Comparative Study between Conventional and Converted Electric Tricycle

In the Philippines, tricycles are the most popular short-distance mode of transportation, and they are considered one of the major sources of air and noise pollution. Shifting to an electric tricycle (e-Trike) is seen as the solution, but it is hindered due to its high investment cost. One way to reduce the investment cost while having the benefit of an e-Trike is by converting the conventional tricycle to an electric tricycle (c-Trike). This study compares the performance and economic potential of conventional tricycles with the c-Trike. Mileage efficiency, climbing ability, and emissions are the factors considered in comparing these tricycles. The c-Trike has a better mileage efficiency of around 268 and 365% compared with 4- and 2- stroke counterparts, respectively. Climbing ability is tested considering different loads on the sloped roads available within Tuguegarao City. Due to the absence of a transmission, the c-Trike can only climb a 13-degree sloped road at a maximum load of 250 kg, compared to the 300 kg of the conventional tricycle, which limits its application to relatively flat terrain areas. The c-Trike emits half and a third less CO2 than the 2- and 4-stroke counterparts, respectively. Converting all 2-stroke units to c-Trike in Tuguegarao City will result in yearly environmental savings of around 16,000 tons of CO2. Economic analysis performed shows that the c-Trike is more economically feasible – having a 242.38% rate of investment (ROI), an 877,748.16 net present value (NPV), and a 0.41 payback period compared to 241.29%, 708,761.96, and 0.41 for conventional tricycles. The result of the study provides valuable input for the TODA operators, especially those with 2-stroke units, on which option is the most feasible as they are mandated to upgrade their tricycles. This could also be useful information for lawmakers in drafting legislation and policies supporting transportation modernization.