Lockdown Invention: Odisha Farmer Makes Solar-Powered Car

Bhubaneswar: A Mayurbhanj farmer made good use of his time during the lockdown. Using his ingenuity, he built a four-wheeled electric vehicle that runs on a solar-powered battery.

Sushil Agarwal from Karanjia subdivision of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district built the car, powered by 850 Watts motor, 100 Ah/ 54 Volts of battery and can run 300 km on a single charge. “I have a workshop at home. During COVID-19 lockdown, I began working there to create this. It can run for 300 km after full charge,” he told ANI adding that the battery can be charged fully within eight-and-a-half hours.

“It is a slow charging battery. Such batteries have a long life. It will last 10 years. All the work on this vehicle including motor winding, electrical fitting and chassis work were done in my workshop with the help of two other mechanics and a friend who advised me on electric works,” he was quoted as saying.

The vehicle is still in its initial frame.

“I was at my home when the lockdown restrictions were imposed. I knew soon the fuel prices will shoot up once the lockdown restrictions will be lifted. So I decided to build my own car which could also keep me occupied,” Agarwal told ANI.

And how did he build the car? Just by reading some books and watching YouTube videos.

Gopal Krishna Das RTO Mayurbhanj told ANI, “I am glad to know that he has tried to design and manufacture a solar-battery-powered vehicle during the lockdown period. Such environmentally-friendly vehicles that do not cause much pollution are the future of the automotive industry.”

“Society should encourage this type of invention. It is advisable to improve the design in consultation with Government of India’s agencies like ARAI, CIRT to improve the safety, comfort and efficiency of the vehicle so that can it be used on roads.”