Electric ‘tuk-tuk’ for Philippines

Tokyo-based start-up company Terra Motors has unveiled an electric tricycle (more commonly known as a ‘tuk-tuk’) designed for the Philippines market. Its ‘e-tricycle’ is powered by a lithium-ion battery and can accommodate five passengers. Just under 11ft long and steered by handlebars, it can travel some 31 miles on a 2hr charge, according to the firm.

Company president Toru Tokushige said: “There is no single company in Asia that mass-produces electric bikes or tricycles. I think it could have a big impact if a Japanese company is the pioneer in the market, with products of such a futuristic design.”

Terra Motors is hoping to take advantage of a Philippines government programme — funded by a $300 million loan from the Asian Development Bank — to replace 100,000 gas-powered tricycle taxis by 2016. An ADB spokesman said: “The average tuk-tuk driver in the Philippines earns less than $10 a day, but the e-trike will save him $5 a day in fuel costs. It will go on sale in the autumn at a price of about $6,300.”

Replacing 100,000 gasoline-powered tuk-tuks with e-trikes would cut annual CO2 emissions by about 260,000 tonnes.