Batteries in electric vehicles weaken over time and need to be replaced at the end of their life cycle. While some of the components of such batteries can be reused, some of them are dangerous and end up polluting the environment. Now, a Bangalore-based startup has come up with a plan to make the most of these old batteries. German-Indian startup Nunam plans to use these batteries to power electric rickshaws. The project is funded by the Audi Environmental Foundation.
Initially, the company will use batteries from the Audi E-Tron to power a rickshaw, one of the company’s popular vehicles. With a road price of over 1 crore, the E-Tron is equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery with a range of over 400 km. Nunam is doing a test run on the battery.
“While these are old car batteries, they are very efficient and effective on rickshaws. That used battery can make a big difference. It can help a few people become financially self-reliant and get a job, which is also an environmentally friendly way,” he said. Nunam co-founder Prodeep Chatterjee.
While a 2.5-ton luxury Audi doesn’t need an old battery, it’s more than enough for a humble rickshaw. What is useful for a car is that it is light and can usually cover short distances. This is how a German luxury car battery gets a second life on an Indian rickshaw. Nunam, registered as a non-governmental organization, is expected to unveil its vehicle early next year. It also plans to provide rickshaws for women entrepreneurs. It also plans to add a solar charging system to enable emission-free charging and the ability to store solar power throughout the day.
Judging by the photos published by Nunam, the company plans to install the battery under the driver’s seat. In addition, cars are much more spacious than traditional rickshaws on our roads. The electric rickshaw comes in matte black and grey. There is orange and black trim near the wheels and under the driver’s seat.