Enviu would like to introduce you to one of our exciting new projects, The Hybrid Tuk Tuk.

Millions of tuk tuks pollute the air in large cities in Asia and Africa and produce large amounts of CO2. The drivers of these rickshaws constitute mainly the poorer groups in society who earn around two dollars per day. Making their auto-rickshaws hybrid through the use of an affordable upgrade system will mean not only 40-60% CO2 reduction and improved air quality, but also significant savings in fuel costs for the drivers. We estimate that their income can double (through savings on fuel costs) at current taxi tariffs (which are often regulated by law).  

The combined CO2 reduction of the millions of rickshaw drivers will be offered on the European market for carbon trade, or on the informal market through compensation organizations such as OCO2, Trees for Travel or Green Seat. This turnover can then be used to reduce the production costs. A win-win-win situation.Through this project Enviu aims to actively involve a large group of young entrepreneurial people in the development and introduction of a Hybrid tuk tuk upgrade kit through their study, work and free time.

Contact with local NGOs led to Enviu’s first exploratory studies in India. In January and April 2007 Enviu commissioned a four week field-research in the cities of Bangalore and Hyderabad which was carried out by five student researchers from the Symbeyond Research Group.

 This research is part of a larger project in which Enviu will concentrate on finding sustainable solutions for environmental and social issues in India.

Like the Sustainable Dance Club this project has worldwide potential but we will begin in the Netherlands and in India in light of the potential and existing contacts in these countries. In the coming months Enviu will continue to work on an integral plan for India and the Netherlands/India. In the coming months Enviu and the Symbeyond Research Group will continue to work on an integral plan for India and the Netherlands/India.

Get Involved and join our challenge! There are many opportunities to participate in this project. We are currently looking for:

• Project group team members

• Market concept developers

• Project management assistants

• Communication assistant

• Business case developers

• Students and interns to conduct market research and feasibility studies

• Students/volunteers with technical (alternative energy) and mobility backgrounds.

To find out more or apply for any of these positions please contact: Elmar Stroomer via elmar@enviu.org.

Also check out the Hybrid tuk tuk project page on the Enviu website.