Design and Development of Solar-Supported Electric Three-Wheeler Compatible to Bangladesh Perspectives

The rapid growth of battery-driven electric three-wheelers in Bangladesh has significantly increased the demand for electricity used for battery charging, placing additional pressure on the national power grid. Although these vehicles offer affordable and environmentally friendly transportation, their heavy dependence on grid electricity has become a growing concern for the country’s energy sector. This study presents the design and evaluation of a solar-supported electric three-wheeler that uses a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar panel to assist battery charging and reduce reliance on conventional electricity. The proposed system includes a 48 V battery pack, an 800 W differential motor, a 400 W rooftop solar panel, and an MPPT charge controller. The research evaluates the system’s energy generation, charging performance, operating range, and overall feasibility under practical operating conditions in Bangladesh. The results show that the rooftop solar panel can supply additional energy during daytime operation, helping to extend vehicle runtime and reduce battery discharge from grid charging. This study found that the proposed solar-assisted system can contribute to sustainable transportation, encourage the use of renewable energy, and help to reduce pressure on Bangladesh’s electricity system along with global ecosystem.