Syed Muzakkir Ahmed, 57 years old, proved that a car can definitely run on solar energy. He has travelled all the way from Bangalore to Kerala in a prototype developed by him to prove his point. This solar car will surely safeguard everyone from the tension of rising prices of petrol and diesel.
Ahmed’s main reason for developing the ‘concept of a revolutionary solar car’ is to control pollution in order to keep a check on the depletion of the ozone layer. The vehicle is equipped by a 240-watt solar panel along with a battery that has to be recharged by using small amount of electrical energy. The solar car is currently in Kaloor, parked outside the Matha Tourist Home.
The car can attain a minimum speed of 25 kmph after it is charged for about 2-3 hours under the sun. Ahmed believes that this car will be a success as it can go up to 40 km without any hindrance. “People are always willing to accept new ideas if it helps them in the long run. But, unless government supports such feasible innovations, these concepts will remain only on paper” Ahmed said.
This solar car does not require any kind of license or registration and is speculated to grab attention of everyone, old and young alike. Ahmed added, “It may be slower but is definitely cost effective.” Ahmed was given the APJ Abdul Kalam Parisara Prashastha Award in 2006 by the Karnataka Government for his endeavours.
Ahmed is in Kochi to talk about the potential and advantages of a solar car. He is popularly known as ‘Solar Ahmed’ in Bangalore and strongly believes in change. Ahmed said “I was always inviting trouble by thinking out of the box. I believe that one can solve problems only by inviting troubles.” Ahmed has always drawn inspiration from the success story of the Wright brothers.
