‘SolarTuk’ coming in March

Solar-powered tuk-tuks could be rolling off the assembly lines in Phnom Penh as early as March next year, allowing local tuk-tuk drivers a cost-effective and greener alternative to using petrol, according to the company manufacturing the vehicle.

Star 8, the Australia-based alternative energy firm behind the “SolarTuk”, is building a factory with a local partner in Dangkor district on the western outskirts of the city.

The firm’s managing director Jacob Maimon expects to hire 200 to 300 local staff once production goes live.

Maimon said his version of Southeast Asia’s ubiquitous motor-driven carriage will come in four different styles and cost between A$2,000 (US$1,880) and A$3,000. ...

The SolarTuk has sparked interest among Phnom Penh’s drivers who would normally pay close to $2,000 for a brand new petrol-powered motorbike and carriage. The SolarTuk combines the carriage and motorbike in one. ...

Daniel de Carteret and Hor Kimsay
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/%E2%80%98solartuk%E2%80%99-coming-march