[Aditya]

ETI Dynamics has unveiled a prototype solar-electric two-wheeler. This vehicle is a scooter that has a canopy of bendable solar panel. The prototype is among several other adaptations of the technology such as auto-rickshaws, buses, golf-carts, shuttle that the company plans to launch in the next 12 months.



According to ETI Dynamics, the scooter can charge on the go. It can travel for more than 50 km on a single charge and has a top speed of 45 kph. It has a weather proof design and is light. The addition of solar panel is said to increases the distance it is able to travel by 15-20%.

ETI Dynamics will initiate pilots in 5-6 cities in India in the coming months. the company said that it is working with a range of vehicle manufacturers and engineering institutions to bring prototypes to the road. It is also creating a number of mobile phone applications that will help consumers locate charging stations, make payments, monitor battery performance etc.

[sreedotk]

Wouldn't this bike be a Handling nightmare with its top heavy look. The frame looks like steel and should weigh atleast a few couple of kilos.

Though it looks like a really basic prototype taking on BMW C1 aspirations , I am not very sure if a wind gust in the wrong direction could topple or negatively impact the ride.

The first image that comes to mind seeing the present iteration is Scooter "Kavadi"

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by sreedotk

Wouldn't this bike be a Handling nightmare with its top heavy look. The frame looks like steel and should weigh at least a few couple of kilos.

I am not very sure if a wind gust in the wrong direction could topple or negatively impact the ride.

Appreciate your point sreedotk. Gust of the wind can be difficult to handle, IMO. Stone or any other object falling on the solar panel is also a threat.

The solar panel can also be damaged if the bike slips and falls on its side.

Inspite of this, I appreciate the efforts of eti dynamics and their concept to come out with a hybrid that can be charged on-the-go.

[mvadg]

This is what gives 'jugaad' a bad connotation. Seems like they never bothered to take it on a test drive themselves. As sreedotk has pointed out, it seems terribly unstable and likely to self-destruct in an ordinary fall.

A 15% to 20% increase in range? Seems like some 'innovative' statistics.
My guess is that if it were parked for a week in the sun, with everything set up to produce the maximum energy, with the battery at the right state of charge to receive it and driven with almost none of it dissipated before the drive as loss, then MAYBE!

Hoping to see Zero motorcycles in India. That should set the right kind of expectations.

[GTO]

Guys,

Don't focus on just the 2-wheeler. It's merely one showcase of the kit that the company is developing. The roof-mounted solar panel won't have as many issues on rickshaws, buses & shuttles.

[Sutripta]

They could just mention the relevant metrics. Like Watts/ sq M, and Watts/ Rupee. In my mind, these stunts detract, rather than add to the companies image.

Hybrid? Where?

Regards
Sutripta