REACT (Renewable Energy Access for the Conversion of Tuk-tuks)

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£1,273,645

March 31, 2023

June 30, 2024

This project aims to develop innovative technologies and business models that together will improve energy access to hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan three-wheel tuk-tuk drivers. Tuk-tuk-drivers -- male and female - rely on their vehicles as an important source of income but currently lack access to energy which is affordable, reliable and carbon free. The project will convert internal combustion engine tuk-tuks to electricity and power them with solar energy.

Tuk-tuks are the main light transport method in Sri Lanka - there are over 1.2 million tuk-tuks in the country which generate considerable air pollution. The vast majority of these vehicles are powered by out-of-date two or four stroke petrol engines. In addition, the recent fuel price rises and severe supply instability has affected the tuktuk drivers' community who are subsisting on low-incomes.

We estimate that the cost of conversion can be recovered within 1-2 years by the saving from fossil fuel costs. To maximise the environmental impact, the e-tuk-tuks will be charged by electricity generated from solar power, which is renewable, zero emissions, cheap and reliable. A battery subscription scheme will be introduced and evaluated which means the drivers will not pay for the battery pack which is the most expensive component of the conversion. An affordable subscription fee will be charged to the driver for using the battery who will be able to swap their discharged battery packs for fully charged batteries at our charge stations. The battery subscription scheme has several advantages: it will make the entire e-tuk-tuk conversion scheme more affordable, and it will also maximise the renewable energy utilisation as the batteries will all be charged at the solar power station. The business model of the battery subscription scheme will also be carefully evaluate using the data collected from the trial operation during the project.

The Technology lead for the project is an industrial firm, Alta Vison (Pvt) Ltd (AVL) who have a rich experience in renewable energy system installation and operation, and energy storage system development. They are supported by two academic partners with sound track records and knowledge in mechanical and electric system design, electric and hybrid vehicle research and development. The team has both a strong technological and business background, as well as good understanding of the local market and the policy landscape in Sri Lanka. A future exploitation plan will also be developed during the project.