| ashu |
Posted
on 06-Dec-00 09:03 PM
Kathmandu valley, particularly its urban area, has been suffering from a
high level of pollution. The air quality in Kathmandu valley has drastically
deteriorated over the past years. Various studies have indicated that
Kathmandu valley suffers from serious air pollution, and rapidly increasing
vehicle exhaust is the most prominent source and major contributor to air
pollution.
Road transportation started in Nepal in late 50s and Kathmandu valley is
the original point of road transport. There are about 143884 vehicles
running in Kathmandu valley and it has been estimated that the emission of
key air pollutants, i.e. CO( carbonmonoxide), NOX( Nitrogenoxide),
SO2( Sulphurdioxide), HC( Hydrocarbon), TSP( Total Suspended
Paricles) is very high in Kathmandu valley and transport sector was found
to be the major contributor to total pollutant emission, followed by
household and industrial sector. Also, according to the road monitoring
carried out by NESS and Radio Sagarmatha (Jan-Dec 1999), different
parameters like PM10( Particulate matter), Sox, Nox, Co are higher
inside the valley. This problem is indeed going to further worsen in the near
future, provided we fail to address the problems right now with all our
effort. The degrading air quality will bring threat to human health, cause
social and cultural changes and also effect the tourist influx in the country.
The first attempt to ensure pollution- free environment is to control
pollution caused by vehicles. In this regard, further work is required to
establish the energy-efficient and environment friendly technologies like
EVs, and Alternative fuel vehicles. EVs could be one of the solutions to
the air pollution problem and this sector can be considered as a long- term
solution for the pollution problem. Lots of interests in EVs have been
generated in the valley. Private investors have also shown considerable
interest for EV development and 5 such companies have already been
established. Government and local authorities are also encouraging EVs,
which is reflected in their import, sales and income tax policies.
Safa Tempo - An Overview
Safa tempo is a pollution free, low noise vehicle, which runs on electric
powered batteries. When viewed from outside, it is seen just like other
tempos, but it's internal technology is different. Unlike other diesel or
petrol engine, the driving component in an EV is a direct current (motor)
with variable speed and power. The main part of Safa tempo (EV) is the
set of batteries used, also electronic controller, DC motor, Dc converter
etc. are used to drive the electric vehicle. The energy required to drive an
EV is provided by the current generated in the battery. A fully charged
battery set can drive a 3-wheeler EV to an average distance of 60kms.
There is no need to burn the fuel to drive Safa tempo unlike in other diesel
or petrol based engine. So there is not even 1% chance for the generation
of polluted gas, that means there is no need to install any tailpipe for the
gases emission. Therefore Safa tempo is also called as Zero Emission
Vehicle.
Commercial operation of Ev requires at least 2 sets of batteries and
battery charging and exchange stations at convenient points along the
routes. The distance of operation of the Safa tempo from point to point
has been chosen carefully so that after the completion of 3 long or 4 short
loops, the total distance to and from the charging station is not more than
60-70kms. Each 10 seater Safa tempo travels 120-130kms from 7:30am
to about 8:30pm, transporting about 150 to 200 passengers each day.
Currently, more than 600 Safa tempos are in operation inside kathmandu
valley. Today the Safa tempos are considered to be safe, reliable,
profitable to operate, comfortable, and suitable for local conditions and a
popular means of public transportation in kathmandu valley
Batteries
Nowadays, in all types of vehicles, lead acid batteries are being used
worldwide. In case of Evs, deep cycle lead acid batteries are used. Deep
cycle means the battery can be charged/discharged many times. For
commercial purpose, generally, 2 sets of batteries are required. As a Safa
tempo covers a distance of about 120-130kms daily and as one set of
battery can drive a 3- wheeler for a distance of about 60-65km only,
there is a need of 2 sets of batteries. While driving, only one set of battery
is being used whereas the other is being charged.
The type of battery used today is the TROJAN, a deep cycle lead acid
battery manufactured in the US. The battery is designed in a simple way
and consists of lead plates immersed in sulphuric acid. About 2.1 volts of
electric potential is produced by each cell. One set of batteries contains 12
batteries each weighing 28 kgs and the total weight becomes 336 kgs.
One battery produces 6 volts and log ampere current. Each cell is wired in
series. Thus one set of battery produces 72 volts of electric current which
is sufficient to drive 3 and 4 wheelers. The required horsepower for a
three wheeler is 8.5 and that for a 4 wheeler is 9.12.
Presently, 2 types of batteries are being used in Safa tempos and these are
Trojan-105 (red) and Trojan-125 (white). One set of Trojan-105 can
drive a tempo for about 55-60kms in 1 charge and Trojan-125 can give
up to 65-70kms. Regarding the lifetime, the battery can be charged or
discharged for 750 times if properly handled. For commercial vehicles, 2
sets of batteries can work for about 24 months.
Lead acid batteries require charging and equalising procedures to be
carried out. The batteries can receive 80% of their full charge almost as
quickly as it can be delivered and the final 20% is more difficult. As the
charge increases, the internal resistance increases and the tendency for the
battery to "gas off" becomes predominant. High amperage rates during the
last 20% of charge can buckle the plates and require excessive watering.
This kind of problem can be solved by using high tech chargers which are
able to charge the final 20% quickly, but these chargers are quite
expensive. Battery equalising is another important aspect to be carried out.
Equalising is a procedure of making the voltage of all batteries of a set
equal. Equalising should be done within 10-15 days and without
equalising, sulfation of plates will decrease range and life time of the
battery.
For the proper operation and good condition of EVs, full concentration
should be given regarding its handling or maintenance. Good maintenance
and driving is related with the longevity of Ev with profit. As there are
fewer parts in an EV, and the electric motor is designed to last for about
50 years, So the maintenance cost of an EV becomes generally less than
that of diesel or petrol based vehicles with similar capacity. Maintenance
of EV includes battery maintenance and mechanical maintenance
Table : Comparison of maintenance cost of various tempos
Tempo Type
Cost (NRS)/month
Electric tempo
1500
Vikram
5000-6000
LPG tempo
500
Meter Bajaj
1500-2000
Battery maintenance:
- Battery should not be left in an uncharged state for a long period of time.
- Frequent checking of specific gravity of every cell should be done. The
specific gravity, in fully charged state, lies in the range of 1260-1300 and
when battery becomes 80% discharged, the specific gravity falls down to
1160-1150. If the specific gravity falls below 1140, the battery becomes
over discharged. So, it should be controlled.
- Battery equalising should be done within every 10-15 cycles.
- During charging, "off gas" and plate bulking may occur due to rise in
temperature. To avoid this, the amperages should be reduced step by step
though the charging period may get extended.
- Water level in the battery need to be checked regularly and addition of
distilled water should be done if water drops below the mark. Addition of
distilled water should be done only after charging, as acid tends to expand
during the process.
- If excess water and acid scum appear on the top of the batteries, the top
portion should be cleaned by using expendable rag.
Mechanical maintenance
- Low driving is preferred in bumpy roads as it might create strains on axle
and spring plates.
- One should not drive with emergency brake on and regular checking of
tire, wheel bearing, motor brushes should be done.
- It is recommended to apply lubricants on brakes and suspension.
Before power is applied to the motor, the tempo needs to be in
gear.
The ammeter should be kept as low as possible and to save the
fuel, it is advised to turn it off if desired speed can be maintained.
Apart from the maintenance, there are some safety procedures that are
recommended to follow during the operation and maintenance of EV. If
the safety procedures are given any attention, then it may result into severe
injuries and property damage. So, proper and safe mechanism should be
followed in case of battery handling and charging, welding, electrical and
other shop safety.
During the process of battery charging, a careful handling is required. Lead
acid batteries can receive 80% of their full charge very quickly and the
final 20% is more difficult. As the charger accumulates in the lead acid
batteries, the internal resistance also increases and result into evolution of
hydrogen gas (over gassing). High amperage rates may result in buckling
of plates and require excessive watering. Buckling of plates result in the
short life cycle of the batteries and hydrogen gas accumulation can cause
explosion upon exposure to a spark. GRI has supported certain
precaution measures than can be followed for the prevention of hydrogen
explosion.
1.During charging, it is recommended that clamping or other charging
connections that might momentarily become disconnected and
reconnected should not be used.
2.Metallic tools should not be placed in the vicinity of batteries and
the tools used to tighten battery connections should be well
insulated.
The workers of Electric Vehicle Company have developed a new
approach to solve the problem of over gassing and plate bulking. The
process suggests reducing amperage step by step while charging which
prevents the plate heating and emission of hydrogen gas. This charging
procedure, however, takes a longer time (approx. 8 hrs) than the previous
technique of charging (approx. 5 hrs). Using the 30-ampere constant
voltage charger, but this method is safe.
Sulfuric acid is also a major component in a lead acid battery, which may
cause blindness upon contact with eye and may also cause skin burn. So,
it is recommended to use eye protecting equipments or other safety
glasses. While welding, welding masks should be used. Also, while battery
charging, there are chances of electric shock. So, precautions should be
taken. One should not work on battery with wet hands. Also, electrical
insulator should be applied in the form of wooden or plastic enclosures,
electric tape etc. and this may minimize the risk of electrical shock
Environmental Aspects:
Society’s desire for clean air has become the driving force behind
the increasing interest in electric vehicles. EVs are attractive from
environmental point of view that would significantly reduce all types
of vehicular emission (except lead) in the valley. Nowhere in the
world have EV industries been running successfully like in Nepal.
The way these EVs are growing here has been able to receive a
wide attention from international community. Despite public
understanding of the need of EVs for Kathmandu, EVs movement
is still not getting the momentum as expected. There are some
problems, which act as barriers for the smooth EV operation inside
the valley.
Operator’s inadequate knowledge about battery maintenance and
difficulty in lifecycle assessment.
High initial investment and long payback period
Extra registration fee for EVs, higher than that for pollution vehicles
Inadequate parking station
Government unmanaged policies and weak implementation
regarding the displacement of polluting vehicles and also
inconsistent treatment towards EV promotion
Lack of single and authorized institution for the monitoring and
regulation of EVs promotion and air quality management
Some of the technical problems about the lifecycle of the batteries
have been solved by adopting certain mechanism during battery
charging and maintenance, but some other problems are yet to be
solved. Also, the government’s efforts towards the promotion and
management of EVs are limited. So, there is a need of
comprehensive action plan that focus on EV promotion by bringing
all the concerned sectors (commuters, EV manufacturers, owners,
drivers, government bodies and INGOs) together.
Lead emission from the dispersed EV batteries is the most debated issue
in the environmental implication of EVs. In Nepal, lead acid batteries are
used for automobiles as well as traction and statistical procedure.
However, consumption of lead in case of EV is higher. Actually, lead
pollution is a national problem that has been highlighted by the promotion
of EV. So, HMG should take initiatives regarding the establishment of
effective battery recycling plant and proper collection and transfer system.
However, it is not sure that only lead acid battery would power EVs in the
future. We can also hope for the batteries made up of other metals such as
Sodium, Sulfur, metal hydride etc., which would eliminate lead pollution in
the future. When viewed properly, the disadvantage of EV has been
overweighed by its advantages. EVs are more efficient than gasoline and
LPG gas vehicles. The benefits accrued with the reduction in air pollution.
Being a zero-emission vehicle, EVs have helped to reduce the air pollution
and diseases and hazards related to such pollution. Also, no unpleasant
smell or toxic gas is emitted. EV generate less noise and also reduces
dependency on imported petroleum fuels. Due to the driving comfort,
women are also taking active participation by driving Safa tempo and also
by being owner of charging station. So, Ev industry facilitates employment
for both men and women.
Impact of EVs promotion
Diesel-operated Vikram tempos were considered to be a major culprit
regarding air quality degradation. There were about 640 diesel Vikram
tempos running inside the valley. The import and operation of Vikram
tempos were completely banned since 1999 by HMG and this has been
replaced by safa tempos and tuk-tuk (LPG operated vehicle) in
Kathmandu valley. According to the department of Transport and
Management,2000, the total number of tempos (except the electric
tempos) in the valley is approximately 3850. Since the pollution load is
related to the number and nature of vehicles, it can be estimated that the
air pollution contribution by tempos can not be less than 10-15%.
It was once estimated that replacing all Vikram tempos by Electric tempos
could reduce vehicles air pollution by 25% (Kantipur,1998) but this is an
over estimation because there are large number of other old and equally
polluting vehicles like buses, minibuses, trucks, cars, motorbikes etc. Air
quality degradation also depends upon the road conditions, trafficking
system ignorance of drivers and owners of vehicles about the need of
repairing vehicles on time, seasonal variation etc. According to the study
carried out by Martin Chautari, it was estimated that about 10% of air
pollution must have decreased after Vikram tempos expulsion. Targeting
only on the diesel-based three-wheelers would not totally improve the air
quality. EVs promotion should also focus on developing markets for 4
wheelers as a substitute for other existing old and polluting vehicles. The
EV industry, which was once looked upon as a risky adventure, has now
established itself as a strong, commercially profitable and environment
friendly industry. Today, EVs are not only used as passenger vehicle, but
also used for other utility functions by different private sectors and
hospitals, and since 1996,the Ministry of Environment has been using 4
safa tempos for official purposes.
Today, the major issue regarding the introduction of EVs has been the
potential environmental hazards due to improper treatment and disposal of
spent batteries. In Nepal, lead-acid batteries are used for automobiles as
ell as traction and stationary purposes. Automobile purposes cover the use
in all kind of vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel and gas. Traction
purposes cover electric trucks and vehicles of all types. However, the
dominant use is for electrical tempos.
Considering the use of lead-acid batteries in Nepal, there are certain risks
associated with the improper treatment of lead and the risks can be
outlined as follows:
1.If the spent batteries are not properly collected and recycled and
just left anywhere, the lead may cause direct effect to plants animals
as well as humans.
2.Lead spread with acid to the ground or in the form of dust may
pollute soil and water courses and become the source for the intake
of lead by the children playing in those areas.
3.During the process of lead transportation, the lead fractions may
spread as dust, which will increase the level of lead in the
environment.
Battery recycling and disposal
The amount of batteries to be scrapped is lower than the consumption due
to the long battery-lifetime for certain applications and the fact that the
battery stock in Nepal is still in the process of being build up
According to the manufacturers, the currently used EV batteries are being
reused for other purposes. The batteries that can provide electric current
up to 6V are effective for solar power. Also, the batteries can be reused in
emergency lightning systems, uninterrupted power supply system (USP)
Photo-voltaic system, and the rest of the batteries are collected from
different charging stations and are being sold to the junk-collectors, which
are then transported across the boarder to India, where recycling is a very
profitable business.
For lead-acid batteries, an efficient collection and recycling system exist in
Nepal, influenced by the fact that lead is in demand in India. According to
the manufacturers, the efficiency of collection and transportation has been
estimated to about 90-95% that equals to the present loss of
approximately 100 tons of lead yearly to the environment in Nepal. The
loss is caused due to the uncontrolled disposal of acid from the worn-out
batteries, as well as lead dust generated by handling and transport of lead
scrap from separated battery. Also, due to melting of lead scrap, the lead
is emitted to air, water and soil.
Recycling of the lead from the battery is commonly practiced in the world
to solve the battery disposal problem. In Nepal also, we do have small
and traditional types of lead recycling plants in Hetauda and Biratnagar,
but the recycling process is not satisfactory. One of the small-scale battery
manufactures in Nepal operates a melting furnace for lead battery scrap.
The amount of lead melted is in the range of 20 tons per year and the lead
metal reclaimed by the process is used for manufacturing of new batteries.
The most debated issue in the environmental implication of EVs that is, the
lead emission from the spent batteries would be solved if the existing
system for lead recycling in Nepal could be improved. The battery
collection system can be expanded with the inclusion of EV batteries and
delivered to the lead recycling plant, where the recycling should be
properly carried out.
According to the field survey carried out, different measures were found
that helps to extend the recycling period of the EV batteries, and those
measures are stated below:
1. Reuse of normally discarded EV batteries (remaining amp-hour<=20%)
in solar PV home lighting systems, UPS and inverters; or even to power
radios, TV, cassette players etc. in rural areas.
2. Development of the culture of battery cares specially in the EV drivers.
2.
3. Development of rational and sound driving habits for the EV drivers.
1.Development of improved charging system and battery testing
procedures/devices in the battery charging stations.
2.Use of certified proper grade battery acids and battery water.
Reuse of old EV batteries not only extends the recycling period of the
lead-acid batteries; but also contributes to the lower operating cost of
battery operated electric vehicle
Impact of EVs regarding electricity consumption
As electricity is required for the operation of the electric vehicles, question
may arise on the performance of Nepal electricity utility, that is facing load
shedding problem these days.
Table 11: Electricity consumption by the charging station
Electricity consumption per month
(unit)
Number of the stations
<5000
5
5000-10000
11
>10000
8
According to the field survey, around 5000-10000 units of electricity are
consumed per month in 11 out of 24 charging stations. In fact, the
electricity consumption depends on the number of tempos being charged.
Taking an average, electricity consumption per month for a station serving
15 tempos a day is 10000 unit, that means, for 1 tempo, the electricity
consumption per month becomes 667 units, which is not a large number.
At present, there are around 530 Evs running on the street of the valley
and according to the charging station owners, battery charging is done
mostly during the off peak hours. So, till now, the operation of electric
vehicles has not contributed to deteriorate the performance of Nepalese
electricity utility.
In the future, when the number of EVs increase, the problem regarding the
utilization of energy may arise, but Nepal being a country having enough
hydro-power potential, such problem gets easily solved by more energy
production.
Also, various studies conducted about The Electric vehicles show that
every 30 vehicles need a 40 kvA power supply and generates NRS 8 00
000 in electricity annual revenue for NEA. This revenue from all station
may go up to 1.3 crore/yr. So, in a way, NEA is benefiting by the
operation of EVS inside the valley.
Socio-economic and environmental benefits of battery
operated electric vehicles.
The running of Battery Powered Vehicle is not only pollution
free but eco-friendly too and yields benefits such as:
Electric vehicles are more efficient that gasoline vehicles, and LPG
gas vehicles.
Pollution-free. As EVs do not use diesel or petrol as fuel, they do
not emit harmful, life-threatening pollutants like unburnt particulates,
HCs, CO2/CO, Nox, benzene etc.
Easy maneuverability and excellent driving comfort.
Highly reliable because EVs are simple and electric motors are
robust with long lasting life (over 30 yrs). Propulsion components
with very few moving parts will ensure reliability.
Reduces dependence on imported petroleum fuels, such as oil,
which is recently available in abundant quantity and the dependence
on the supply of oil as imported good is growing, causing serious
threat to nations with their political social and economical interest.
Generate less noise and vibration as compared to diesel or petrol
engines as EVs do not have IC. Enzines
EVs are more economical to run than gasoline vehicles. The cost
for operating an EV can be less than one-third of conventional
gasoline-powered vehicles. EVs are cost-effective in the long run
because their maintenance cost is comparatively minimal..
Safa tempo has also received a full public support because of the zero
emission, reduced noise level and smoother ride. Today, the only issue
related to the EVs has been the potential environmental hazard due to the
improper treatment and disposal of spent batteries. In Nepal, lead-acid
batteries are used for automobiles as well as traction and stationary
purposes, but the major consumption of the battery occurs in the case of
EVs. In fact, the used EVs batteries that can produce current upto 6V can
be reused for solar power, emergency lightening system, TV, cassettes
players, UPS systems etc. The rest of the batteries are collected from
different charging stations and concerned sectors and are sold at NRS.
450 per piece. These batteries are then collected and transported across
the boarder to India where recycling is very profitable business. During the
collection and transportation process, some percentage of lead gets into
the environment and these fractions of emitted lead cause environmental
problems. In Nepal we do have small and traditional type of lead recycling
plants in Hetauda and Biratnagar, but the results obtained from these
plants are not satisfactory. Therefore, at present condition, demand arises
for the efficient battery collection, transportation system and effectively
working lead acid battery recycling plant inside our country.
The EV program in Nepal can be sustainable provided adequate incentive
back up and commitment on the part of government to enforce set
emission standards and policies. The EV can be promoted not only as a
pollution-free vehicle, but also as a source of employment generation. The
environmental problems associated with EV have been over-shadowed by
its comparative environmental advantages. So, every concerned sector
should provide full attention to expand the EV industry so that the vehicle
could be promoted to other parts of the country.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There occurs not any point to argue against the importance of the
zero-emission vehicle in Nepal in general and Kathmandu, in particular.
So, there is a need of proper management of EVs in Kathmandu valley
considering this fact. Some specific measures can be proposed to help the
growth of EV industry in Nepal and these recommendations are explained
below:
1.HMG should stop taxation on EV parts and batteries altogether
including VAT and customs and municipality tax.
2.Government should insure green plates for EV along with the
provision of EV clear routes.
3.Different concerned sectors should organize funds for training of
drivers and charging station owners about the different technologies
of Safa tempo.
4.Women are seen well capable for driving EVs. So, they should also
be encouraged more to take active participation for the creation of
pollution free environment.
5.There is a need of single integrated authority to regulate and monitor
EVs and look after the problems of EV industry.
6.The efforts on EVs promotion will help evolve EV manufacturing
industries as well as new ancillary industries in Nepal. Certain
components imported in Nepal such as chassis, battery chargers,
pot-boxes, AC/DC converters etc. could also be manufactured
within the country. This would, in turn, help create employment
opportunities and reduce transportation cost.
7.Since the government alone cannot enforce environment friendly
policies such as implementing strict emission standards, penalizing
polluting vehicles and providing incentives unless it has been forced
to do so, other NGOs should also play an active role to mobilize
people and demand improvements in this sector.
The time now demands for industries to look for developing four-wheelers
and for positive case of three-wheelers, attempts must now be mode to
expand their market outside the valley. In the near future, with positive
support from all the concerned sectors, the growth of EVs will phase out
the polluting vehicles and make Nepal a most desirable place to live and a
popular tourist destination. In the next millennium, we need EV not only to
breathe fresh air but also to ensure sustainable development.
Annex 1:
Some Facts Regarding the batteries
The Hon’ble Prime Minister has asked the relevant ministries, during his
Environment Day speech, to resume the registration of Kathmandu’s much
loved ‘Safa Tempos’. This is most welcome. ‘Safa Tempos’ have been
credited widely, including in the Wall Street Journal of May 31st 2000,
with having improved the air quality in the Valley. In the same speech,
Prime Minister Koirala also expressed his concern about the disposal of
the lead-acid batteries that these otherwise non-polluting vehicles use to
propel them. The Honorable Prime Minister’s concern reportedly has its
origins in a bottle of ground water ostensibly contaminated by the disposal
of Safa Tempo batteries presented to him by importers of fossil-fueled
micro-buses. Here are some facts about lead-acid batteries in Nepal,
which should allay the fears of the Prime Minister.
A total of around 2,000 tons of used lead acid batteries are generated
each year from all sources in Nepal. Over 90% of these com
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