Mysuru: Increased air pollution, hike in fuel price, easy government norms and subsidy boost demand for electrical vehicles (EV) nowadays. But the cost of EVs is more when compared to conventional vehicles.
A team of budding electrical engineers of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE) in the city designed cost effective electric vehicle for the cause of green environment. The team included students Nanditha J, Shwetha R and Saima Zulfa with support of Guide Dr Gopala Reddy K and Co-guide Prof H K Pooja developed the EV. Former mayor P Vishwanath the secretary of Vidyavardhaka Sangha took a test drive on the campus.
A cost-effective car is designed by using four 12V lead acid batteries, a BLDC motor with capacity of 3000 rpm one kw and 48 volts. The car has driver controller, auxiliary unit, steering seat, shock absorber, wheels and pedals along with fabrication materials. Students explained that the main focus was on battery technology for optimal performances like mileage, weight ratios etc.,
At the start, the battery needs to be charged for 30 to 40 minutes, which requires just half unit of power. Speaking to this reporter Dr Gopala Reddy said that if a higher capacity battery is used then probably the charging time will reduce even more. So, the output of the battery is connected to the driver controller to obtain voltage for the requirement of speed.
He said the they planned to fix flexible solar panels to car in future so the batteries would be charged automatically. The electric vehicle once charged can go up to a 60 km with top speed of 50KMPH. He said the overall weight of the vehicle is just 135 kgs. He said this is prototype single seater car costs just Rs 65-70 thousand. He said the team would design four-seater solar panel car shortly which would cost 1.4 to 1.5 lakhs. He said the concept is to provide a EV to middle class people who could not afford to buy car.
