling, so consumers can see the true environmental impact of their choices.
Karfu has already earned itself B Corporation status, which Samuel says “makes us a business legally required to balance profit and purpose.” In order to maintain impartiality the site takes no partner fees, accepts no sponsors, nor advertisers.
