For the last two weeks a video of an young sardar is making rounds and rounds, cycling across social media platforms. The man behind, Gursaurabh Singh of Dhruv Vidyut eventually caught the eye of none other than Anand Mahindra who now extended his support to the youngster.
Recalling the Indian Auto-industry of ‘Swadeshi Spirit,’ Dhruv Vidyut Electric Conversion Kit can turn your bicycle into ‘Apni Swadeshi Cycle (Our Indigenous Cycle) not in days or hours, but within 20 minutes! While the EVs can charge the phone with the batteries only, ‘Apni Swadeshi Cycle’ along with a USB charging port, is also capable of charging 50% phone battery with 20 minutes of pedalling.
It’s common nowadays, to see the Automotive market being filled with electric vehicles. From range to the charging facility, the manufacturers in the Auto-Industry are upgrading infrastructure and they are doing so in the best interest of all. But, who can think about turning a classy bicycle ‘Electric,’ which is, despite massive Automotive transformation is still a primary mode of transportation for 58% of commuters in India!
Gursaurabh Singh, initiator of Dhruv Vidyut made it possible with his out of box EV innovation for the classy bicycle. The man is based out of Village in New Delhi and is said to have in-hand experience of 10 years production processes, machining, die making, fabrication, and welding processes. He developed ‘Dhruv Vidyut Electric Conversion Kit (DVECK)’ which can turn a bicycle into an Electric Vehicle with multi-purpose features. Singh’s breakthrough innovation tapped massive industrial spotlight including that of Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group who termed the device as “an outstandingly designed, compact & efficient.”
With ‘bolt-on’ supported DVECK which fits like a glove, any cycle can be turned electric without any cutting, moulding, or fabrication. The cycle turned EV can be charged going off-grid with solar power also and it supports electronic charging inlet for mobile phones. ‘We set out with the idea of mobility for all, a technology that could make the common man's life simpler and fluid. An invention that could help them live and grow’ says Gursaurabh Singh, in a FB post about his innovative initiative.
Acing competency with Atmanirbhar vision
The Indian Bicycle Industry produces around 15.5 million bicycles annually, proving employment to over one million people in the country. For some last decades, the Indian bicycle industry has made advancements in materials technology such as composite metal, matrix (CMM), alloys, carbon fiber, plastics, titanium, injection moulding, magnesium, etc. But despite Growing at a rate of CAGR of 4%, the Indian bicycle market is mostly based on small and medium enterprises in the far-flung regions and is mostly targeting the domestic market. On the other hand, the commercial vehicles segment in the Auto Industry has dedicated labs and testing facilities with cutting-edge tools and technology.
Gursaurabh, through his innovative DVECK, is recalled the ‘Swadeshi Spirit,’ sparked after independence and developed DVECK locally without any advanced shop-floor and testing facility. ‘In this process of developing this groundbreaking technology we constantly defied the general understanding that says that It requires a big lab, lots of funding a big team, and the best equipment facility,’ stated in Dhruv Vidyut’s FB post.
Overcoming the challenge of keeping the bicycle chain aligned and retaining the slack in control as it grew older. All the sprockets in the development of DVECK have been reengineered and built from the scratch. Moreover, to combat the power losses and to the throttle is connected intact to the tyre, a polyurethane roller has been used. Stating as an excellent example of the struggle of the local innovations in the pace of India’s exponential development, Gursaurabh has led great efforts to make this e-bicycle competent to modern commercial EVs.
All-around Compatibility
The remarkable feature of the DVECK is that with the USB charging port, the electronics can be charged even with pedaling the cycle. The DVECK is compatible with all types of bicycles & tricycles from commuters & Rickshaws to MTB (Mountain Bike). ‘The innovation is compatible with the 8 crores bicycles and Rickshaws which are running in India,’ mentioned Gursaurabh in the video.
In his youtube video, Gursaurabh demonstrated the mighty DVECK kit for the bicycle which is waterproof and fire-resistant. Moreover, the material of the DVECK used is aircraft-grade aluminum which makes it rustproof and lightweight. Dignified with the triangulated design, the DVECK comes with the battery indicator, ignition switch, and throttle. With a maximum range of 40 km per charge, Swadeshi Cycle Supports a top speed of 25 kmph and can bear the maximum payload of 170 kg.
Appraising Singh’s innovation, Anand Mahindra said, ‘I appreciate most is his empathy and passion for those hard-working people for whom the humble cycle is still the primary mode of transport. It’s a good reminder for all automakers focussing on disruptive EVs that this EV revolution may be the most important one.’ He further adds, ‘It’s not inevitable that this will succeed commercially or be substantially profitable, but I still would feel proud to be an investor.’
Extending the global reach of Make In India, Gursaurabh’s transformational initiative would definitely help the penetration of the ‘Swadeshi Cycle’ into the international bicycle market which is expected to reach around 34 million dollars by this year.