The global village is in a frenzy to correct the environmental damages been wrought by man-made creations. We happen to be in times teeming with unmitigated environmental anomalies. These we have seen all over the world in cases as global warming, erratic climate change, acid rain, ozone layer depletion and so many other problems. In a bid to fix these impending disasters counter inventions are been maximized. Concerned nations of the world are adopting policies that will promote the use of the renewable source of energy for its power generation to reduce carbon emissions to the barest minimum. The Nigerian government must take a cue from such governments to save our environment from further destruction. Tricycles happen to be one of the most popular means of public transportation in Nigeria. Ken Nwarache a Nigerian innovator recently made news for creating an electric-powered tricycle in the country. He tells more about his innovation in an interview with Engineers’ Forum.
We would like to know a little more about your background
I have a B. Sc. in Computer Science and I also went to a professional technical institute where I studied Mechatronics Engineering.
How were you able to successfully build the electric cycle?
I’m very handy and through research, it wasn’t hard at all. The hardest part was configuring and testing different battery chemistry and adapting one to work with the electric vehicle.
Electricity supply in Nigeria is epileptic and keeps ebbing low by the moment, how will your innovation survive in Nigeria?
Well, we have the sun and gas. Most of our charge stations will be powered by solar. It’s currently being tried in the northern part of the country.
About your charge stations, tell us of your progress so far in the northern part of the country
I can’t give too much information on our charge stations but its taking shape in the north and I will have one to be sampled in my Port Harcourt crib. For now solar is our major source.
Our proposed charge stations will have a payment model where units can be bought and paid for via our Apps
Where the components of the electric cycle solely derived from Nigeria?
Parts of our prototype were sourced locally through some junkyards in Port Harcourt but they weren’t enough so I had to talk to some old friends abroad to help purchase parts for the second build.
Since your innovation went viral in the media, has it been able to attract major partners or stakeholders in the industry?
Well no. I’m very careful about the kind of funding I bring into my company. As stated, we are not only into the electric vehicle but also mini-grid solutions. Any partner who wants to buy in must be willing to endure the long wait. We are still opened to investors.
Note that I have met wonderful people since my innovation went viral. A lot is going on in Nigeria with regards to technology. With the government’s support, our youths will shine.
What has your experience been like as a thriving innovator in the Nigerian scene?
Truth be told Nigeria as a country needs disruptive technologies. I mean 2020 is barely days away and we have not met with any of our SDG’s goals. The world can’t leave us behind, hence we need to engage our youth.
My experience so far is nothing to write home about but being very creative, I have some other projects lined up and I’ll keep pushing.
What long term plans do you have for your innovation?
A long term plan is to scale up production and compete with the ICEs around. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions and also implement our mini-grid solutions to light up every community in Nigeria at a time.
What words do you have for the Nigerian technological circle and nation at large?
Stay creative. It cost nothing to think and it all starts with a dream.
