For this particular project, we were tasked to design a personal electronic vehicle that would be safe to drive in the city. Our design concept is based on the Rickshaw. By redesigning this unique and practical vehicle, we strived to create a PEV that would be versatile and spacious.
My role was to design and prototype our idea using CAD and rapid prototyping. I conducted research on materials and current products available to come up with the concept.
AUTO RICKSHAWS
Also known as a three-wheeler, tuk-tuk, trishaw, autorick or mototaxi. Auto rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles used extensively in many Asian countries as taxis of people and goods.
Auto rickshaws are an essential form of urban transport in many developing countries, and a form of novelty transport in many developed countries. However, in some parts of Europe they remain an essential mode of transportation, notably Italy.
ELECTRIC RICKSHAWS
Electric rickshaws are being widely accepted as an alternative to Petrol/Diesel/CNG auto rickshaws. They are three wheels pulled by an electric motor ranging from 650-1400 Watts.
Battery-run rickshaws could be a low-emitter complementary form of transportation for the low-income customers.
American made Electric Tuk Tuks are unique in that they are charged through common 110v outlets providing a range of 97-161 kilometres per charge (depending upon model and conditions). They have a recharge time between 4- 6 hours. The Electric Tuk Tuks topped out at 64 kilometres per hour.
Other widely used electric rickshaws use a lithium polymer battery, lithium iron phosphate batteries, or a hybrid.
SOLAR RICKSHAWS
To reduce the dependency upon fossil fuels and the resulting air pollution from gas-powered rickshaws, solar-powered rickshaw with a small electric motor have been developed. The current solar rickshaws on the market operate up to 35–40 km/hour.
The solar panels placed on the roof help to keep the occupants cool by absorbing, and reflecting solar radiation. Although a battery would be required to deal with the peak times of use, it could still be quite small, reducing the total weight of the machine.
POSSIBLE FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES TO INCORPORATE
There have been some advancement with transparent solar cells. The university of Michigan has developed this technology. They are not currently in the market or accessible but it is likely that in the near future, these glass-like panels will be everywhere.
