Pathak says project aligns with mission for sustainable development
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles is central to India’s vision of achieving sustainable mobility and reducing its carbon footprint, however, a key challenge lies in transitioning the existing fleet of combustion engine vehicles to electric alternatives without incurring exorbitant costs.
To manage this challenge, the Ministry of Science & Technology has announced its financial support for Electromotion E-Vidyut Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to develop and commercialize “RetroKit™: Electric Retrofitment Kits for Combustion Engine Vehicles.”
The Ministry said that Technology Development Board-Department of Science and Technology (TDB-DST) are to jointly support Electromotion E-Vidyut Vehicles in Pioneering Electric Retrofitment Solutions for Autorickshaws.
Electromotion E-Vidyut Vehicles’ flagship product, RetroKit™, is a cutting-edge retrofitment solution designed to convert Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) autorickshaws to electric.
The system has successfully passed rigorous testing by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.
A start-up incubated in Raipur, that has emerged from the Smart India Hackathon 2017, the company specializes in innovative automotive technologies, focusing on electric vehicle advancements.
The RetroKit™ offers a host of benefits that promise to revolutionize the autorickshaw segment:
Economic Transformation: Conversion to electric can increase drivers’ daily income by up to 51%, thanks to reduced maintenance costs and the elimination of fossil fuel expenses.
Environmental Impact: Each conversion reduces annual CO2 emissions by approximately 3,000 kg, equivalent to planting 21 trees.
Comprehensive Compatibility: Designed for 3-wheeler autorickshaws older than five years, the kit ensures adaptability across various makes and models https://www.makeinindia.com/home/.
Superior Performance: With a top speed of 50 km/h and excellent gradeability, RetroKit™ ensures optimal functionality even under overloading conditions.
The RetroKit™ 3W system includes:
Modular Gearbox Assembly
Gearbox Mounts and Motor Mount
Digital Dashboard with Driver Information System
Auxiliary Signal Adapter
Power Distribution and Protection System
RetroKit™ Diagnostix for retrofitment validation.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak highlighted the project’s alignment with the government’s mission for sustainable development, stating, “RetroKit™ by Electromotion E-Vidyut is a revolutionary innovation that addresses a critical challenge in India’s journey towards sustainable mobility.
“By empowering autorickshaw drivers and reducing vehicular emissions, this project epitomizes the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat and showcases the transformative potential of indigenous technologiesto uplift even the most underserved communities, embodying the vision of ‘Antyodaya’—empowering the last mile,” he said on 10 Jan.
The company, having completed over 10,000 kilometers of successful on-road testing, says the project is poised to redefine urban and rural commuting by making electric mobility affordable and accessible for millions.
“Electromotion E-Vidyut Vehicles exemplifies India’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future through innovation and self-reliance,” added the Ministry. Fiinews.com
