Mangaluru: Karnataka National Technology Institute, (NITK) Surahkal, has designed an e-vehicle ‘Vidhyug 4.0’, a one-stop solution for all commuter needs in Kudremukh National Park under the Kudremukh (KWD) wildlife division.
The bicycle was launched in Shola Utsav, a workshop on Shoas of Karnataka conservation, which was held by KWD on Wednesday.
The Institute has collaborated with KWD to design electronic vehicles that will help forest personnel while patrolling or reaching places quickly if an emergency occurs.
The total cost of the e-bike forest is around RS 1.5 lakh and funded by NITK and alumni.
Mass production can reduce bicycle costs up to RS 1 lakh.
“The purpose of this special relationship is to empower personnel with e-mobility to travel around forest areas,” said KV Gangadharan, Coordinator, System Design Center (CSD), Nitk Kapaykal.
He said the forest e-bike was powered by a 2k watt bldc motorbike, 72 volts of the lithium-ion battery.
Batteries can also be charged using solar power.
Charging Solar charging includes two 400W mono-crystal solar panels and 1.5kw UPS units for charging.
Charging time is usually 3-4 hours.
Fast charging is possible in 10 amps.
Pruthviraj U, Assistant Professor, who helped project together with other people said Vidyug 4.0 remained correct for renewable, green and sustainable and certainly in line with the expectations of being an e-bike that was unique to use in rough jungle fields.
Surya Charging Stations are a necessity within the national park area near anti-hunting camps and watches because there will be no access to other resources to charge the battery.
The unique feature of a bicycle is equipped with a removable headlights that functions as a torch.
This headlight includes a default battery and switch.
The headlights will be charged with a vehicle battery.
The bicycle front utility box can be used to store accessories for forest officials such as Walkie-Talkies and books.
It also has a charging dock power to charge a walkie-talkie and cellphone.
There are also provisions for carrying water to deep forest areas that are easily adjusted to dismantle Jerry Cans.