Bulawayo man develops solar-powered three-wheeled vehicle

For many, dropping out of school is seen as a setback, a dead-end in a society where education is believed to be the key to a brighter future. However, for 31-year-old Charles Ncube of Luveve suburb, dropping out of school has not been a barrier but rather a catalyst for innovation.

Despite leaving school at Form Three due to financial challenges, Mr. Ncube has risen above his circumstances to become the creator of a groundbreaking solar-powered three-wheeled vehicle. His invention, which can power home appliances during power outages, provides an alternative to the costly fuel-powered vehicles that often leave motorists stranded.

The solar scooter, which Mr. Ncube built over five months, has a top speed of 50 kilometres per hour and can travel up to 200 kilometres on a full charge. The vehicle is equipped with a built-in load box and passenger seat, and is capable of carrying up to 500kg. Solar panels on its top and sides act both as a roof and as photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into energy to power the vehicle.

The idea for the solar scooter began five years ago, when Mr. Ncube bought his first vehicle, a second-hand model that he cherished. However, he frequently ran into problems with fuel, sometimes getting stranded in remote areas when his tank ran dry. After a series of frustrating experiences, he resolved to think outside the box and find a solution that relied on natural energy sources instead of fuel.

"On several occasions, I would run out of fuel and be left stranded. That frustration led me to come up with the idea of a vehicle that runs entirely on solar power," said Mr. Ncube.

Although he had minimal formal education, Mr. Ncube utilized online resources like YouTube to learn about mechanics and vehicle design. Drawing on his experience working with skilled mechanics in the auto industry, he embarked on his solar-powered vehicle project earlier this year.

His efforts recently caught the attention of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, who visited Bulawayo's Cowdray Park to donate food to the needy. It was there that Mr. Ncube showcased his completed scooter, impressing the crowd and dignitaries with his ingenuity.

"I may not have had much formal education, but I had the determination to prove that I could create something extraordinary," said Mr. Ncube. "Many people doubted I could do it, but here it is—my solar-powered scooter."

Most of the materials used in the construction of the scooter were sourced locally, including parts from scrap cars. The solar engine and technical components, however, were imported from China. Mr. Ncube adapted and modified the components to meet his specific design requirements.

The total cost of building the solar scooter came to approximately $3,500, a modest amount considering its versatility and potential. Mr. Ncube's creation is not just an environmentally friendly vehicle; it also serves as a solution to the problem of fuel scarcity and rising costs.

"The goal of this vehicle is to reduce the use of fuel, which is a major strain on many motorists," he said. "By using solar energy, we can contribute to a cleaner environment and reduce the harmful emissions that cause respiratory diseases and other health issues."

Mr. Ncube emphasized that his design is adaptable to various weather conditions, and it continues to operate efficiently even in cloudy weather. His vision for the future includes scaling the concept to larger vehicles, such as buses and agricultural machinery, which could further alleviate the country's dependence on costly and polluting fossil fuels.

"Pollution is a global challenge, and I hope my solar-powered vehicle can be a part of the solution," he said. "I want to see my invention adopted worldwide to help reduce non-communicable diseases caused by harmful vehicle emissions."

Despite the challenges he faced, including a lack of proper workshop space and equipment, Mr. Ncube's determination to innovate never wavered. He now plans to patent his design and take the concept to the next level.

"This is just the beginning," he said. "I know that with innovation, we can build a future that's not only sustainable but also economically viable for everyone."

Mr. Ncube's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, ingenuity, and the belief that one can overcome any obstacle, no matter the odds. His solar-powered three-wheeled vehicle stands as an inspiring example of how innovation can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.