• Workers assemble electric tuk-tuks at al-Shehab factory in the Sudanese capital's northern district of Khartoum-Bahri, on April 19, 2022. - In Sudan, three-wheeler vehicles -- tuk-tuk rickshaws for passengers, and motorbike tricycles with a trailer attached for carrying goods -- have long been a popular and affordable transport. But with the country gripped by a dire economic crisis made worse by political unrest following a military coup last October, the cost of running petrol-oil engines has soared. (Photo by ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP)
    Workers assemble electric tuk-tuks at al-Shehab factory in the Sudanese capital's northern district of Khartoum-Bahri, on April 19, 2022. - In Sudan, three-wheeler vehicles -- tuk-tuk rickshaws for passengers, and motorbike tricycles with a trailer attached for carrying goods -- have long been a popular and affordable transport. But with the country gripped by a dire economic crisis made worse by political unrest following a military coup last October, the cost of running petrol-oil engines has soared. (Photo by ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP)
  • In Sudan, three-wheeled vehicles have long been a popular, cheaper form of transport.
    In Sudan, three-wheeled vehicles have long been a popular, cheaper form of transport.
  • These include tuk-tuk rickshaws for passengers, and motorbike tricycles with a trailer attached for carrying goods.
    These include tuk-tuk rickshaws for passengers, and motorbike tricycles with a trailer attached for carrying goods.
  • But the country is in the grip of a dire economic crisis.
    But the country is in the grip of a dire economic crisis.
  • The financial situation has been exacerbated by political unrest after a military coup in October.
    The financial situation has been exacerbated by political unrest after a military coup in October.
  • The cost of running petrol engines has soared so these motorised rickshaws are ideal because they run on electricity.
    The cost of running petrol engines has soared so these motorised rickshaws are ideal because they run on electricity.
  • Mohamed Samir, owner of al-Shehab factory, gives an interview at his plant, extolling the virtues of electric tuk-tuks.
    Mohamed Samir, owner of al-Shehab factory, gives an interview at his plant, extolling the virtues of electric tuk-tuks.
  • The tuk-tuks often come in bright colours.
    The tuk-tuks often come in bright colours.
  • Emissions from three-wheelers previously reduced visibility, damaged the environment and created breathing difficulties. But the electric fleet solves each of these problems.
    Emissions from three-wheelers previously reduced visibility, damaged the environment and created breathing difficulties. But the electric fleet solves each of these problems.
  • And as Mr Samir points out, 'without a fuel engine, there is much less noise'.
    And as Mr Samir points out, 'without a fuel engine, there is much less noise'.
  • Workers at al-Shehab factory.
    Workers at al-Shehab factory.
  • The finishing touches are put to this electric tuk-tuk.
    The finishing touches are put to this electric tuk-tuk.
  • Workers test-drive a new electric tuk-tuk in the factory grounds.
    Workers test-drive a new electric tuk-tuk in the factory grounds.

MENA

An electric rickshaw factory in Sudan - in pictures

Al-Shehab factory offers alternative to petrol engines

The National

May 05, 2022

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Updated: May 05, 2022, 11:23 AM
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