New Delhi, May 29 (IANS): ETI Dynamics announced the launch of a solar electric hybrid vehicle here on Friday.

According to ETI Dynamics, the prototype is a hybrid scooter that has a canopy of bendable solar panel.

The company touts that it was the first of its kind vehicle in the country that can charge on the go.

The prototype can travel for more than 50 km on a single charge at a top speed of 45 kmph, the company said.

The scooter is light weight and accompanies a weather proof design and propagates the concept of mobile charging infrastructure.

"The prototype is amongst several other adaptations of the technology such as auto-rickshaws, buses, golf-carts, shuttle that will be launched in the next 12 months. The addition of solar panel to the vehicle increases the distance it is able to travel by 15-20, thus providing more efficiency gains," a company spokesperson said.

Rajneesh Wadhwa, chief operating officer, ETI Dynamics said: "The electric vehicle market hasn't yet taken off in India due to high costs and lack of charging infrastructure. This is because the technology is restricted to very few platforms like cars. We need the entire eco-system to come up simultaneously which is what we are working on."

"Just like any electronic marketplace needs a critical mass of buyers and sellers to succeed, the same way electric mobility needs a large number of vehicles with an elaborate charging stations network to succeed. We are committed to bringing new technologies on the road coupled with charging infrastructure coming up at the same time," he added.

Asked about future plans, Sanmit Ahuja, chief executive, ETI Dynamics said: "The company will initiate pilots in 5-6 cities in India immediately in the coming months and expects the first batch of vehicles plying commercially on the road in the next 12 months.

"ETI Dynamics is working with a range of vehicle manufacturers and engineering institutions to bring prototypes to road. It is also creating a number of mobile phone applications that will help consumers locate charging stations, make payments, monitor battery performance etc."

"The company is also in active dialogue with the Digit Group of US and in partnership with Sunon Energy of India to transform the community and charging landscape in urban areas," he added.

ETI Dynamics is an investor in technologies, projects and innovations centred on sustainable development.