Electric rickshaws had taken to the road back in 2011, and their number has been increasing each day. More and more individuals are taking up an electric rickshaw business and so are manufacturers.
Electric rickshaws come with an ease of driving, are extremely profitable and very easy on the environment. With electric rickshaws comes a decrease in the cost and maintenance. All because it is battery operated.
But how does one go about deciding which battery to choose? Or what to look for in a battery?
Since the electric rickshaw flourishment in early 2011s, there has not been a lack of manufacturers in the nation. An abundance of manufacturers have taken up the manufacturing of electric rickshaws and their components, and are expanding their business overtime because of the increasing demand.
This blog will tell you what you should look for in a battery before you make the plunge.
Battery life: It’s a no brainer that battery life is the most essential component of an electric rickshaw, but not all batteries are made for you. The batteries of electrical vehicles generally last you about 6-12 months. Most of the electric vehicle batteries are lead acid batteries, but very few of them are deep discharge batteries. Deep discharge batteries come in their own, different types, lasting from four to eight years. Deep discharge batteries work by using the most of its capacity while discharging energy as opposed to standard lead acid batteries that discharge energy in short, sudden bursts, not using their energy to the fullest capacity.
Build of batteries: Like said above, all electric vehicle batteries use lead acid batteries. They only vary according to their capacity of discharge. But is that all that matters? Even if you bought a deep discharge battery promising a life of 8 years, how can you be sure of it? Without knowing the build - everything that went into manufacturing the battery, its life cycle or durability cannot be set in stone. It is paramount that you talk to someone who is incharge, and ensure that it is a hundred percent safe, and if the batteries have been properly tested.
Maintenance: Maintenance of anything can be a tedious job. Especially if you have invested a huge sum on it, and it demands constant maintenance. Running an electric rickshaw business is not all that easy either, and as a potential electric rickshaw business owner, you do not have all the time in the world to keep yourself busy with repairs and maintenance. When looking for batteries, looking for such batteries that have lower maintenance is beneficial, coupled with easy availability of repair and maintenance, Buying a high maintenance battery with easily available repair and maintenance is just running for a loss.
Charging stations: The rise in electric rickshaws on the road calls for an increase in the charging stations in the nation. Unfortunately, there are not as many charging stations and petrol/diesel pumps in India. Before investing in an electric rickshaw, you would want to ensure that there are enough charging stations for you to charge your batteries.
Solar Panels: Solar panels are a great way of charging batteries, considering that your battery supports charge by solar power. It is an ideal plan if most of your business takes place during the day. But if most of your business takes place during the night, solar panels are really not the ideal fit. You could still invest in a solar power charge supporting battery, for the feasibility of running your any time of the day or night. But this also incurs expensive costs of EV panels and battery sets and also increases the depreciation in the long run. Weighing the pros and cons of both kinds of batteries, and then deciding which one would suit your business the best is beneficial.
Battery Costs: Cost is very evidently the most important factor. It is important to note that as the price of the batteries increases, so does its rate of depreciation, and in turn resulting in higher maintenance costs. There are also batteries specifically made for electric vehicles that use other chemicals apart from lead acid, but their costs are 5 times the price of lead acid batteries, and do not provide a great life cycle.
Starting an electric rickshaw business can be very challenging - there are numerous factors you will have to consider before diving into one of the most profitable forms of business. Ensuring you have done your part of the research will help you make the right decisions for a better tomorrow, not just for you but for the nation.
Syndicate Motors is a manufacturer of electric vehicles that combat environmental issues and economic issues in India.
Join us in our fight for a sustainable environment as well as a cleaner and greener India.
Electric rickshaws have taken the Indian streets by storm over the last decade, and have become increasingly popular as a replacement to the standard rickshaws.
In India, the earliest attempt to design electric rickshaws was taken up by the Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute in the late 1990s, but they have only picked up steam since 2008, and especially over the last few years, they have shown remarkable growth. Given that the Indian Government has announced its intention of having an all electric fleet by 2030, that growth only promises to prosper even more.
But how are they made?
Electric rickshaws are extremely lightweight, and have a mild steel tubular chassis, consisting of three wheels. They use a brushless direct current motor, which is usually manufactured in China and India. The chassis in the Chinese version usually consists of very thin iron or aluminium sheets. Fibre versions are also very popular in India owing to their endurance and low maintenance costs.
The size and seating capacity of the vehicle varies from vendor to vendor, and some of them offer a lot of customisation according to the consumer’s desire.
China is by far the largest manufacturer of electric rickshaws and its spare parts, due to its low labour cost and high production rates. China imports a lot of such electric vehicles to India and Bangladesh, and the thriving industry has led to hundreds of electric rickshaw manufacturers in the country.
Electric rickshaws have been gaining ground in India for a decade now, but until a few years ago, they were mostly imported from China. Thanks to the boom of the electric vehicle industry in India, a lot of local manufacturers like Syndicate Motors, have emerged, and are providing stiff competition to their overseas counterparts.
Electric rickshaws can vary based on body and design depending on if it is a load carrier, which can carry up to 500-1000 kg, or a passenger vehicle. It can vary all the way from having no roof to a full body with windshield and other facilities for the driver and passengers. They are also distinguished based on the controller unit, and voltage supplied by it and its current output; the electrical system used in the Indian version is 48V. The weight of the electric rickshaws differ as well depending on the model, but for the most part, they are extremely lightweight.
Solar electric rickshaws have also been around, but have failed to make any substantial mark. They work with solar panels mounted on the electric rickshaw, and thereby supplying power to the battery. However, in practice, they have proven to be extremely restrictive for daytime usage, and ineffective, in general.
Syndicate Motors manufactures 60% of its electric rickshaw components locally to put emphasis on local manufacturers. Syndicate Motors is a manufacturer of electric vehicles that combat environmental issues and economic issues in India.
Join us in our fight for a sustainable environment as well as a cleaner and greener India.
Public transport is essential to the Indian lifestyle, and perhaps no other vehicle is as significant and iconic in the country as the rickshaw.
Rickshaws have long been the most popular means of public transport in India, and over the last decade or so, a new alternative has emerged in the form of electric rickshaws.
Why choose electric rickshaws as your business plan?
Electric rickshaws are not only a more cost-effective substitute, but also an environment friendly option. With pollution being an ever growing concern, an alternative to petrol/diesel vehicles is essential.
The battery operated rickshaws save you from the hassle of refuelling while helping you save up your hard earned cash.
Electric rickshaws are a booming business, and are thus in popular demand, but here are a few things to keep in mind before you make the plunge:
Do Your Research
With so many companies emerging in the electric rickshaw sector, it is essential that you do proper research about the brand and the particular electric rickshaw that you’re looking to buy. The internet provides an abundance of information - check out reviews online, talk to people. Most companies allow you to take a test drive – use it as a means to ensure it’s the vehicle of your dreams before you invest.
Fast Charging
Some electric rickshaw vendors provide fast charging support which makes your life much easier. You’re up and running in no time rather than having to wait hours on end, waiting for it to finish charging.
Battery
The battery is the most crucial component of an electric rickshaw, which is what makes it stand out from all the other vehicles on the road. When buying an electric rickshaw, you would want to make sure it’s reputable and a branded one. It would also help ensure that it lasts as long as possible before you need a replacement.
Strong Chassis
Electric rickshaws are extremely lightweight compared to other vehicles, but you would want to make sure that it has a strong and robust chassis to sustain any potential damage. Most electric rickshaws in the market come with a front metal panel, to save the vehicle from possible damages and conveniently placed handbrakes.
Mileage
While you do not have to worry about refuelling in an electric rickshaw, you would want excellent battery life, so that it continues going, and does not run out of juice when you need to operate it.
Charging Points
The Government has been working hard to build more and more charging points across the country as the electric vehicles segment is growing at a rapid pace. But you would want to certify that there are enough of them in your city, and your usual route of travel, so that you can charge it up whenever you need to and without hassle.
Seating Capacity
Your customers would want a cosy ride, so it is important to ensure that the seats are comfortable, and that the seating capacity is to your desire. Usually, 5-6 seaters are considered optimal. A larger seating capacity would also mean more business for you.
Warranty
As electric rickshaws are a long-term investment, so it is vital to see to it that you are getting adequate warranty for your vehicle and its specific parts. There is a possibility, like any other machine, that they are a victim of an unforeseen event. A warranty could help you save lots of money in the long run.
Customer Support
It is indispensable that the brand you purchase from has sufficient service centres as well as great customer support, so that help is never far away if and when you run into any kind of trouble with your vehicle.
Incentives
The Government is fully on-board with electric vehicles, and provides certain incentives to lure potential buyers, which could be really helpful for you while buying and beyond.
Electric rickshaws have taken to the road in the most efficient and environment-friendly way. The e-vehicles segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the near future, and stepping your foot in now will ensure your sustainability.
Syndicate Motors is a manufacturer of electric vehicles that combat environmental issues and economic issues in India.
Join us in our fight for a sustainable environment as well as a cleaner and greener India.
Looking to purchase an electric rickshaw? Syndicate Motors is here to assist you. Our spacious five-seater E-Rickshaws offer comfortable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. As a leading E-Rickshaw Manufacturer in India and an ICAT approved manufacturer, we ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability in every vehicle. Syndicate Motors' five-seater rickshaws combine ample space with efficient electric propulsion, making them ideal for urban commuting and passenger transport. Experience the convenience and sustainability of electric mobility with Syndicate Motors. Contact us today to learn more about purchasing your very own electric rickshaw and join the movement towards cleaner transportation options.