Solar-E-Cycles, Empowering People Project 2014–2019

Abstract

Globally, access to reliable and clean transportation vehicles is a growing concern. Using off-the-shelf components, researchers in Morocco and Kenya have developed a solar-powered tricycle called the “Solar-E-Cycle.” The tricycle has the potential to support the demand for mobility and electric power of the growing African population. A fully solar powered vehicle/generator for commuting and light cargo transportation as a source of electricity in the home is technically feasible and would respond to real user needs, impact the lives of many of people living in off-grid communities in Africa. Incorporating renewable energy powered transportation methods could be a significant contribution to avoiding CO2 emissions in the future. The prototypes for this product have proven that a solar vehicle could easily be a practical transportation device with a daily range of 50 km per day and cost about 1000$ with an 18 month payback in a paygo business model. However, a test drive across 600 km identified valuable avenues for improvements, such as improved component selection and durable frame design that are needed for this product to be usable on a commercialized scale. Vehicles such as the one discussed in this paper could provide additional benefits such as power generation and provide infrastructure support for health, education, water and communication. In addition, a concept of a large-scale viable business, distribution and rapid deployment model is taking shape using proven pay-as-you-go approach that has generated 8 million customers within 5 years in the similar Solar Home System market in East Africa, expected to reach $12bn by 2030. The Solar E-Cycle is an innovation with the caliber of an iPhone, UBER or AirBnB. Surprisingly, it has not yet attracted Venture capitalists.