Like any other vehicles, the electric vehicle (e-trike) also has safety features to protect the driver and his passengers when on the road.
The e-trike is a three-wheeled vehicle that runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and electric motor.
Mr. Sherwin Glenn Rodriguez of BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines presented some of the safety features of e-trike during the three-day training of e-trike drivers and mechanics in Marawi conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
He said the e-trike has three separate brake systems so that the driver has other alternatives in case one of the brakes will malfunction. One hydraulic disc brake type acts on the front of the vehicle, another hydraulic drum brake type acts on rear, while a cable type called the ‘parking brake’ acts on rear brakes through auto adjuster.
The e-trike has various lights and lamps. These are the head lamps, turn signal lamps, hazard, reverse lamps, brake light, and room lamp.
Rodriguez said the head lamps with dim and bright functionality is used for night driving. The turn signal lamps, on the front and rear portion is used for signaling directions when turning. The reverse lamps illuminate to signal that the unit is reversing. The brake light activates when front and rear brakes are applied while the room lamp gives security for passengers during night trips.
The e-trike also has two side mirrors, a rear view mirror, seatbelt, windshield wiper, and a laminated windshield glass with ICC sticker which means that it is passed the Philippine Safety Standards, he further said.
Rodriguez further disclosed that a vehicle control unit (VCU) was also installed in the e-trike which signals driver if problem occurs. He said the VCU acts as the brain of the vehicle, monitoring all electronic devices functions and controlling the smooth acceleration of the e-trike.
Another special feature is the battery management system (BMS) which gives signal to the VCU regarding battery abnormalities. Rodriguezsaid the BMS monitors and controls the e-trike “main” battery conditions. It also prevents the battery from overcharging and overheating.
BEMAC serves as DOE’s supplier of e-trikes. The orientation of drivers on e-trike operations and maintenance is part of its after-sales support.
Recently, the DOE and the city government of Marawi executed a deed of donation for the deployment of 200 e-trikes in the city as a contribution to the recovery efforts of the Task Force Bangon Marawi. (APB)
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