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Electric Experience
Designer extraordinaire, and the first Indian to win the coveted Japanese Car Styling international design award, Rajesh Mirajker's latest design to see the light of day is an innovative electric vehicle.

The Facility Tour Vehicle (FTV) is an electric mobile employed in guided tours of the factory shopfloor, factory premises and other sprawling facilities such as research stations, airports, harbours and defence bases. It can also be used to take the elderly and marginally-handicapped on pleasant sightseeing tours of amusement parks, wildlife sanctuaries and major expositions. Featuring seats equipped with folding writing pads and positioned at an exposed elevated level for good visibility, easy entry and rapid exit, the FTV, commissioned by Maini Materials Movement Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, and marketed by Bangalore Commercial Corporation, is silent and pollution-free.

The FTV is short, both lengthwise and in width, and can be manoeuvered down narrow paved aisles. And as the 'conductor' — driver — stands close behind the passengers, easy communication with them is possible within their field of vision. Additionally, this driving posture offers excellent visibility and precise control as the vehicle's encumbrance is completely within sight. The surrounding bumper and enclosed solid rubber wheels afford protection to both the passengers and pedestrians, while the additional rollover protection structure — of bent steel pipes — supports a removable plastic or canvas canopy.

A bulkhead behind the seats integrates an instrument panel, steering console and deeply-recessed trays for refreshments and other odds-and-ends. The electrical switchgear, charging apparatus and toolbox enclosure are also contained within the bulkhead and accessed through a lockable hatch.

Simply constructed and facilitating parts consolidation, the FTV is easily assembled, calling for minimum investments for low volume production. The fibreglass bodyshell bolts onto a welded box-section chassis, and the mechanical assemblies and electrical system are derived from the manufacturer's own material handling equipment. A tilting steering axle allows stable support for the chassis without any suspension — the ride is cushioned by suspended seats — and the scooter-type steering, linked to the front wheels by a geared chain, has continuously-variable speed regulator controls.

Two rechargeable lead acid batteries slide out, for routine checks, on removing the panels that cover them. The electric motor drives one rear wheel, via a roller chain, while a pedal-operated disc brake operates on the other rear wheel during emergencies and whilst parking. Normal braking is achieved by reversing the current back to the motor.

The FTV's dynamic shape is visually balanced with its stylish 'fallover', while air inlets and ventilation slots give the impression of a sophisticated power source! Body skirts shroud the wheels, 'floating' the vehicle and making it look like a dodg'em car. Sleek and festive, with a subtle sobriety, the FTV promises to be both fun and functional.