Going Green & Clean! Robert D’souza is the Proud Owner of the FIRST Electric Auto-Rickshaw in City
Mangaluru: While everyone is trying to live in a Green and Clean environment, Mahindra has introduced Treo, a revolutionary new range of electric three wheelers (Auto-Rickshaws), which are powered by the most advanced Lithium-ion technology, and thus, Mahindra Treo is all set to change the world of three wheelers forever. Treo offers increased savings, superior ride quality and best-in-class comfort for drivers and passengers, along with zero emission technology, for a better tomorrow. This Superior Technology Budget Friendly Comfortable Ride Safety New Age Style Three-Wheeler features- Zero tail-pipe emission; Zero pollution and noiseless drive, making Treo environment friendly; Global battery technology; Zero maintenance, lithium-ion battery for more than 5 years of life; Cloud based mobility platform; Remote monitoring of range, speed, location and more for ‘Next Generation Mobility’ and efficient utilization of fleet; Quick charging; Regenerative braking system; among others.
And locally, Robert D’souza, aged 53, is the FIRST one to own the FIRST Mahindra Treo Electric Auto-Rickshaw, which he has operating since 30 January 2020. Robert hailing from Ullal, has so far not had any issues with this electric vehicle and he is happy to own one, which is eco-friendly and cost efficiency. While Treo auto-rickshaw costs around Rs 2.90 lakh, the present Bajaj/TVS auto-rickshaws cost around Rs 2.13 lakh. Speaking to Team Mangalorean about his new electric toy, Robert said, “The idea of buying this vehicle stuck me a year ago, when I was inn Bengaluru, where I saw a bunch of electric auto-rickshaws on the roads. When I found out that I could buy such a vehicle in Mangaluru, I quickly purchased one through Mahindra finance, at a price of Rs 2.90 lakhs. With insurance cost of Rs 9870, and digital fare meter at a cost of Rs 1600, I think it is a good decision that I made by investing on this unique 3-wheeler”.
” The weight of the vehicle is around 350 kg, and can carry a load of 400 kg, including passengers. The seating capacity is three plus one, and has a spacious leg room, where you can keep your luggage. When charged fully for about three hours, the vehicle can run between 125-130 kms, and the speed can’t exceed more than 45 kmph. Although the vehicle runs smoothly on level roads, but I have never faced any problems on hilly roads, since it climbs pretty good without any problems. I start my work from 7.30 am until 7.30 pm, and earn around Rs 800-900 per day, but even though it is less than what I used to make earlier, I am happy with this eco-friendly vehicle- and people who have traveled in my vehicle have given compliments and praised my efforts in going green for a healthy and safe environment” added Robert.
Robert has been driving auto-rickshaw for the last 28 years, and he is happy with his profession, where he has raised a family of three very happily. Married to Veena, who is employed at Yenepoya Hospital, his 21 year-old daughter, Miss Risha Ryna, has recently joined as a Air hostess for Indian Airlines, based at Bengaluru airport, and his 20-year-old son, Rovin is doing his Electrician course at St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute, Mangaluru. Even though there are no charging stations in the City at the moment, Robert sometimes uses the charging facility at Karnataka Agencies (Mahindra garage) at Jeppu-but most of the time he charges the vehicle battery at home, even though the charging time is slow.
While at present Robert who has been a inspiration and motivation force to other auto drivers to switch to electric autos, but they are waiting for more auto companies to come out with their models, and also more charging stations in the City. Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Laxman of Kavoor who has owned his auto rickshaw for ten years said, “I wouldn’t mind switching to electric vehicle since I have heard many good things about it, and also that it is good for the environment. But I will wait until few other companies produce their brands, and also service stations start charging corners. Seems like a very good initiative for a better and cleaner Mangaluru, which is now filed with pollution”.
With Auto-Rickshaw driver Robert D’souza being a role model to other auto drivers, in conclusion, in my perspective, perhaps this is the best and high time to have eco friendly e-rickshaws on our Mangaluru roads. We should promote more and more to have a greener earth. And these vehicles are also very passenger friendly which is a perfect combination for our roads. I think these E-rickshaws will make our roads better and safer! With thousands of present auto rickshaws plying on our streets, I think these eco-friendly electric rickshaws will perhaps be the biggest need on our roads to make the environment greener and avoid all kinds of pollution that is emitted by petrol or other diesel run vehicles.
After hearing the experiences of Robert driving the electric auto-rickshaw, I think these E-rickshaws are the future of public transport, with their unique and simple design and eco-friendly electric power, not to mention low running costs and upkeep. Cost effective and eco-friendly, these e-rickshaws are the perfect solution to any city’s public transportation fleet. These friendly electric vehicles can be an apt solution for promoting greener Earth and a healthier society undoubtedly. There should be more awareness programmes on these E-vehicles, so that the present or new drivers will go in for electric auto-rickshaws, keeping in mind the Clean and Green motto.
