Innovation

Safa Tempo is a three wheeler electric public vehicle that is run in the roads of Kathmandu and Lalitpur district of Nepal. There are about 750 vehicles but only 550 are on operations. It has a chargeable battery installed in it which can travel 60kms once it is fully charged. The battery should be charged for 10-12 hours a day. There are 25 charging stations. The battery is brought from the USA. These three wheelers are an eco-friendly vehicle as it has does not produce any kinds of pollution like air and noise pollution. It works on the Slogan ”No Diesel, No Petrol” and “Save Energy, Save Environment, Go Green”. Previously when this vehicle was firstly introduced in Nepal, it used to cost Rs 1.2-1.3 million but now it costs only Rs 3 million. This vehicle is preferred by all the individuals from teenagers to old aged people. As it works from electricity, it decreases the amount of petroleum products that needed to be imported from abroad. This vehicle consists of 11 seats for the passengers.

Inspiration

During the 1990s time, there were very less numbers of vehicles around Nepal and most of them were the vehicles which were run by petroleum products. So to minimize the use and import of petroleum product, the Safa Tempo was started as an electric public vehicle. It is an easy means of transportation for every individual.

Overall impact

This three wheeler electric vehicle is beneficial for business, government as well as individuals. The government does not have to import more petroleum products. These vehicles can be run through the means of electricity which is being generated in the country itself. It is the concept of home investment, home outcome. It has contributed in sustainable development as it is eco-friendly public vehicles. During the blockade imposed by the neighboring country, this vehicle has contributed a lot to provide service to general public as well as the ministers. But this vehicle has been decreasing in number due to rise in other petroleum and diesel vehicles. The government has also restricted some of the road permits too through which people of that area will have to ride in other vehicles forcefully.

Business benefit

This three wheeler Safa Tempo is a low investment vehicle. There is good profit through this business. A driver can earn about 15,000 a day. But it depends on the time they spend on driving it. There is a high customer satisfaction as they will get proper seat and the price is also effective. It is easy to maintain which thereby decreases the maintenance cost.

Social and environmental benefit

This business has provided a major benefit to the Nepalese society. It has contributed hugely in women empowerment. Among 550 Safa Tempos, there are about 400 female drivers. This business has also provided employment benefit to many other low skilled workers. This vehicle is preferred mostly by old aged people. As this vehicle has limited seat and open door system, they can easily enter and exit from the vehicle. Since there are limited seats, there will be less crowd where thereby leads to less chance of being pick pocketed inside the vehicle.

As the slogan of the vehicle say ”Save Energy, Save Environment, Go Green”, this business mainly focuses on environmental benefits. The battery installed can be charged through solar energy too. So this vehicle will use the home product with home investment.

Interview

Amar Magar, Mechanic