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Tuesday 2 April 2013

EV TRICYCLE TAXI: THE NEW ELECTRIC THREE-WHEELER AUTO RICKSHAW AIMED AT EMERGING SOUTHEAST ASIA MARKETS


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Terra Motors hopes to clean up in Southeast Asia with new electric tuk-tuk
By Darren Quick,
Gizmag, 2 April 2013.

Auto rickshaws, also known as tuk-tuks, three-wheelers or by numerous other names, are a common sight on the streets of many Asian cities. An evolution of the traditional pulled or cycle rickshaw, the gasoline-powered vehicles, which are used as taxis, are a major source of pollution in many Asian cities. Japan’s Terra Motors hopes to capitalize on efforts to cut tuk-tuk pollution with its new electric three-wheeler aimed at emerging Southeast Asia markets.

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Terra Motors' EV Tricycle Taxi hopes to improve air quality in cities in Southeast Asia

Although they are generally powered by high polluting two-stroke engines, a number of governments in Southeast Asia are forcing changes in an effort to improve the air quality in major cities. Some are forcing a switch to CNG or LPG fuel, while others are banning two-stroke engines in favour of four-stroke engines. The Philippines government is embracing locally emission-free electric powered tuk-tuks, with plans to introduce some 100,000 such vehicles by 2016.

Terra Motors is aiming for a slice of this pie with its electric three-wheeler, alongside the wider goal of becoming the world’s biggest seller of electric tuk-tuks within the next two years. Likely strengthening the company’s bid, Terra Motors will produce the vehicles in the Philippines.

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Image via Global Times

Measuring 3.3 m (10.8 ft) long and 1.47 m (4.8 ft) wide, the vehicle has room for five passengers in seats facing each other located behind the driver. A two-hour charge of the swappable lithium ion battery pack is good for a range of around 50 km (31 miles), with the vehicle capable of a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph).

Since the “tuk-tuk” moniker is derived from the noise the traditional two-stroke engined vehicles make, the switch to almost silent electric power could see them requiring a new name.

Terra Motors plans to sell its EV Tricycle Taxi from later this year for around US$6,300.

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Images screen capture from video


Top image: Terra Motors' electric tuk-tuk aimed at markets in Southeast Asia.

Article Sources: Terra Motors, Global Times, NHK World

[Post Source: Gizmag. Edited. Some images added.]


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