UNIZIK graduate manufactures solar powered Keke Napep

It’s no doubt the at Nigerians are smart, intelligent and creative. Despite having limited resources, a Nigerian Anthony Obinna Okafor has built a solar powered tricycle popularly known as Keke Napep.

According to reports, Mr Okafor who was supported by the Ebonyi State Vocation College, built a solar powered keke napep from the scratch within 21 days.

Mr Okafor while speaking on his recent invention said he wants to pioneer manufacturing of electric vehicles in Africa just as Elon Musk is doing.

“I want to be known as the man spearheading electric cars in Africa like Elon Musk is doing with his brand Tesla,”

Okafor noted that materials like the electric motor, axle and controllers with few other accessories were imported.

On how the tricycle works Mr Okafor said the solar panels can charge itself on condition of cloudy weather. He said it can also be charged with the grid or with an external solar power supply of generator.

He said the tricycle can travel at a speed of 60-70km/h when fully charged “On a full charge, it can go 60 to 70km. And on a sunny day, the added panels will extend range by another 10km. ”

Mr Okafor is a graduate of Mechanical/Production Engineering, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.