'Oyeyiola Segun, A Student Of OAU Builds A Solar-powered Car'.
In a recent interview with Ronke Sanya of the Nigerian Tribune, Segun Oyeyiola talked about the present state of the solar-powered car which he invented in 2014 and the new projects he is presently working on.
You made headlines in 2014 when you converted a Volkswagen Beetle car, using mainly scrap, into a solar-powered car which you drove around Ile-Ife town, where is that car now?
The solar car which I made in 2014 is presently undergoing some upgrading process. I describe the solar car as ‘model one’ and it is presently in my workshop. Right now, we are upgrading. We are upgrading it, both in the chassis and its main electronics components. After we are done with the upgrading, it will be called the ‘model two.’ It is a form of upgrading whereby we will not use scrap as materials but materials that are much better.
The solar car which I made in 2014 is presently undergoing some upgrading process. I describe the solar car as ‘model one’ and it is presently in my workshop. Right now, we are upgrading. We are upgrading it, both in the chassis and its main electronics components. After we are done with the upgrading, it will be called the ‘model two.’ It is a form of upgrading whereby we will not use scrap as materials but materials that are much better.
Owing to your innovation, you made headlines in the media, what has the experience been like?
I felt really excited and fulfilled that my work was celebrated by a lot of people. And, yes, different people have contacted me and shown interest in partnering with me. The interesting part is that some of them are ready and willing to work with me. Some are ready to supply some key parts for the car like the high quality batteries, solar module, and so on. I feel good and strongly believe in teamwork which can come in any form.
I felt really excited and fulfilled that my work was celebrated by a lot of people. And, yes, different people have contacted me and shown interest in partnering with me. The interesting part is that some of them are ready and willing to work with me. Some are ready to supply some key parts for the car like the high quality batteries, solar module, and so on. I feel good and strongly believe in teamwork which can come in any form.
Many people are of the opinion that the car would not last long because of the popular notion that made in Nigeria products are of low quality. Is your solar car still functioning?
People’s opinion and their beliefs sometimes may be wrong. Let me give you an example. While I was still an undergraduate of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, I was able to study few electronic devices that are products from other countries. After a close study of these products which many Nigerians believe will last longer than Nigerian made ones, I noticed that the products were inferior. I discovered that, if used, these devices will not perform as effectively as they are supposed to, and will not last long too. I was able to notice this because of my expertise in the field of engineering. Therefore, my opinion is that, not all made in Nigeria products are substandard; also, not all foreign products are of good quality. The solar car I made is presently in good condition and functioning well. I am currently upgrading it using better technology and, yes, it will last long because we keep improving on it and we are bringing in novel technology.
People’s opinion and their beliefs sometimes may be wrong. Let me give you an example. While I was still an undergraduate of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, I was able to study few electronic devices that are products from other countries. After a close study of these products which many Nigerians believe will last longer than Nigerian made ones, I noticed that the products were inferior. I discovered that, if used, these devices will not perform as effectively as they are supposed to, and will not last long too. I was able to notice this because of my expertise in the field of engineering. Therefore, my opinion is that, not all made in Nigeria products are substandard; also, not all foreign products are of good quality. The solar car I made is presently in good condition and functioning well. I am currently upgrading it using better technology and, yes, it will last long because we keep improving on it and we are bringing in novel technology.
What is your plan towards making more of that prototype of solar powered car, in view of the clamour for cars that maximise fuel consumption?
My model cars are a future project. Our plan is to make more prototypes available to whoever desires to have one. Our plan is for the future where you will be able to decide which car you want to buy whether the one that runs on our traditional fuel or the one that runs on pure renewable energy. So, it’s a project for the future and will be optional for those interested to choose.
My model cars are a future project. Our plan is to make more prototypes available to whoever desires to have one. Our plan is for the future where you will be able to decide which car you want to buy whether the one that runs on our traditional fuel or the one that runs on pure renewable energy. So, it’s a project for the future and will be optional for those interested to choose.
Why did you choose to upgrade the car?
The upgrading was necessary due to the fact that the ‘model one’, that is, the solar car, was made from what I can call ‘crude implements.’ The Volkswagen Beetle was an abandoned car and the other metals I used were from scrap. I also had to upgrade in order to come into commercialising my idea into something that the public can benefit from. Although, it might appear like a long term project but I believe, with time, we will ride solar cars on the streets of Nigeria. A day will come when our traditional cars will become things of the past while our cars will run on renewable energy.
The upgrading was necessary due to the fact that the ‘model one’, that is, the solar car, was made from what I can call ‘crude implements.’ The Volkswagen Beetle was an abandoned car and the other metals I used were from scrap. I also had to upgrade in order to come into commercialising my idea into something that the public can benefit from. Although, it might appear like a long term project but I believe, with time, we will ride solar cars on the streets of Nigeria. A day will come when our traditional cars will become things of the past while our cars will run on renewable energy.
Do you think if you make more of your solar-powered car, Nigerians will buy them?
The Federal Government has a great role to play in encouraging Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products. This is because the
The Federal Government has a great role to play in encouraging Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products. This is because the
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