Intrepid engineer visiting Manchester campus with solar-powered tuk-tuk
25 Nov 2016
An intrepid engineer who designed a solar powered tuk-tuk and drove it “half way round the world” from India to the UK will be visiting the University with his innovative machine
Paveen Rabelli will be bringing Tejas, his modified solar electric auto rickshaw, to the University on Monday, 28 November, when he will reveal more about his exciting transcontinental adventure.
“We’re delighted to welcome Naveen Rabelli and Tejas, the modified solar electric tuk-tuk, to The University of Manchester,” said event co-organiser Rosemary Skilbeck, from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
“Naveen has recently completed a seven-month long journey covering 10,000 km from India to the UK on a tuk-tuk powered solely by solar energy. He will be on campus to share his stories and showcase his innovative vehicle.”
Naveen has been invited to give his talk by the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in partnership with the IET (The Institution of Engineering and Technology).
Book your place
The talk will be in C9 Renold Building, on the University’s North Campus from 6pm, and attendees need to register:
Tejas was designed to raise awareness of sustainable modes of transport that are powered by renewable energy.
The self-modified vehicle features a bed, passenger seat, solar-powered cooker and cupboard used to store food that was donated by people along the route.
The original idea of converting a fuel-based tuk-tuk to renewable energy came about when Naveen and a friend were stuck in traffic in India surrounded by noisy, polluting tuk-tuks.
During his solar-powered odyssey from India to the UK, Naveen travelled across Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France.
Naveen had to apply for an emergency passport after a theft in Paris which took place when he parked to use a toilet.
Further information