There is a growing concern about the rising cost of fuel, being diesel or petrol, by Ghanaians. The average driver (personal usage ) is most likely to spend between GHS 100-200 per week on fuel.
Whiles passengers have to deal with constant increasing transportation fares. The price of fuel impact directly all sphere of the average Ghanaian lives.
SolarTaxi is an initiative started by Kumasi Hive and sponsored by Mastercard Foundation that seeks to create environmental, social and economic impact in Ghanaian communities by harnessing the renewable energy of the sun and using it to power vehicles.
A study conducted by the German Aerospace Center indicates that a solar generating facility covering just 0.3% of the area comprising North Africa could supply all of the energy required by the European Union.
With Ghana receiving 1,800-3,000 hours of sunshine annually, the country has enormous solar power potential that is currently being untapped (https://www.get-invest.eu/market-information/ghana/renewable-energy-potential/).
The SolarTaxi Project ultimately aims to use this potential energy to power cars and empower communities.
The Vehicles
At the moment, there are seven different SolarTaxi vehicle models that all serve their own purposes related to either delivery or transportation of passengers. These models include the 5-seater car, three electric bikes, double power tricycle, and dream cargo.
The vehicles are designed to function in local environments, both urban and rural.
The battery capacity of the vehicles range from 48v/100AH – 72v/20AH, which can travel for 50-140 km before its next charge. The capacity depends on the vehicle in use. All of the vehicle’s battery capacities are sufficient for all intended purposes.
The vehicles’ speeds range from 35 km/h to 55 km/h, making them perfect for urban travels that have speed limits of 50 km/h. As road conditions are often poor in rural areas, the tricycles and double power Aboboyaa would make driving easy and convenient for personal use and delivery.
Additionally, the load capacities range from 200 kg to 500 kg, making them ideal to carry both passengers and goods to local destinations.
Why Own a SolarTaxi?
There are many advantages of owning a SolarTaxi vehicle or working with SolarTaxi. As the vehicles run on solar power, they require no fuel – thus saving users money that would be spent on petrol.
Solar energy is renewable and will thus reduce the amount of GHG emitted by each vehicle. They are excellent value for money and environmentally sustainable.
The impact of SolarTaxi reaches far beyond our cars. SolarTaxi is driven by the mission of creating solar-powered Ghana while also tackling issues of youth unemployment and environmental pollution by providing a green solution.
According to the World Resources Institute Climate Analysis Indicator Tool (WRI CAIT), energy emissions increased by 10.2 MtCO2e from 1990 to 2011, with transportation contributing the largest share (40%) of the increase. In 2016, CO2 emissions for Ghana were at 14,470 kt. while in 1997, CO2 emissions were only at 4,592.8 kt. Our GHG emissions are growing at an average annual rate of 6.87 %, despite national, continental and world efforts to decrease GHG emissions.
Ghana’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) identifies emission reduction actions to be undertaken between 2020 and 2030 in the energy, transportation, agriculture, forestry and land use, waste, and industry sectors. Ghana aims to reduce GHG emissions 15% by 2030. SolarTaxi is taking action today to ensure that we achieve the goal. We are striving to become the leaders of solar-powered vehicles on the continent.
The SolarTaxi services are currently being piloted in Kumasi, where passengers can either hail a ride to all parts of Kumasi or book for a delivery service by an Aboboya/Motor bike using the SolarTaxi Mobile App on Google Playstore
Pre-ordering is available on www.solartaxi.co with a starting Price of GHS 6999.99 for the Motor bikes , 24,999.99 for the cars (LS model) and 7,999.99 for the Aboboya ( Tricycle ).
Customers also get to purchase a Solar Hub to serve as your personal fuel station at your house which provides complete independence from ECG/PSD consumption.
StephanieHorsu/techvoiceafrica.com
