Zero Pollution Vehicles Travel the Streets in India
Every year, people complain about how hot it is in the summer. "It wasn't this hot last year," they say. Is that true or are their memories softened by time? Most scientists do believe the earth is warming. Many of them, along with governments, NGOs and concerned citizens, are meeting in Moscow on September 29 through October 3, 2003, for the World Climate Change Conference. Those attending plan to focus on the root causes of climate change from a scientific standpoint.

The world's mega-cities will not be overlooked. They are major contributors to the pollution causing much of the warming trend in climate change. Asia houses 12 of the world's 17 largest cities. In those cities, the concentrations of pollutants in the air are two to five times higher than international guidelines.

Two REVA cars circle the pond in front of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Photo: USAID India

India alone has three of the world's ten most polluted cities: Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. For the millions of Indians who live in the cities, pollution is a grave health risk as well as a danger to the environment. India grows the equivalent of another New York City every year in its urban population. About one third of those living in cities live in slums or squatter communities.

For the urban poor, life is extremely difficult. Poor sanitation, little clean water, increased risk of accidents and crime, polluted air and other related conditions pose serious dangers to their health. In Asia, 1.5 million people die prematurely each year from respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related causes.

The Indian government, NGOs and the private sector have banded together with USAID to fight the pollution threatening their environment, economy and health. The transportation industry is one major target of their work. In addition to improving emissions from buses and other public vehicles, USAID has embarked on an ambitious plan to promote alternative types of transport.

One, the rickshaw, has long been a common sight in Indian cities, ferrying people between locations on small and large streets. However, the model that was being used was outdated and heavy, making it hard to peddle and maneuver in crowded city streets. USAID supported the development of six prototypes of modern rickshaws. Three are now being commercially produced. These new rickshaws are 34 kg. lighter than the old version, making them much easier for the cyclists to peddle. They also have more comfortable seats and better protection from the sun and rain, so the passengers are happier too. Thousands of these new models now can be seen plying the streets of New Delhi, as well as in and around the City of Agra, near the world famous Taj Mahal.

Pizza Hut is conducting a trial run of the zero-pollution scooters for pizza delivery. Photo: USAID India

Other types of alternative transportation USAID has invested in include electric two-wheel scooters, electric three-wheel auto rickshaws (Eco-Ricks) and a small electric car called REVA. USAID played an important role by forging partnerships between Indian and U.S. companies, facilitating start-up loans to promote commercialization of the technology and field testing the vehicles. The business partnerships brought together new technologies, and the loans helped mitigate the risk of investing in them. Pizza Hut is testing the electric scooters for delivering pizzas to hungry customers in New Delhi, and the Hotel Mughal Sheraton has been using the Eco-Rick to ferry passengers to and from the Taj Mahal. Encouraged by the results of the successful demo phase, Bajaj Auto is interested in producing Eco-Rick commercially and plans to manufacture 1,200 vehicles as a pilot over the next twelve months.

The REVA electric car is another success story. It is battery-driven and generates no pollution during operation. Under normal conditions, its battery has a life span of about 40,000 km, which is the equivalent of three to four years of city driving. It can be driven for 80 km on a single charge. The REVA is being commercially marketed, with export orders coming in from Nepal and Britain. More about the REVA Electric Car

As these vehicles gain in popularity, other public-private partnerships may be encouraged, prompting additional steps towards cleaner cities and healthier people in India and the world over. Improved bicycle rickshaws and electric vehicles are small, but significant, contributions towards a cleaner global environment.

Date: 2004