Katsina State Government has received five locally assembled electric tricycles manufactured by IRS to evaluate it’s performance ahead of potential large-scale deployment in the state’s commercial transportation sector if found viable.
IRS, an indigenous company presented five electric tricycles to Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda who promised bulk purchase if the vehicles’ perform very well during the test phase.
In his own words, the governor assured “We will closely monitor these tricycles’ durability and maintenance requirements before proceeding with any large-scale procurement.”
The Commercial Tricycle Operators Association have selected five trusted members to participate in the pilot programme as requested by Governor Radda praying the association to monitor and give him an honest feedback regarding the tricycles’ profitability and durability within a stipulated period.
He said, “We expect detailed and honest feedback regarding the tricycles’ profitability and durability in real world-conditions.”
According to Engr. Kabir Abdullahi, the IRS company’s Technical Assistant in the Department of Power and Energy, each of the electric tricycles is equipped with a 450-watt capacity solar panel and a battery storage system which can power the tricycle for up to 150 kilometers while carrying a maximum load of 300 kilograms.
It is designed to reduce fuel costs while providing environmentally friendly, noise-free means of transportation as explained by Engr. Abdullahi.
The State Chairman of the Keke Napep Riders Association, Jamilu Isiyaku expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for responding to their request for solar-powered tricycles and assured fair management of the test vehicles.
