A love story about the world’s first electronic TukTuk!

I want to tell you a story that begins in India about ten years ago. The story revolves around an American entrepreneur and a method of transport very familiar with pretty much everyone in the whole of Asia: the TukTuk!

Our American entrepreneur – let’s call him Adam Rice, as that’s his name - was struck by the challenges that faced the cities in Asia he often visited. Besides the typical issues of sanitation, housing and clean drinking water, he recognized that one of the biggest challenges facing cities like Mumbai and Bangkok was an effective means of transportation for its growing populations. And like most tourists and locals he loved the convenience of travelling around in a Tuk-Tuk. He then got thinking about the challenges in his own adopted country of Germany, and what lie ahead for the future. He realised that the TukTuk could solve many of the problems facing our increasingly crowded streets, but not in its current form, as however loveable, they are actually quite inefficient users of fuel and cause significant levels of air and noise pollution.  So what was the solution? 100% Electric motors of course! So fast forward a few years and we have the first eTukTuks hitting the streets of Europe.  Due to transportation regulations they are not (yet!) in use as taxis, instead they are used daily for tourism and special events. But they are an alternative way that the general public can experience first-hand the joys of electric driving and dispel all the myths. After one overnight charge the Tuk is good to drive for 85-100km depending on weather and driving conditions. Not bad eh. And before all the super-greenies out there start asking – yes the Tuks in Berlin are all powered by green electricity! In Germany we are lucky enough to be able to choose from four genuine providers of renewable, non-nuclear energy: Naturstrom, Lichtblick, Greenpeace Energy and EWS Schönau. 

In Berlin our eTukTuks are just one part of a transport revolution that seems to be taking place here at the moment. Carsharing schemes are really taking off and “cars-to-go” – even electric ones - can be found on every street corner. We also have a super public transport system and well-used cycle paths. However Berlin still isn’t meeting the EU standards on pollution despite laws requiring old cars to be removed from the roads and the creation of an “environmental zone” in the city centre.  So there is still a great deal of work to be done - which isn’t easy, especially when the German Chancellor is so influenced by the extremely strong German car lobby and exerts her power to weaken Europe-wide emissions targets. 

But meanwhile, back in happy 100% electric TukTuk land, we are doing the best we can do, to assist the long –overdue electric transportation revolution.

So where is the love story? Well, basically anyone who comes into contact with our eTuks falls INSTANTLY in love with them. They look great, sound great and smell great so what is not to love?  

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This is a guest post.


Katie Griggs is Operations Manager at eTukTuk Gmbh. She is also Campaign Director for 10:10 Deutschland.

Alternate energy, may not be alternate any more

In my usual scourging on the net regarding environmental issues, I came across an article of The Economist which is couple of months old nonetheless and as I read through it, it made it realize that the term we use "Alternate energy" may not be alternate any more.

When scientists were giving presentations, seminars about the need of shifting the use of fossil fuel into alternate fuels around the late 80s, it definitely took time for it pick up. Currently the use of solar and wind energy have increased significantly over the last 10 years, powering a small portion of national girds of many countries. Initially costs of these were quite high, and not preferred such an example would be of solar energy. The entire process of harnessing the Sun's energy and converting that into electricity was very expensive but now with prices coming down ( notable because of research, production costs coming down) , it has become a common household item.

Ok so as the article goes, solar and wind energy cannot be termed as alternate energy source anymore. Why? Its because as I mentioned, they are now powering major countries. Germany is now mostly dependent on solar and wind if not fully but with its nuclear programs being shut down by 2020, these two sources of energy will eventually become its main contributor of power.

Anyways read the article here.

Reason for businesses going green

When going green started out couple of years back, businesses were very reluctant not to go towards that. There was a myth that going green was a waste of money and just a business-killer. However over time becoming more environmental-friendly became an investment to companies in the long run.

I worked on some technical aspects on renovating businesses/industries into green industries in Dhaka and found certain things why it’s worth it:

When it came to energy auditing, generally the entire energy flow would be mapped. Then after mapping that, you know where you are losing extra energy. So if you plug that portion of energy down, you save energy. So what’s the benefit of saving energy? Firstly you spend less fuel (with fuel prices increasing, you would be definitely glad if fuel was saved), you save electricity are just some places where you save. However the strongest motivation is money, and trust me you save a lot of money. For businesses

Saving Money = Profits

Anyways I got an article from The Economist on as to why firms go green.

Link courtesy @Julika Niehaus- Global Campaign Manager at 10:10

An American setting an example

Mr. David Sandalow served in the State Department and at the National Security Council during the Clinton administration. Mr.Sandalow also have helped the Obama administration to up speed the development of electric cars and offer incentives for consumers and communities to begin taking steps to make transitions off conventional vehicles.

He travels on a Prius, which he converted to the latter models which allows you to plug it at an electric outlet and charges the battery. He fills his Prius will gasoline only once or twice a month. Just imagine the amount of CO2 emissions he saves!

Hats off and its great that officials like him are setting the example.

Get the full article here.

Top 10 Countries utilizing solar energy

As countries make strong decisions on cutting their CO2 emissions, I came across a list of the top 10 countries using solar power and to tell you the truth, its quite fantastic.

1. Germany (9,785 MW)
2. Spain (3,386 MW)
3. Japan (2,633 MW)
4. United States (1,650 MW)
5. Italy (1,167 MW)
6. Czech Republic (465 MW)
7. Belgium (363 MW)
8. China (305 MW)
9. France (272 MW)
10. India (120 MW)

Courtesy of 1bog.org

100 great Green tweets to follow

Becoming a Computer Technician, compiled a list of Green tweets. As I saw the under-ending list, I noticed that I only follow only a few of the tweets and came across some that I never heard off. Anyways if you follow green tweets then check this post out. Thanks to Carolyn Friedman for sending me the post.

Newspaper and orange peels could be future's clean fuel

A team of scientists have been researching on a new technique where orange peels and newspapers could be used to run your vehicles in the near future. Now it is based on the concept of bio-fuel like using these to produce ethanol as fuel. However the ethanol produced by food causes more CO2 emissions.

This technique not only reduces the CO2 emissions compared to ethanol but it would not require food-based products to produce it unlike bio-fuel. This will benefit cause there are no chances of global food shortages or spiraling food costs.Food-based products are not used for this process such as sugarcane, corn, starch etc. It basically reuses waste products. Although research is still been done to verify the findings.

Truly unbelievable: Ferarri will add a hybrid in their collection of cars

As I was browsing through an article on Jaguar creating a turbine-based hybrid,I noticed one of the most shocking headline " Ferarri is bringing the hybrid in Genava Motor Show", I was like WTF?

For some time there were rumors that Ferarri will be coming out with a hybrid(I did not hear any rumors btw) and they seem to have confirmed it while the presentation of this year's F10 Formula One Car. I seriously did not expect this to happen at least not yet. The reason being that Ferarri represents automotive engineering at its best. The innovations used in Ferarri cars are based from the extensive research they put into their F1 cars and these innovations are like the top of anything. These innovations are slowly integrated into road cars nowadays.


The car is based on the Ferarri 599 GTB Fiorano and will be gas-electric powered with the motor at the rear and a V12 at the front. The electric motor will be mounted at the rear transaxle and lithium-ion battery pack for optimal performance. The car will have the KERS (Kinetic energy recovery system) system, a technology introduced in F1 last season. To find the other details we have to wait till March at the Geneva Motor Show.

With the introduction of Ferarri in the hybrid sector, things in the hybrid industry will change forever.

Hybrids are a quick fix: Jeremy Clarkson

I was going through the December issue of Top Gear and found Jeremy Clarkson's article on hybrids to be kind of true. Now we all know that Top Gear hates green cars or anything to do with the environment. However over the last two or three seasons there were actually praising green cars such as the Honda FCX Clarity and the Telsa Sports car but this article is different.

I believe that what he mentioned was true, that hybrids are a quite fix and it will not solve the problem. Going through the article also made my realize whether all these car companies introducing green cars are actually saving the environment or creating a similar catalytic converter mentioned by JC for the future, a short fix but some 30-40 years down the line, you end up having the same problem but in a different scenario. So what will you be doing now with the Detroit Auto Show showcasing the future of green cars, will you be buying green cars? Honestly thinking about this is really putting me in a difficult position.

China to invest $5bn on solar power farms

China, the world's largest greenhouse emitter has signed a deal with eSolar Inc. to invest in solar power plants. China has overtaken US as the largest emitter in CO2 and China has pledged that they intend to reduce their emissions.

Solar thermal power farms will generate a capacity of 2000MW. This is a great effort by China as they are still considered as a developing economy so they do not have to agree with global bindings to reduce CO2 emissions. But since they have surpassed US, this project will be many more of green projects to come from China.

Bioneers Conference 2009

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of this premiere sustainability "Thought Leadership" forum on environmental and social justice issues along with scientific and cultural innovations focused around positive solutions inspired by nature and human ingenuity.

Speakers include Andrew Weil, MD, Michael Pollan (Author Omnivore’s Dilemma and Co-Creator of the film Food, Inc.), Annie Leonard (Creator of The Story of Stuff), and many others. The event takes place October 16-18th at the Frank Lloyd Wright Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, California, and at 18 Satellite Beamer Locations. We’re thrilled to also be Webcasting it for the first time.

We'll be featuring these key not-to-be-missed speakers:

The conference starts this October 16 2009 to October 18 2009.

* From Small Steps to the Energy Revolution

Friday October 16, 9am-1pm, Plenary

How do we move rapidly from 1% solar and wind energy in the U.S. to 50%? To 100%? Jack Hidary, co-founder of SmartTransportation.org and chairman of Americans for CleanEnergy.org, explains what we have to do realize this necessary re-evolution.

* Rehydration Revolution

Friday October 16, 2:45-4:15

Water and carbon are two of life’s most essential elements, but managed improperly they can destroy the land. “Keyline” design is a cutting-edge system that harvests and distributes water more evenly for greater fertility, increased root growth and much higher carbon sequestration. With Brock Dolman, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center’s master permaculturalist and land management and watershed expert; and Darren Doherty, renowned Australian permaculturaist, a leading global expert of innovative “broadacre” agricultural system.

* Living Buildings; The Future of Architecture

Saturday October 17, 9am-1pm, Plenary

Jason McLennon, the leading figure in the global green architecture movement challenges us to imagine and demand buildings that operate as elegantly and efficiently as the living structures nature creates. As CEO of Cascadia Green Building Council, author of the Living Building Challenge and co-creator of Pharos (the most advanced building material rating system in North America) he shows breathtaking examples from the worldwide Challenge underway to design building that meet or exceed nature’s ecosystem services.

If your away from California then pack your bags and head for the conference. If you cant make it then keep your self updated by live telecast by dropping by this site again on the 16th.

Algaeus makes country tour

Algaeus (Algae+ Prius) has completed a 3750 mile cross-country tour which started in San Francisco and ended in New York. A 2008 Toyota Prius, a modified plug-in hybrid had been altered to run on algae-power gasoline fuel without any modification done on the engine.



This model had an average of 147mpg PHEV( plug-in electric hybrid) mode and 52mpg highway in hybrid mode. The use of algae in fuel has been much talked as it comes from the environment being abundant , but its addition to crude oil making it Green Crude.

The Scarlet, Britain’s greenest hotel

The Scarlet, located at Mawgan Porth Cornwall is called a luxury eco hotel  based on completely being green.  You’re wondering, a green hotel, it could be boring possibly not luxurious but it looks quite luxurious.

Why is it green? Well the heating comes from a biomass boiler, using timber chips as biomass taken from a local timber firm. The pool is heated by solar panels. The power comes from Ecotricity, generating 100% wind power. So far so good. Read the full review here.

Google’s solar initiative to reduce Solar costs

Google has come with the idea of custom solar technology that will hopefully reduce costs of the solar technology by 60%. As there was a lack of innovation in this field,  Google decided to take this on.

They are focused on the solar thermal concept. This concept is being under development by China. It is still not sure if they will eventually go through with this but they are looking into alternatives such as gas turbine run by solar energy rather than gas.

Top Gear gives Honda Clarity FCX thumbs up

I have watched all of Top Gear seasons and little did they review green cars,well lets say Jeremy Clarkson way of saying an eco-friendly car is a Lamborghini Murcielago painted green, then yeah no they have not at all until this year's Season 12. What makes this episode different from all of their previous episodes are that apart from all there usually challenges and adventures across country in super fast cars are the things that make them more entertaining although this episode focuses on two cars which could become the future of automobiles.

Season 12 episode 7 focuses on the first electric sports car, the Telsa roadster created by Telsa Motors and the consumer-based electric family car the Honda Clarity FCX. As usually Jeremy Clarkson (JC) tests the Telsa roadster, drives it like mad however pushing the car a little to much to drain it out of charge. Anyways JC enjoys it even with the dissatisfaction of the car halting to a stop twice due to the lack of charge but in the end this car could become the future sports car.

On the other hand, Captain Slow a.k.a. James May flies to United States to drive the Honda Clarity FCX. He gives a detailed description of how the technology works and the cameraman being bored with the facts and a chat with Jay Leno, a man with an awesome garage, in the end he finishes off that climate change, global warming and that governments are taking strict rules about curbing emissions, the Clarity will become an household item in the near future.

I would have to say the first time Top Gear has done a good job on reviewing eco-friendly cars, and I get the fact that nothing can beat driving a Ferrari 430 or a Lamborghini Gallardo or an Aston Martin DBS and all the gas-guzzlers but we have to think about the future and companies like Tesla Motors, Honda, Toyota, GM, will provide us cars which are environment-friendly that will blow our minds and hope that the Top Gear team will be the first to go show us that.

Nissan Motor reinstates the use of diesel in Japan

Nissan Motor Corp. recently launched a Nissan X Trail with a diesel engine hoping to provide a clean diesel vehicle for Japan. Although it has been a long time since Japan has allowed local car manufacturers to produce a diesel engine car as it had been termed noisy, polluting and smelly. They are stating that it will be a better diesel engine providing better fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Read the article here.

Plugged hybrid cars to be launched by Toyota by 2010

Toyota Motor Corp. will be introducing cars where you will be able to plug your car to an electric socket and charge your vehicle. Neat wont it be. It likes charging your Ipod or other such devices. The cars introduced will have lithium-ion batteries so it will be like all the other portable devices will carry around nowadays.

Toyota says that these vehicles will be much cleaner than the other hybrid cars around. They will be going in joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial to produce these batteries. To know more visit the source.

2012 London Olympics aims to be carbon neutral

The organizing committee for the 2012 London Olympics and the National grid are planning to make the games carbon neutral. How will the committee will do this? Well basically they are deciding on using bio-fuels which will be home-grown. There are also looking whether a single wind turbine could be added to the scheme. As for bio-fuels I doubt it will work cause this will affect other important crops in the UK and would lead to a downfall in the UK economy. Anyways to know more visit the source.

Biofuels affect rice production

I have been saying for a long time that no matter the cost, we have to shift to alternate energy so that we do not pollute the environment and stop climate change.However in this case I will make an exception. The use of crops such as rice to create biofuels and ethanol has caused a great pickle worldwide. The prices of rice have gone up rapidly as production has been shifted from providing food to the people to fuel in a car. The use of biofuel has increased moderately especially with fuel pumps popping up. I saw recently that USA uses about 135 million gallons of fuel annually. It has become such a concern with rising fuel prices that alternate fuel has become criteria number one.

Although biofuel has been selected it should be clear that there be ample crops to provide for the people. The worst of all this is that people are actually dying because of hunger as rice has become expensive and owing to the lack of stock. In Bangladesh, people wait in line early in the morning just to get enough rice to eat a decent meal. Other parts of the world has been affected such as India and China. It is perfectly correct to go in to production of biofuel as an alternate energy source although if it affects the people then countries should invest their money somewhere else such that it does not effect human life.

A 100mph green car to be displayed

For sports fanatics this is what they are looking for. There has been debate whether sports cars could be turned into green sports car and for that reason the sports industry has not shifted or tried using alternate fuels. Although some research is being done. A couple of consortium of UK companies and universities have achieved this feat. The body is taken from Bangladesh.ccMorgan, a classic British car company. The car has been called the LifeCar. The car is to be launched in the Geneva Motor Show however there is not guarantee that the car will go in production.

To know more visit Bangladesh.ccBBC website.