SRINAGAR, Feb 10: Bilal Ahmad Mir, a Kashmiri mathematician, has made history by becoming the first individual to create a high-tech solar car in India, named “RAY,” which was officially presented in Srinagar on Monday.
Renowned for his innovative spirit, Mir unveiled a redesigned version of his solar car, boasting improved efficiency and cutting-edge technology.
“Since 2009, it has been my aspiration to set up Bilal Innovative Solar Automobile (BISA) and create a distinctive solar-powered vehicle,” the mathematician-turned-engineer shared.
However, he noted that the journey has been filled with challenges. “My initial technical innovation involved converting a vehicle to run on hydrogen gas, which later faced several challenges, leading me to redesign it as an electric vehicle (EV),” he explained to reporters.
Mir clarified that the EV was initially reliant solely on electricity, before he adapted it to utilize solar energy.
“I have diligently studied numerous published journals on solar technology and put in countless hours to realize my dream project,” he stated.
In addition, the Kashmiri mathematician researched various luxury car designs from the 1950s to modern-day to incorporate the latest technological advancements into his car’s design.
His research has reportedly gained recognition in six countries, earning him the nickname the “Elon Musk of Kashmir.”
This solar-powered vehicle, featuring a striking red color, showcases an innovative design with superior efficiency and technology.
“I completely self-funded this project, investing over 20 lakh to bring my dream to fruition,” Mir revealed.
Previously, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Company, expressed interest in his model; however, the potential collaboration faltered due to technical complications.
The car is designed with gull-wing doors, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while also being equipped with solar panels to provide supplementary power. Its aerodynamic shape minimizes wind resistance, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Mir asserts that his RAY can charge itself even under cloudy and snowy conditions, unlike many electric cars, which are dependent on sunlight for charging.
The vehicle operates similarly to any other car, accommodating five passengers, and features a dual power system that merges solar energy with a rechargeable battery. A charging port is conveniently located near the rear boot.
