From Sunlight to Streets: Rajkot Man Crafts a Solar‑Powered Mini EV

When Ramesh Patel, a 38‑year‑old mechanical hobbyist from Rajkot, first talked about turning sunlight into motion, most of his neighbours chuckled. "It sounded like a sci‑fi dream," he admits with a grin, but the spark in his eyes was unmistakable.

What started as a modest experiment in his cramped garage soon grew into a full‑blown project. Using salvaged bicycle frames, a handful of off‑the‑shelf solar cells, and a couple of second‑hand lithium‑ion batteries, Ramesh began piecing together what would become a tiny, two‑seater electric vehicle. The process was anything but smooth – he wrestled with wiring quirks, mis‑aligned panels, and the occasional shortage of copper wire, yet each setback seemed to fuel his determination rather than dim it.

After months of trial, error, and a few sleepless nights, the prototype finally rolled out onto the street. The little car, barely the size of a golf cart, hums quietly as the sun‑charged battery feeds power to its modest motor. Its top speed? A modest 25 km/h – perfect for short neighbourhood trips, market runs, or even a quick school dash.

Ramesh’s design is deliberately simple. The solar array sits on a lightweight, fold‑able roof, allowing the vehicle to charge while parked under any decent sunlight. A basic controller regulates the flow of energy, preventing over‑charge and ensuring a smooth ride. "I wanted something anyone could replicate," he says, gesturing toward the exposed wiring and the DIY manuals he kept beside the workbench.

Beyond the technical achievement, the mini EV carries a bigger message. In a country where traffic congestion and pollution are daily headaches, a solar‑powered, low‑cost vehicle could offer a glimpse of a greener future. Local NGOs have already shown interest, hoping to deploy similar models for last‑mile connectivity in remote villages.

Ramesh isn’t claiming to revolutionise the automobile industry overnight, but his story proves that ingenuity, coupled with a dash of sunshine, can light the way toward sustainable mobility. As he puts it, "If I can get my grandma’s groceries delivered with the sun, imagine what a whole community could do."