Mashada Blogs » AfriGadget » HAPV - Human and Animal Powered Vehicle in South Africa http://www.mashada.com/blogs/ Mashada Blogs » AfriGadget » HAPV - Human and Animal Powered Vehicle in South Africa Gregarius 0.6.1 en AfriGadget: HAPV - Human and Animal Powered Vehicle in South Africa http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Afrigadget/~3/167220844/ Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:59:34 -0400 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Afrigadget/~3/167220844/ Juliana Rotich The HAPV (Advertised as HAPPY) is a twist on the ‘horse and buggy’ mode of transportation, making this a donkey, cart, solar panel on a canopy FUV (Farm Utility Vehicle) that is quite ingenious and absolutely AfriGadget. A donkey drawn carriage is commonplace in many countries in Africa, and this retrofit by the organization Water and Wheel adds more functionality and utility especially suited for rural Africa.

HAPV

Fitted with a solar panel that charges a 12 volt battery under the driver’s seat, the “HAPPY” becomes an independent, sustainable source of energy that powers cell phone connectivity, front and rear emergency lights and a small neon tube at night. Add a water filtration system, and the “HAPPY” doubles as a multi functional mobile business unit, that can empower an entrepreneurial owner, to generate income from it as a fresh water outlet, a mobile phone kiosk or a spaza shop – even after dark.

Read more about it here.

(Hat tip Mweshi)

Note: Erik Hersman (White African) was interviewed a few minutes ago on BBC, a podcast will be available in a day or two and we will be sure to share it here (link).

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