Doc invents environment-friendly car

Badwani, MP, June 6: A 52-year-old homoeopathic physician here has successfully tested a multi-purpose environment-friendly car 'Surya' that is powered by a combination of solar energy, battery, petrol and LPG.

The creation of Dr M L Kumawat, who had been toiling on his project for the past three years, measures 84 inches in length, is 42 inches wide and 56 inches tall, and can seat three.

''Keeping in view the various factors constantly polluting the environment, I invented 'Surya', But I am saddened that the administration did not encourage me and am still awaiting an opportunity for my invention's formal inauguration,'' he says.

The vehicle has four forward gears and one reverse. The four-stroke engine is of 1.5 HP.

Plates of photovoltaic cells on the roof and bonnet aid 'Surya' in harnessing solar energy and the car can travel at a top speed of 50 kmph. The cells have to be recharged after about 80 km but if the journey is under sunny skies then the vehicle can go upto 100 km without a recharge.

An electric charger enables the user to even ''tank up'' 'Surya' at home. The petrol and LPG are contingency resources in case the other two sources are unavailable. The car, Dr Kumawat claims, gives a mileage of 50 kmpl on petrol and 75 km per kg LPG. The inventor has even made the vehicle capable of generating half a kilowatt for domestic use, through its plates and step-up unit, while stationary. If more power is needed, the petrol/gas engine may be started up and 2 KW generated by converting the Permanent Magnet Direct Current Motor into a dynamo.

Born into a farmer's family at Malwada village in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, Dr Kumawat's love for machinery blossomed at the Tractor Repair Training Centre, Budhni.

In 1981, he invented India's first rechargeable torch. He also takes credit for a solar generator, battery-operated motorcycle and power tractor driller. He is trying to obtain a patent for 'Surya'.

''My 'Ayurveda Ratna' son Satish, mechanic Rasheed, his son Aslam and Shakeel -- who did the welding -- contributed to the making of the car,'' he adds.

UNI