Electric or e-rickshaws have been becoming popular these days. So, if you are confused about the difference between e-rickshaws and toto, you should know that e-rickshaws are also known as toto in different regions of the world. This rise in popularity is also because they are cheaper and human effort compared to their counterparts, such as auto-rickshaws and manually-pulled rickshaws. Since 2008, they have been considered an alternative to petrol/diesel/CNG rickshaws. These are generally three-wheelers pulled by an electric motor whose power ranges from 650 to 1400 watts.
These are mostly manufactured in India and China, and only a few other countries are involved in manufacturing these vehicles. These serve as low-emitter complimentary transport for low-income countries, which suffer the most due to lack of transportation facilities if they are introduced in a structured manner.
With E-Rickshaws, India is ahead of China regarding the electric vehicle revolution. It is an indisputable fact that India is home to nearly 1.5 million battery-powered, three-wheeled rickshaws – a fleet bigger than the total number of electric passenger vehicles sold in China since 2011.
Apart from that the drivers also discovered that e-rickshaws are quieter, faster, cleaner, and cheaper to maintain than a traditional auto-rickshaws. They are also less tiring than cycle rickshaws, which require all-day peddling. Hence, with more rides in a day, the E-Rickshaws are proving to be more lucrative.
Although electric motor vehicles were not considered a viable mode of transportation in the 1900s, as research progressed in 1920-1960, it highlighted the environmental issues related to pollution and diminishing natural resources. This reawakened the issue, and new environmentally friendly means of transportation were again high in demand. With time, the technologies that support a reliable battery and the need for a more significant number of batteries have elevated the prices of electric vehicle manufacturing. The first breakthrough came when Robert Davidson from Scotland developed the first electric car. The sale of electric cars started in the 1890s in Europe and America. These electric cars were so popular that in the late 1890s, the United States had core electric automobiles than automobiles with internal combustion engines.
Design and Construction
Now that you understand what is a toto vehicle, it’s important to know that E-rickshaws feature a main tubular chassis made of mild steel (M.S.). They consist of 3 wheels, with the rear wheels having a differential mechanism. The DC motor which is mostly manufactured in India and China, is brushless. Apart from this, there is are different batteries sold in India and Bangladesh with 48V and 60V, respectively. The design of the body of Chinese variants is mostly made up of fragile iron or aluminium sheets. In India, these are made in fibre as they provide strength and durability and require less maintenance.
There are different versions of this e-rickshaw ranging from load carriers passenger vehicles without a roof to full bodies having a windshield for the driver’s comfort. The whole system is provided with a controller unit. The basis of selling these products is the voltage supplied, current output, and the number of MOSFETs, i.e., metal oxide field effect transistors. The battery is mainly made up of lead-acid having a life of 6 to 12 months. However, low-discharge batteries are seldom used for the design of electric vehicles. The main problem associated with the design has been the weight of the electric car.
Types of electric rickshaws
Load Carriers
These types of e-rickshaws are mainly used to maximise their load-carrying capacity. They differ in upper bodies, the capacity of load, the motor’s power, the controller and some structural changes. The motor power is increased to carry loads of 500 to 1000 kg.
Solar Vehicles
They are solar-powered electric rickshaws: These are powered by one or more electric motors employing a solar panel mounted on top of the electric rickshaws. This panel also can work even while the electric rickshaw is in motion. The solar panels can directly power the motor without any battery, but in reality, this design is not adopted owing to its intended purpose. These solar panels are not used more frequently due to their ineffectiveness.
Solar rickshaws are synonymous with battery/electric rickshaws, which require charging their batteries and employing solar power before their use. This is done by removing the batteries which need charging and exchanging them with already charged batteries. These batteries can also be charged in situ after parking the vehicle, but this will reduce the overall effectiveness due to reduced daytime usage.
These batteries used for replacement and on-site charging are the same as those used for non-solar usage.
Technical specifications of an E-rickshaw are –
- Special Purpose battery-operated vehicle: This special purpose battery needs to be taken out of the vehicle, charged, and then replaced by another fully charged battery to save on daytime costs.
- Mono motor: This may either consist of a mono motor or more than one motors to convert the electrical energy from the battery to mechanical energy which is used to power the vehicle.
- Speed 20 to 30 kmph: This low speed is due to the use of a small battery and engine mechanism, which is advantageous in reducing the overall capital cost and increasing efficiency.
- Controller: This unit is the heart of the E-Rickshaw. It receives the input from the throttle, and the controller decides the speed that the motor needs to provide.
- Charger with the charging of 6 to 8 hrs: The e-Rickshaw battery lasts for 6 to 8 hours once charged properly.
- Steering Handlebar: This unit is used to control the movement of the E-Rickshaw.
- Suspension: The e-rickshaw suspension in the front is telescopic, and the rear is a loaf spring. This system is a combination of tyres, shock absorbers, springs and linkages that allow relative motion between the vehicle and the wheels.
- Drum type of braking system: This system uses friction to help slow the vehicle.
- Alloy wheels: Alloy Wheels make your E-Rickshaw look stylish and trendy.
- Seating capacity: The E-Rickshaw has a seating capacity of 5 people, one driver and four passengers.
- Meter: E-Rickshaw has a digital/Analog speed meter with an LED.
- Fibre type roof- CRC unit is independent and does not need any computer system to handle the operations. The chassis is the basic framed structure on which the vehicle’s superstructure is supported.
Final Word
More than anything, these vehicles have played a significant role in enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing pollution simultaneously. However, there are some concerns which are stopping its growth in the market:
Lack of proper charging facilities parking facilities, as well as harassment by the police.
- Lack of E-Rickshaw stands
- Use of old Batteries instead of new ones to save money.
- Lack of financial assistance by the banks
- Unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles.
Also, in India, the major shortcomings are public awareness and inadequate technologies, which can hinder the electric vehicle market growth despite the country’s efforts to meet international commitments. So, explore the benefits of e-rickshaws with Saera Electric Auto. Offering excellent value, the Mayuri toto price is perfect for eco-friendly transport. Upgrade to a cost-effective, sustainable ride today and experience the future of urban mobility with us!