DIMAPUR, Oct 31 � Solar bikes, packed with lots of advantages such as zero maintenance, no pollution, and environmentally very friendly, along with the Mobile Exhibition Van (MEV), showcasing rural hut, biogas plant for fuel saving energy and economy, solar domestic dryer, solar heater system, solar television, etc., were today launched by MLA and Advisor, New & Renewable Energy, Art & Culture and Science & Technology Deo Nukhu.
Speaking on the occasion, Nukhu said though the speed of the solar bikes may not be very high, they are very economical, while advocating their use in towns like Dimapur and Kohima. If solar bikes can be popularised for the movement in these towns, it would be of great use especially given the traffic congestion in these towns, he stated.
Nukhu estimated that Rs10-20 electricity cost for charging the solar bikes could enable one to ride down from Kohima to Dimapur and back while with the electricity worth Rs 5 can enable a person to cover the whole of Kohima town.
Informing that the cost of one solar bike is Rs 48,000, he disclosed a subsidy of Rs 5,000 is available on the bikes and went on to add that an initial investment of Rs 43,000 may sound a little expensive but asserted that in the long run, it will be cost efficient.
Director of New & Renewable Energy TS Angami said the department is on a public awareness drive while stating that it is taking up lots of projects but the public is not aware of their utility. Highlighting the solar bikes, he said they can be fully charged within six hours and made ready for use the next day.
