The German–Indian start up Nunam is bringing three electric rickshaws to the roads of India. They are powered by used batteries taken from test vehicles in the Audi e-tron test fleet. The e-rickshaws are powered by used battery modules that spent their first life in an Audi e-tron.
When used appropriately, second-life batteries can have a huge impact, helping people in challenging life situations earn an income and gain economic independence, everything in a sustainable way.
The start-up’s primary goal is to develop ways to use old batteries as second-life power storage systems, thus both extending their lives and using resources more efficiently.
The aim of the project is to explore how modules made with high-voltage batteries can be reused after their car life cycle and become a viable second-life use case.
The project also aims to strengthen job opportunities for women in India in particular: They will be provided with the e-rickshaws to transport their goods.
The e-rickshaws powered by second-life batteries are scheduled to hit the roads in India for the first time in a pilot project in early 2023. There they will be made available to a non-profit organization.
Women in particular will be able to use the all-electric rickshaws to transport their goods to market for sale, all without the need for intermediaries.
The e-rickshaws are powered by used battery modules that spent their first life in an Audi e-tron. When used appropriately, second-life batteries can have a huge impact, helping people in challenging life situations earn an income and gain economic independence, everything in a sustainable way.
At the same time, rickshaw drivers charge their vehicles primarily with public grid electricity, which has a high proportion of coal-fired power in India. Nunam has a solution for this as well: The e-rickshaws charge using power from solar charging stations.
The solar panels are located on the roofs of the local partner’s premises. During the day, sunlight charges an e-tron battery, which acts a buffer storage unit. And in the evening, the power is passed on to the rickshaws. This approach makes local driving largely carbon-free.
The non-profit start-up based in Berlin and Bangalore is funded by the Audi Environmental Foundation. Nunam developed the three prototypes in collaboration with the training team at Audi’s Neckarsulm site, which in turn benefits from the intensive intercultural exchange.
This is the first joint project between both AUDI AG and the Audi Environmental Foundation in addition to Nunam.
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