ABB’s solar charging tech to charge e-rickshaws in Jabalpur

Sweden-based technology conglomerate ABB India is to provide its solar inverter technology for powering e-rickshaw charging stations at four locations in Jabalpur.

Using solar renewable energy, the panels at the charging station generate direct current (DC) energy, while the inverters convert DC power to alternate current (AC) used in charging the e-rickshaws. The solar powered charging stations are part of a renewable energy project initiated by the Jabalpur Smart City Corporation.

The solar panels are also connected to the state grid to feed in additional power generated through net metering. The inverters are also equipped with Wifi connectivity for remote monitoring and centralised billing provisions in the future. It says that Jabalpur currently has around 400 licensed e-rickshaws plying in the city.

ABB India estimates that currently conventional rickshaws emit at least 46 tons of CO2 per day in the city. It says the project is one of the first of its kind in the country, demonstrating green generation and green usage. The charging stations are capable of generating 50 kilowatts of electricity, can charge four e-rickshaws simultaneously, taking between 7 to 8 hours for a full recharge and enabling the vehicle to travel 100 to 150 kilometres.

“We are privileged to partner Jabalpur’s journey in pollution-free and environment-friendly transportation with ABB’s market-leading charging technology for these e-rickshaws. Such pilot projects are key to creating a wider eco-system of clean energy generation and consumption and realising India’s vision of 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022,” said Sanjeev Sharma, MD, ABB India.

“It is an important step that this project has been included as part of the Smart City Mission, as this will aid faster deployment of such technology and also ultimately different modes of EVs and charging infrastructure can be explored with the required urban planning and development,” he added.

“We are creating renewable-based infrastructure for the e-rickshaws at nine locations throughout the city. For this project we generate solar power, some of which is fed back to the grid,” said Sachin Vishvakarma, CEO, Jabalpur City Transport Services.

The rickshaw owner’s price for recharging from the grid would be Rs 40-50, compared with Rs 30 from the solar charging station, said Vishwakarma.