Request TePP/001/2009
Business Delivery Innovations for Solakshaw
From: CMERI, Durgapur, India
Response due date : 31/05/2009

Background
Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR),has developed a Solar Powered Electric three-wheeled vehicle, named as SOLECKSHAW. It is aimed for use as a means of transport carrying two passengers and a driver. This vehicle can be driven either by pedaling or by electric motor or in combination of both. This vehicle is deemed fittest for transporting people through small distances, especially in the busiest streets of the cities. It will release zero emission to air and thus will ensure cleaner environment. It is similar to a rickshaw i.e. three wheeled vehicle but driven by electric power supplied by battery, which is charged from Solar Energy. This three-wheeler requires lesser driving effort than normal rickshaw, because the electric motor provides necessary assistance. Due to use of electric motors, these vehicles can be continuously driven for longer distances (compared to the existing present pedal driven cycle rickshaws) which will result in more earning for the rickshaw pullers. On the other hand, manual power minimizes the requirement of electric power. So, manual power and electric power has been used in an optimized way. The motor is driven by lead acid batteries, which are charged from Solar Energy, leading to reduction of environment pollution. So far few prototypes of such SOLECKSHAWs have been developed and those are under test run at Durgapur, HRDC Ghaziabad and Chandni Chowk for getting feedback from rickshaw-pullers and common people so that further design improvements can be affected to make it more suitable for different road conditions. Also, solar powered battery charging stations have been installed at CMERI, Durgapur and within Yudhbir Singh park at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, which are under operation.

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