The car runs smoothly on country lanes, worming its way through crowds and going down small alleys without any incident. The car, which runs on solar energy, was created by Doan Quang Huong, 18, from Nghia Loi commune of Nghia Hung district in Nam Dinh province.
Huong, who is in the 12th grade, began thinking of making a solar car early last year and set to work on such a car in August 2014 after consulting relatives and friends.
“I decided that the chassis should be created by galvanized steel bars, which are just slight and steady. The wheels were taken from an old scooter, while the electricity system and battery were from a broken machine. The other parts of the cars are brand new, because they determine the car’s quality,” Huong said.
The schoolboy made the car within four months.
The car is 1.8 meters long, 1.2 meters wide and 1.5 meters tall, while it weighs 190 kilos. There is one seat and one locker; it can run at the speed of 30 kilometers per hour.
Huong’s work has been recognized by scientists. His car was praised at a science competition held by Nam Dinh provincial authorities. The car is fuel efficient and low-cost; is friendly to the environment; economical in electricity usage; and suited to people who want to travel on small alleys or branch roads.
The car still has some problems. There is only one seat, while the shock absorber is weak and there is no speed meter, power meter or air conditioner.
Huong revealed that he received orders after he began designing the chassis.
“I will have to make the second, the third, and many others before I can fix the problems,” he said.
However, Huong thinks he has sufficient patience. In the future, if Huong can make cars in large quantities, he would be able to cut production costs.
The first car cost him VND20 million. However, the next ones would be cheaper.
Huong has just finished the 2015 national high school finals, receiving a 22 mark for three exam subjects. However, Huong does not intend to continue studying at university or junior college. In the future, Huong will spend all of his time on the work relating to cars.
Source: vietnamnet.vn