Ultra Motors to launch its first 3-wheeler in India by 2009

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) UK-based Ultra Motors, which has already rolled out electric bikes in India in a tie-up with the Hero Group, now plans to launch its first hybrid electric three-wheelers by early January, 2009 in the country.

''We have scaled the technology and look to introduce it with collaboration of Hero Group in India over the next 15 months,'' Ultra Motors's Chief Executive Officer Joe Browman said.

The company entered India in 2004 by setting up a liaison office with the objective to take the technology, patented by a Russian inventor, through rigorous testing to suit Indian conditions.

Hero Cycles Ltd Deputy Chief Executive Gaurav Munjal said the three wheeler's R&D process is on and manufacturing from its Ludhiana plant should start in six months time.

The three wheeler being planned for India by Ultra Motors will be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which uses both an electric motor or motors and a petrol or diesel engine to extend the car's range and often to provide additional power.

A conventional HEV, such as the Toyota Prius, uses battery power up to certain speeds and the gasoline engine for higher speeds, and can draw on both power sources if needed.

The batteries are recharged by the fuel engine, which acts as a generator, and in most models by the energy generated from braking.

The CNG and Diesel prototype is already ready and India will be the first country, where Ultra Motors will introduce the model.

''India has the biggest market in this segment and hence its the obvious that we launch the product here,'' Mr Bowman said.

Established in 2002, Ultra Motors is a leading developer of Light Electric Vehicle (LEV).

UNI