A Dutch company called the Tuk Tuk Factory (TTF) has now introduced electric Tuk-Tuks to the European market.
Electrifying ride
Having had problems meeting the stringent pollution controls in Europe with the standard gasoline engines, the answer was battery power. “We took the biggest battery we could possibly imagine as a starting point, and then designed the vehicle around that battery,” said chief designer Dennis Harte. “A 15 kWh lead acid battery drives the silent and maintenance free AC motor. The chassis has been designed to carry the 400 kilos battery.”
TTF state that the Tuk-Tuks should have a range of 70 to 80 kilometers of average city use on one charge. Recharging takes 10 to 12 hours, although an optional quicker-charging Lithium battery is also available. The three-seat and cargo models are powered by a 72 V motor for a top speed of 50 km/h, while the stretched 6-seater can accomplish 35 km/h.
With estimated prices €11,000 to €14,000, this makes them a quite expensive and slow alternative to other electric vehicles. Somehow, I cannot see these catching on.
