Solar-Powered Rickshaws Soon To Emerge In India And Other Asian Countries

An auto-rickshaw is one of the chief modes of transportation in India. Unlike the traditional rickshaw that is pulled by a driver to run, an auto-rickshaw is powered by a motor. However, records show that 2-stroke engines allow it to run at 15 to 20 kilometers per hour, plus its stop or start mode causes greater amounts of pollutants than vehicles with four-stroke engines.

For that reason, BlueBird Electric Racing Limited, a company that develops battery, motor, hybrid and other systems that intend to improve the range of conventional electric vehicles, is part funding the advancement of a solar-powered or electric rickshaw that is designed to serve as an alternative to auto-rickshaws not only in India but as well as in other Asian countries that utilize rickshaws such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Philippines. These non-polluting rickshaws can run up to 60 to 80 kilometers per charge with speeds ranging from 25 to 30 kilometers per hour. Each solar-powered rickshaw unit is claimed to save 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

As said by solarnavigator.net, aside from its improved appearance, this innovated rickshaw also has safety belts, an optional rain and cold screen, a lockable box under the seat that serves as storage for passengers’ belongings, a fold flat roof and adequate space and capacity to carry three adult passengers. With or without ignition coils, this rickshaw is sure to promote safety and environment preservation. How about some applause for that?

According to bluebird-electric.net, Bluebird Electric Racing Limited anticipates the demand for solar-powered rickshaws to arrive at 10,000 units per annum by 2010.

At present, India has an estimated 18 million petrol-powered two wheelers and about 1.5 million petrol and diesel three wheelers.