‘Electric wheels’ will power our future

Depleting fossil fuel reserves and rising fuel prices and pollution levels. Enough reasons for ACTD, Bangalore, to come up with an innovative solution to merge green initiatives with automotive transport.

ACTD’s GO GREEN Initiative began in 2007 with an aim to reduce the national carbon footprint. Go Green Battery Operated Vehicle (Go Green BOV) is an electric two-wheeler that provides consumers with a greener and energy-efficient mode of transport.

Dhivik A Reddy, executive director, Go Green BOV, believes it’s time to join hands to “go green and be a part of the revolution.” “Transition is the calling of the future. People need to educate themselves about a sustainable greener lifestyle. An initiative like this will lend a helping hand and reduce pollution,” says Reddy.

Battery-operated vehicles that draw power from the electric grid and zero investment in fuel appeals to all age groups. With simple mechanics, low maintenance, sleek and light body, maximum comfort, non-polluting and emitting little or no noise, BOV seeks to strive for a better planet.

“Electric vehicles have made their presence felt in 30-odd countries. Besides being money-saving and stylish, these vehicles have shown persistence and sustainability. These models have variants, which with minimum usage of electricity can run up to 50-100km,” says Reddy.

The BOV has two variants — PHEV and HEV. “The PHEVs are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that need an external plug-ins and HEVs are hybrid electric vehicles whose motor complements the generator that charges the vehicle,” Reddy elucidates.

Two-wheelers at Go Green BOV undergo a consistent redesigning procedure, thereby providing maximum profit and minimum emissions. Working with the latest technology, Go Green BOV is a venture that chooses alternative energy sources that can ensure minimised pollution, maximum profitability, a developed economy and a greener planet.

“We look forward to using technologies like super-capacitors (offers very high capacitance in a small package) and fuel cells (electrochemical cells that converts source fuel to electric current).We also are in favour of using renewable sources of energy like bio-gas, which is cheap and effective,” adds Reddy.

The vehicles work on a “cruise-control mechanism” that reduces physical strain and maximises efficiency. The vehicle maintains a particular speed without the rider’s control if accelerated for eight minutes.“We have been working on this Go Green initiative for four years. This venture has been conceptualised so that consumers to connect to the environment. Our target consumers are in the middle-class as they’re aware of the ground reality,” he adds.

But is the BOV affordable and does it match the tastes of both the youth and elederly? “Our BOVs appeal to the age groups from 12 years old to 80 years old as owning this vehicle means fewer hassles. There is no need for any registration or getting a license or number plates; it’s easy to ride as it does not have a clutch or gears. It renders complete customer satisfaction,” says Reddy.

Furthermore, among At Go Green BOV’s green initiatives, one of the most talked about is the “Plant a tree” initiative, where employees plant a sapling on every purchase of a BOV. “We practice what we preach: We have tie-ups with many NGOs in Bangalore. On behalf of every customer and every vehicle purchased, we plant a sapling,” says Reddy.

The company has also ventured into institutional sales. “We have ventured into selling our two-wheelers to courier companies as well. We have tried to convert all the TVS 50s into electric models so that they are economical and spacious so that the courier representatives to easily transport the load,” he adds.