National Institute of Technology – Karnataka (NIT-K) at Surathkal has designed and developed 11 electric vehicles on its own for use by its students, faculty and staff members. Of the e-vehicles included three scooters, a foldable scooter, two bikes and five cycles.

The institute has also built a solar powered charging station to feed the e-vehicles. Thanks to major financial support for its E-Mobility Projects at the Centre for System Design (CSD) by its alumni and donors. The alumni of 1970, 1972 and 1981 have contributed major share for the projects. The setting up of the charging station having five charging units, research and development, design, materials and the rolling out of 11 vehicles has cost about ₹ 50 lakhs.

In addition, the institute will roll out 20 more e-cycles, an automatic e-trolley and an e-bike for the use of National Cadet Corps (NCC) unit at an estimated cost of ₹15 lakhs, borne by the 1972 alumni batch, in the coming days.