Thursday, April 02, 2026
By Kamal Swami
Students Build Self-Charging EV with Smart Braking
Taking a major step towards sustainable transportation, students of Kumasi Technical University (KSTU), have developed a self-charging electric car. Three final-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Automotive Engineering students have successfully developed a five-seater electric vehicle named ‘Nimde3 Hyiren REV’ within a span of six months. The project was carried out under the supervision of Professor Prince Owusu-Ansah, Head of the Automotive and Agricultural Mechanisation Department, with additional support from industry partners.
The notable feature of the vehicle is its advanced regenerative braking system. This braking system is different from conventional electric vehicles that rely on external charging stations. This system allows the battery to recharge automatically while driving. Energy is generated especially when the driver slows down or applies the brakes, ensuring a continuous power supply and improved efficiency. According to the university, the initiative matches the global transition towards sustainable mobility while adapting solutions to suit Ghana’s transport and energy landscape. The vehicle can achieve speeds of up to 150 km/h, showcasing both performance and sustainability.
The prototype was officially unveiled during a durbar held on March 28, 2026, marking the climax of KSTU’s 70th-anniversary celebrations. Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Gabriel Dwomoh highlighted the university’s progress in advancing electric vehicle technology through regenerative capabilities. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, stating that such partnerships are key to driving innovation. Professor Dwomoh also showcased several other innovations developed by the university, including a multi-purpose rocket stove, food dryer, fish smoker, RC feeder, drones, an electronic food warmer, a mini cement mixer, and an air quality monitor.
Encouraging further collaboration, he called on government bodies and private sector stakeholders to support the next phase of development, which will focus on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable engineering.
The vehicle, built entirely from scratch, represents a departure from traditional electric vehicles. The development team aimed to create a system that enables continuous charging during operation. Explaining the functionality, the team noted that whenever the driver reduces speed or applies brakes, the system automatically generates energy to recharge the battery. This helps prevent power depletion and extends driving range significantly. As a demonstration of its efficiency, the vehicle can travel between Kumasi and Konongo and return without requiring external charging, marking a promising advancement in electric mobility
