IIT-Kharagpur Has Developed A Made-In-India Electric Auto

It is well-known that IITs across the country have constantly come up with ground-breaking solutions. Most of these solutions are the first of their kinds, but with this new electric three-wheeler called Deshla, it is an improved version of the already existing technologies. Keeping the “Make in India” challenge in their minds, a team consists of professors and students from IIT-Kharagpur recently developed an electric three-wheeler prototype. Considered a next-gen electric auto, the three-wheeler is an attempt of the team to improve the totos and autos running on the Indian roads.

To make Deshla a better choice, the team put their focuses on several aspects. First, instead of using a lead-acid battery which is normally used in totos, the team went for a lithium-ion battery. Although the batteries cost more at first, they don’t require to be replaced every 9 to 10 months, which is more cost-effective.

According to the team, the batteries offer a uniform power delivery. So when compared them with the lead-acid batteries, they are more efficient.

A better battery output means a bigger electric motor. The Deshla uses a 3.5kW motor to have more speed and torque. The IIT team claims that Desla’s maximum speed is 50kmph.

Other features include using individual suspensions for the wheels, similar to cars so that it could provide a stable ride.

The autos’ standard handlebars were also replaced with a steering wheel, which is said to prevent handlebar’s accidental turning on bad roads. For braking, the team went for hydraulic ones.

It’s worth noting that the Deshla is absolutely indigenous with all of its parts from the embedded electronics subsystems including BMS, Motor Controller, Battery Charger, 3D Cellular connectivity modules to the vehicle's parts have been created by the team. This means that it will be easier to replace the damaged parts. The service will also be better.

A recent IIT Kharagpur’s report suggests that it was the Institute’s Electric Vehicle Group which designed and built the Desla. The vehicle was actually a brain-child of alumni, Bijoy Chatterjee around 3 years ago. From then, around 40 students have taken part in its development.

Purnendu Chatterjee, another IIT Alumni, was the project’s funder. Rs 46 lakhs have been put in the project.

The team feels optimistic now as Desla’s prototype has hit the roads and is now searching for angel investors.