The Soleckshaw, launched in the Delhi, can be either pedalled or run off a 36-volt battery that is topped up every six to seven hours, or 45 miles, from a solar-powered charging station. The prototype seats three and has electric lights, a maximum speed of 12½mph, and extras including an FM radio and four different mobile phone chargers. It can also drive uphill.
The Soleckshaw is designed to ease the physical burden on the estimated eight million cycle rickshaw pullers, who are mostly migrants from India’s poorest states. The Government, which is backing the project, hopes that it will help to reduce air pollution and wean the country off its dependence on fossil fuels.
It was developed by the state-run Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research in conjunction with Crompton Greaves, an Indian company that designed its electric engine. To introduce it nationwide, they are now working with the Centre for Rural Development, a non-governmental organisation that has been assisting cycle rickshaw pullers for years.
The Soleckshaw costs 22,000 rupees, compared with 8,500 for a traditional one. That should come down to 20,000 rupees once mass production of 200-300 a month begins in two to three months, officials say.
CRD also plans to guarantee loans for Soleckshaw drivers so they can purchase their own vehicles and then pay back the loan in daily installments of 30-40 rupees. At the moment, most of them pay a daily hire fee of 30-40 rupees, sometimes for several years, but never get to own their own rickshaw.
– from timesonline