Solar autos to hit roads in Kakinada soon

Kakinada: The solar autos being manufactured by a private firm of Benguluru is expected to cater to the needs of public for their local transport needs. These autos which can accommodate three passengers and driver (total four) are expected to boon for environment with zero pollution.

The auto was brought to East Godavari Collectorate on Wednesday evening and kept there for public view to have first-hand information and knowledge on the working of auto and the distance it can cover without break.

According NREDCAP (New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP) East Godavari District Manager G Satyanarayana, the auto costs Rs 1.71 lakh with 6 KV capacities. For each KV there is a subsidy by MNRE through its nodal agency NREDCAP at Rs 10,000. This provides Rs 60,000 in total and the auto costs at Rs 1.21 lakh minus the subsidy Rs 60,000.

The auto covers 150 kms non-stop per day. After six in the evening, the auto can cover 40 kilometers on battery backup The solar pans are installed on top side on the cabin. The auto consists of 60 volts battery with 180 AH.

The weight of the battery is 55 kilos. The maintenance costs according to DM are very low and almost negligible. The MNRE approved this vehicle, the DM said on Thursday for public transport.