It is 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 bicycle into an e-bike which is, despite massive automotive transformation still a primary mode of transportation for 58 per cent of commuters in India!

However, it was the dream of a common Indian who thought, why can't every Indian have his/her mode of transport that is sustainable, affordable and simple? It was Gursaurabh Singh, Founder, Dhruv Vidyut who made it possible with his out of box EV innovation for the classy bicycle. During his DisrputX talk at the Festival of Manufacturing, he shared his side of the story as to why such innovation was required, especially for the bicycle. He said, "After doing the research I realised that to bring such a change there were two things that need to be focused on. First, it needs to happen on a micro-scale, hence I selected cycles."

Secondly, he explained, should be retro fitment in the existing vehicle. "We don't change the entire vehicle. We just change the power source." He further cites an example of the use of a CNG kit. "Similarly, the bicycle won't require any cutting or welding in the frame. Before the process of manufacturing, there is the process of R&D, where we understand the needs of the market. The design needs to be robust, affordable, and sustainable."

With a hands-on experience of 10 years, in production processes, machining, die making, fabrication, and welding processes, Gursaurabh, developed ‘Dhruv Vidyut Electric Conversion Kit (DVECK)' which can turn a bicycle into an Electric Vehicle with multi-purpose features. 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 an electronic charging inlet for mobile phones.

TRULY AATMANIRBHAR

Gursaurabh's DVECK is a true testimony to India's Aatmanirbhar initiative which defied the general understanding of creating a ground-breaking technology that requires a big lab, funding rounds, a big team, and the best equipment facility. "We have done it without any advanced shopfloor and testing facility," he said during his presentation.

During his talk, 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 aluminium which makes it rustproof and lightweight. Dignified with the triangulated design, the DVECK comes with a 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 a maximum payload of 170 kg.

Stating as an excellent example of the struggle for local innovations at the pace of India's exponential development, Gursaurabh has led great efforts to make this e-bicycle competent to modern commercial EVs.