An electric car invented by a student runs at just 20 paise a kilometer
The electric car (EV) is a relatively new concept in the world of the automotive industry. Although some companies have based their entire model of cars around being proactive and using electricity, some also offer hybrid vehicles that work off both electricity and gas. An electric car such as Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric or Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Volt is a great way for you to not only save money, but also help contribute towards a healthy and stable environment.
Cars produce a lot of carbon emissions that are ejected into our natural atmosphere, leaving us vulnerable to things like pollution and greenhouse gases. In order to help positively the environment we live in, an electric car is a great step forward. By buying an electric car, you can also receive government subsidies for being environmentally conscious. Although you may end up paying more for your vehicle, the positives greatly overshadow the negatives.
Eco-Friendly Electric Car
A PESCE (P.E.S. College of Engineering, Mandya) student has designed an affordable and eco-friendly electric car that runs at just 20 paise a kilometer. K T Prakash, a final year automobile engineering student, was driven to invent this car because of the urgent need to reduce pollution and save scant resources like petrol. Prakash put his heart and soul into making the IndoElectra, which he says can be made available for just Rs 76,000.
Prakash poses with IndoElectra (Image credit: New Indian Express)
Although he worked independently on the project, with no financial assistance from anyone, Prakash gives full credit to the faculty members of the automobile engineering branch, to his parents and friends who encouraged him and stood by him through the process.
The IndoElectra can seat two people and is light in weight. It runs on an electric motor of 200 watts and has a battery of 12 volts. The car has expanding internal brakes and an independent suspension at the front and the rear. A tubular chassis connects the front and the rear suspension areas.
The car can reach a maximum speed of 42 km an hour with a 160kg payload on level roads. When fully charged, it can run up to 50 km. Electric power costs around Rs 10 for a single charge of the battery (three units). The car is easy to drive because of the absence of a gear-shifting mechanism. And the lightness and smaller size of the car makes it easy to drive on city roads.
Unlike other cars which emit tailpipe pollutants like carbon-monoxide, greenhouse gases, hydrocarbons and sulphur-dioxide, this car has no emissions. To upgrade the car, Prakash is working on a hydraulic operating system and a more effective braking system. He is also working to spruce up the interiors to increase passenger comfort.
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