Electric rickshaws, known as electric tuk-tuks, e-rickshaws, or e-tricycles, are not new. Originally, rickshaws were two- or three-wheeled passenger carts that one person would pull on the road. But they've come a long way since 1879 (when the term was allegedly first used). Modern innovations reached even this small transportation means.

The pulled rickshaws were quickly developed into auto rickshaws or 3-wheeled vehicles powered by standard (though smaller) combustion engines. These were and still are quite popular in some parts of the world, but the rising concern about carbon emissions prompted companies to switch to electric versions.

Electric rickshaws plan to continue to deliver the practicality of small vehicles for everyday tasks while reducing the impact on the environment. They usually pack electric motors from 650 to 1400 Watts and have grown in popularity in China and India because of the need for low-cost transport for daily chores.

The e-rickshaws have come to our attention recently, as Audi announced that its Environmental Foundation got engaged in a project with Nunam, a non-profit start-up from Germany and India, to electrify rickshaws with Audi e-Tron battery modules. How interesting is that? It seems India will get convenient e-rickshaws with the help of the world performance car of 2022.

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Audi E-Tron Battery Modules To Be Reused To Power Electric Rickshaws In India

The E-Rickshaw developed by Audi and Nunam.
Via: Audi Media Center

It feels a little odd to see the four rings at the front of an e-rickshaw, but in a good way. Not many would suppose Audi would get involved in the electrification of a cart-like vehicle, yet here we are, and the model actually looks good. Unfortunately, you probably won't get a chance to drive it anytime soon (if ever).

Audi has partnered with Nunam to bring e-rickshaws to India, and already three models have been made. The iconic German manufacturer provided Nunam with the used batteries from the test vehicles, particularly the e-Tron. Basically, the goal is to see how modules with high-voltage batteries can be reused after a full lifespan in road-going cars. But we'll talk about this in more detail later on.

The E-Rickshaw on the road in India.
Via: Audi Media Center

Now, it's essential to note that the Audi Environmental Foundation funded Nunam to help the cause of "reusing e-waste." Truth to be told, we like this "recycle and reuse everything you can" philosophy. We also like that these e-rickshaws are set to ease the process of daily transportation of goods for people in India. Nunam's co-founder Prodip Chatterjee stated in the Audi press release:

“The old batteries are still extremely powerful. When used appropriately, second-life batteries can have a huge impact, helping people in challenging life situations earn an income and gain economic independence – everything in a sustainable way.”

The e-rickshaws are expected to arrive in India at the beginning of 2023. Yes, we're sad about them not being available globally. But attendees of the Greentech Festival in Berlin will get a chance to check out this unique vehicle from June 22.

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The E-Rickshaws Are Eco-Efficient, Thanks To Their Powertrain And Design

A closer look at the Audi and Nunam E-Rickshaw.
Via: Audi Media Center

These are not the first electric rickshaws, so what makes them so special, you may ask? Well, the fact that the batteries are reused from full-size vehicles. Electric rickshaws often use lead-acid batteries, which don't last for too long nor are usually disposed of properly.

On the contrary, Nunam reuses high-energy-density batteries (in this case from the Audi e-Tron), so the waste is minimal. Since rickshaw drivers don't travel fast or far, the power of these batteries proves sufficient. Plus, the rickshaws are designed to be lightweight and easy to power up.

But how exactly do these vehicles charge up? Electric vehicles in India get their power from the public grid electricity, which relies on coal. Nunam resolved this environmental issue by making the e-rickshaws charge on solar stations. During the day, the vehicles use the sun, and in the evening, the power gets passed to them through stationary batteries. Neat, right?

The design of the E-Rickshaw.
Via: Audi Media Center

We also love that Nunam suggests batteries from an Audi e-Tron (or any other EV) don't necessarily need to go to waste after they get used for the second time in the e-rickshaws. The start-up proposes for these batteries to be used a third time for stationary applications such as LED lighting. This way, they can be fully utilized before recycling.

This interesting project should help reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels in the long term, which is good news for the environment. As Audi is involved in the project, the e-rickshaws should also bring some of the brand's spirit to the road and help drivers in India through the improved driving range, charging time, and design.

We can't say more about this project until it reaches its goal, or we test out the Audi & Nunam e-rickshaw in question. Although the latter seems to be harder to achieve, we'll keep our hopes up.