Audi is creating an e-rickshaw targeted at women in India. The German manufacturer developed its take on the three-wheeled cart to be made largely from recycled parts. It will also run on solar power.

Currently transport in India is largely reliant on coal-power and fossil fuels, while women often must use intermediaries to take their produce to market. Audi said it identified these two gaps as complementary.

The batteries will be taken from Audi’s electric vehicle test fleet, e-tron. As rickshaws don’t need to travel long distances or too quickly, the used batteries are expected to have enough power.

Working with a charity specifically to provide these vehicles to women, the organisations are providing a safer way to transport produce to market. Without depending on intermediaries, these women will make a higher profit and so gain more economic independence.

The e-rickshaws should hit the roads in early 2023.