Kerala to soon get solar-powered e-rickshaws

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As we continue to exhaust fossil fuel supplies, the need has come for us to make the transition into green and sustainable sources of energy. You could call it the beginning revolution, but the world is taking great strides in developing technologies that could one day abolish the need for fossil fuels.

In one such developments, Kerala will soon have a solar-powered rickshaws running in the streets.

The vehicle has been developed by Lifeway Solar Private Limited, a Kochi-based enterprise, owned by Georgekutty Karianappally and is pegged to launch on August 15.

The three-wheeler will make use solar panels fitted on the roof to generate power and store it in a battery. The vehicle can also be charged by electricity in the absence of solar power.

“The solar panels fitted on the roof are 1.5 metres long and 1 metre wide. The vehicle can attain a speed of 40 km and can run a minimum of 80 km with a six-hour charging from solar light,” said Mr. Karianapally to The Hindu

‘‘My vision is to inculcate a culture among the people to use renewable energy for day-to-day use and to create a habit of sharing the rickshaw while travelling in cities to reduce carbon monoxide emission, thereby bringing down the carbon footprint on earth. e-bikes and e-rickshaws are popular in seven States in India. We have to establish solar roof for autorickshaw stands so that solar rickshaws can charge while the vehicle is idling at the stand,” he said.

The project has been submitted for clearance from the Transport Commissionerate and Karianapally is hopeful of getting a thumbs-up. After the pilot project, the company looks to  extended to various cities in Kerala.

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