Scientists develop eco-, user-friendly solar powered rickshaw

Weary rickshaw pullers will no longer have to toil to pedal the vehicle as scientists of CSIR's Central Mechanical and Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) have developed a solar electric rickshaw. Named Soleckshaw, the solar electric rickshaw is a pollution-free, safe and economical solution to the woes of around 50 lakh rickshaw pullers in the country. "The goal was to develop an optimally-designed, pedal-operated and motor-assisted, zero-carbon emission, urban transport vehicle," Tech Review quotes Samir K Brahmachari, Director General of CSIR as saying. The new pedicab with a seating capacity for two to three passengers and a payload of 150-200 kgs, excluding the driver, will run at a speed of 15 km per hour. It can be driven for as much as 40 kms. The new rickshaw is motor-assisted and therefore is likely to be driven easily both in the plains and the hills. "One of the main aims of Soleckshaw is to reduce the effort required to pull a rickshaw. The 36V motor has been used to 'assist' the driver in pedaling. Even though it may not relieve him of pedaling, it will definitely make the task almost effortless for him," says Project Advisor Gopal Sinha. While the driver's seat is adjustable and a suspension system ensures smooth ride, all the three wheels have brakes. The new pedicab comes with features such as a head light, a tail lamp, and indicators. A lower foot board provides easy access for children, senior citizens and the disabled. The solar battery, weighing around 15 kg, is placed under the passenger seat. One battery takes 5-6 hours to charge using solar power. It can also be charged from a domestic 15 Amp power socket. Scientists, however, say it will no longer remain a green vehicle if charged with electricity. Therefore, they want the battery to be charged only at solar charging stations. The Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has built a solar charging station in Durgapur. The Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) is working on improving the battery. Body of the Soleckshaw, with two versions -- Mark I and Mark II, has also been customised to suit different terrains and purposes, with seven models currently on the road. A functional prototype of Mark I version, developed and prototyped by CMERI, was launched in Delhi in October 2008 for trial and test. The Mark II are being tested in Durgapur, Chandni Chowk in Delhi and Ghaziabad. The Mark I version is available in two series, 1 and 2. Series 2 is a slimmer and lighter version of Series 1, according to Amar Jyoti Banerjee, CMERI scientist and project leader (manufacturing). At present, Soleckshaws costs between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000. The CMERI team is working on ways to reduce the manufacturing cost. When the vehicle is mass produced the price is expected to come down to Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000.