 "e-rickshaw")
New Delhi-based Urja Global Ltd launched a solar powered e-rickshaw named 'Urja Rath' with its state-of-art Make in India module, charge controllers and batteries on World Environment Day on Monday.
Engaged in the development and operationalisation of non-renewable and renewable energy, the company is consistently initiating efforts to reduce carbon emissions and had always been a vivid supporter of clean and green energy.
Urja envisions commercializing the vehicle, which will be cheaper by about Rs 18,000-20,000 than other e-rickshaws in the market. When sunlight falls on the Urja modules installed on the roof of the rickshaw, direct current (DC) energy is generated, which then charges the battery through the smart Urja charge controller.
Charging can take place while the vehicle is waiting at a traffic signal or is in parking mode. A vehicle can also be charged while it is in motion. It has multiple benefits such as reduced starting load on batteries and saving in deep discharge, which automatically increases battery life. The 'Urja Rath' can also be charged at night with a separate solar charging station.
"While on the subject, it is pertinent to mention that after the commercialization of the 'Urja Rath', our order book would exponentially increase due to high demand in rural India, simultaneously contributing towards the mission of our prime minister," said the company in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Urja is engaged in design, consultancy, integration, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of off-grid and grid connected solar power plants. The company's products include solar water heater, industrial battery range, solar light-emitting diode street light, solar photovoltaics panels, solar roof top system, solar mini home light, solar lantern, solar power pack system and solar battery.
It has two hydro power projects aggregating approximately 450 megawatts (Mw) in north eastern states of India. It has approximately 200 Mw thermal power project In Jharkhand.
The solar projects include Haryana Project, Gujarat Project, Rajasthan Project and Andhra Pradesh Project. Its wholly owned subsidiary is Urja Batteries Ltd, which is a battery manufacturer in India that specializes in lead acid batteries for industrial, solar and standby power solutions.
