<p> Indian-origin engineer Naveen Rabelli drove for 10,000-km on a solar-powered auto-rickshaw from India to London to create awareness of alternative mobility solutions for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries using renewable energy.<br /><br />The auto, also known as 'tuk-tuk' in some parts of the world, had set off from Bengaluru in February.<br /><br />Rabelli, 35, arrived at Dover ferry crossing in the UK yesterday, five days later than expected because he was robbed during a toilet break last week as he approached the ferry crossing from France.<br /><br />The diesel-powered autorickshaw cost him USD 1,500 to buy, on which he spent an additional USD 11,500 to get it ready for the zero-emission adventure, entitled 'Tejas'.<br /><br />"The purpose of this journey is to create awareness of alternative mobility solutions for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries using renewable energy – mix of solar and electricity," explains Rabelli, who refused to let the robbery in France get him down.<br /><br />"My passport and wallet were stolen when I parked to go to the toilet at a fast food restaurant at Sarcelles, about 45 km west of Paris.</p>.<p><br />I reported it to the police, where there were some language issues but after a few hours they found an officer who could speak English.<br /><br />They are very helpful and sorry when they heard that I was about to finish my trip," he said.<br /><br />India-born Rabelli, who now holds an Australian passport, was able to acquire an emergency travel document and complete his journey.<br /><br />He plans to drive up to Buckingham Palace in London this week and also attend the Low Carbon Vehicle Event 2016 in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, tomorrow and Thursday.<br />"The aim was to highlight an entirely Indian solution to the world and show the benefits of using a prototype that is reliable, feasible and affordable," said Rabelli.<br /><br />The specially-modified autorickshaw, which is equipped with a bed, food cupboard and solar-powered cooker, was shipped from India to Bandar Abbas in Iran from where he kick-started the overland mission to drive through Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France before arriving in the UK.<br />His website solartuktuk.com offers people the chance to track his journey and donate to his cause of promoting green transport.</p>
<p> Indian-origin engineer Naveen Rabelli drove for 10,000-km on a solar-powered auto-rickshaw from India to London to create awareness of alternative mobility solutions for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries using renewable energy.<br /><br />The auto, also known as 'tuk-tuk' in some parts of the world, had set off from Bengaluru in February.<br /><br />Rabelli, 35, arrived at Dover ferry crossing in the UK yesterday, five days later than expected because he was robbed during a toilet break last week as he approached the ferry crossing from France.<br /><br />The diesel-powered autorickshaw cost him USD 1,500 to buy, on which he spent an additional USD 11,500 to get it ready for the zero-emission adventure, entitled 'Tejas'.<br /><br />"The purpose of this journey is to create awareness of alternative mobility solutions for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries using renewable energy – mix of solar and electricity," explains Rabelli, who refused to let the robbery in France get him down.<br /><br />"My passport and wallet were stolen when I parked to go to the toilet at a fast food restaurant at Sarcelles, about 45 km west of Paris.</p>.<p><br />I reported it to the police, where there were some language issues but after a few hours they found an officer who could speak English.<br /><br />They are very helpful and sorry when they heard that I was about to finish my trip," he said.<br /><br />India-born Rabelli, who now holds an Australian passport, was able to acquire an emergency travel document and complete his journey.<br /><br />He plans to drive up to Buckingham Palace in London this week and also attend the Low Carbon Vehicle Event 2016 in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, tomorrow and Thursday.<br />"The aim was to highlight an entirely Indian solution to the world and show the benefits of using a prototype that is reliable, feasible and affordable," said Rabelli.<br /><br />The specially-modified autorickshaw, which is equipped with a bed, food cupboard and solar-powered cooker, was shipped from India to Bandar Abbas in Iran from where he kick-started the overland mission to drive through Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France before arriving in the UK.<br />His website solartuktuk.com offers people the chance to track his journey and donate to his cause of promoting green transport.</p>