Terra Motors hopes to clean up in Southeast Asia with new electric tuk-tuk
By Darren Quick, Gizmag, 2 April 2013.
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.
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.
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.
Images screen capture from video
Top image: Terra Motors' electric tuk-tuk aimed at markets in Southeast Asia.
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