adminPeter Matika
Bulawayo Bureau
DROPPING out of school for many people is the most terrible experience, and a dead end in a society that believes education is the key to a brighter future.
Not so for Mr Charles Ncube (31) of Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb who, despite dropping out of school at Form 3, has fought for his space and distinguished himself by building a three-wheeled solar-powered vehicle.
Not only is the unique vehicle eye-catching, but it can also power home appliances.
The scooter travels at a maximum speed of 50km/h, and gives him at least 200km when fully charged.
It has a built in load box, passenger seat and can carry a maximum weight of about 500kg.
It features solar panels on its top and sides, which function both as a roof and power source.
The innovative journey started about five years ago when Mr Ncube bought his first vehicle, a second hand model that he cherished greatly.
On several occasions, he would run out of fuel and was forced to abandon it in the middle of nowhere. Thinking outside the box, he came up with an idea to develop an alternative solution to fossil fuel
Despite possessing minimal secondary education before dropping out due to financial challenges , Mr Ncube said he searched on YouTube for instructional content and embarked on his ambitious journey at the beginning of this year.
His project recently caught the attention of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, who was in the city last weekend and visited Cowdray Park where he donated food to the needy.
It was at this event that youthful innovator showcased the completed scooter he engineered over a period of five months on a shoestring budget, much to the amusement of the large crowd and dignitaries.
In an interview, Mr Ncube said despite all the challenges he encountered growing up, it was his determination and zeal to show the world that nothing can hold him back.
“I launched this project about five months ago. I only have a basic education. Over the years, I managed to acquire knowledge in the field of mechanics, where I was working under the guidance of seasoned mechanics in both auto and general mechanics.
“So, when I started this, many people didn’t think I could develop anything serious,” said Mr Ncube.
He sourced most of the parts locally, mostly from scrap cars, while the solar engine and tech-components were imported from China.
“I engineered the body to meet the specifications I required. Most of the parts I sourced locally and then modified them to my requirements.
“The battery, inverter and the electric conversion kit, I imported from China.”
Mr Ncube said his design demonstrates how a vehicle can make use of sustainable materials.
“Having a solar vehicle like mine, which uses solar power, reduces the emission of dangerous exhaust fumes,” he said.
“I can say the total amount I have spent on the scooter is approximately US$3 500. It is an all-terrain scooter and is compatible with all weather conditions.
“I know most people will pose the question of whether it is able to charge in cloudy conditions, and the answer is yes. It has been modified to worker under all weather conditions.”
Mr Ncube said his focus was now on patenting the concept, as he wants to implement the concept in agro-machinery and larger vehicles such as buses.
“Fuel is a major strain for most motorists. It is a major setback and through this invention I know as a country we can develop something that will help assist in developing our economy,” said Mr Ncube.
“This uses natural energy and is environmentally friendly.”
He said pollution was a significant challenge for many countries and it was his dream to see his innovation being adopted across the world.
“I decided to develop my solar scooter also to reduce the risk of contracting diseases caused by inhaling hazardous fumes emitted by cars using fossil fuels.”
The major challenge he encountered while building the scooter was a lack of a workshop and proper equipment.
Online Reporter