Project Description

The increasing awareness of environmental protection is a real impetus to develop green transportation systems in order to reduce pollution and CO2 emission for better air quality. In this context, as the largest producer and consumer of two-wheeler across the globe, India faces a sustainable challenge today in the development of compact low-cost e-scooter with fast charging and high life cycle. There is also a constant pressure from environmental groups to phase out scooters with wheel hub motor that are not adapted for the diverse road conditions and climate conditions in India. The aim of this project is to design and develop a reliable, low-cost e-scooter with a compact BLDC motor developed in house using a simple fused deposited moulding (FDM) 3D printer with additively-manufactured compact chassis and intelligently integrated controller unit for fast charging cycle. This project will be delivered by an international team of two Indian academic institutions (Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore; and National Institute of Technology, Trichy) and UK university (Glasgow Caledonian University) with an industry partner (Dorle Controls) and two start-up companies (Wattz Automotive and Power Integrated Solutions) with complementary expertise in the various design aspect of the e-scooter. Industry partners and start-up companies are the manufacturers of electric vehicles including motors and integrated systems. VIT will lead the project with responsibilities for building smart e-scooter. UK partner will bring extensive experience of smart control unit integration, fast-charging characteristics and renewable energy criteria. Additionally, the UK and industrial partners will contribute towards the development of an industrially oriented undergraduate teaching and research programs in India.