Nigeria’s drive towards renewable energy as a substitute to fossil fuel has received a boost following the design and construction of a solar-powered electric vehicle by Zaria Academy Centre for Innovation and Renewable Energy (ZACIRE).

Code-named Munyegal Z20E, the technological breakthrough has been acknowledged by the Federal Government, which recently presented a patent certificate to Zaria Academy through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The certificate bearing patent number NG/P/2021/5, was presented to the Chairman of Zaria Academy, Dr. Haroun Adamu, by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, who commended the institution for its commitment to the development of renewable energy in the country.

Giving a brief insight into the project, Adamu said Munyegal Z20E was designed, simulated and constructed by a team at Zaria Academy to address the economic challenge posed by the rising cost of petrol and key into the global quest for renewable energy.

The car was built with 90 per cent metal as a teaching aid involving a mechanical and electrical technique.

Munyegal Z20E is propelled by Direct Current (DC) electric motors using electric energy in rechargeable batteries as a power source to move about.

Zaria Academy’s solar-powered electric car project is in tandem with efforts by the Nigerian government through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to ensure that the country is not left behind in the global quest for renewable energy.

The NADDC recently commissioned solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto (UDUS) and the University of Lagos, while a third one is expected to be opened soon in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).