Many of us plan road trips, undertake challenges that defy odds and which can be considered as epic. But one man from India has given travel goals that we can't help but envy. Naveen Rabelli, pictured, set off from Bengaluru, India in February to reach London, in his tuk-tuk, or auto rickshaw. But what makes this special is that the vehicle is powered entirely by electricity and solar power.
The 35-year-old engineer and his solar-powered tuk-tuk have arrived in Britain at the end of a 6,200-mile overland adventure. The automotive engineer reached Dover five days later than expected as his passport and wallet were stolen in Paris. He was issued with an emergency passport and crossed the Channel from Calais. The idea of converting a fuel-based tuk-tuk to renewable energy came about when Rabelli and a friend were stuck in traffic in India surrounded by noisy, polluting rickshaws.
Speaking about his journey Rabelli said “It was fantastic up until I got to Paris where from there I got some things stolen and two battery packs died. The highlights have been the way people have helped me out along the way and supported me. People love the tuk-tuk, particularly in Iran and many other countries. They come forward and take selfies. And the moment I tell them it doesn’t require petrol, their minds are blown.”
The retrofitted rickshaw is equipped with a brand new motor, battery and gearbox. The bright red vehicle - named Tejas, the Sanskrit word meaning splendour or brilliance - bears little resemblance to the diesel-fueled three-wheelers that fill India's roads. Weighing a tonne when fully loaded, its roof is made entirely from solar panels and cloth drapes protect its sides from the elements.
The eight-hour battery charge can carry the tuk-tuk less than 50 miles, while five hours' exposure to the sun allows the Tejas to go another 16 miles. The internal accommodation features a bed, passenger seat, solar-powered cooker and cupboard containing food donated by people.
Naveen started his trip in India before his tuk-tuk was shipped to Bandar Abbas, Iran. He then drove through Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France, before his ferry crossing to Dover.
You can find out more about Naveen’s epic journey on www.solartuktuk.com.
