Kumasi Technical University Unveils Locally Manufactured ‘Nimde3 Hyiren’ Self-Charging Electric Vehicle

Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has achieved a significant milestone in Ghana’s engineering landscape with the unveiling of the 'Nimde3 Hyiren REV', a locally manufactured electric vehicle (EV) capable of recharging its battery while in motion. Launched on March 28, 2026, as a flagship project for the university’s 70th-anniversary celebrations, the five-seater prototype represents a major breakthrough in sustainable transport technology. By utilizing regenerative braking, the vehicle addresses the critical hurdle of "range anxiety," which has long limited the adoption of electric vehicles in West Africa by allowing the car to replenish its energy levels without being tethered to a stationary charging station.

The "Nimde3 Hyiren" (which translates to "Bright Knowledge") was developed over six months by final-year Bachelor of Technology (BTec) Automobile Engineering students. Under the expert supervision of Professor Prince Owusu-Ansah, the team integrated a system that captures kinetic energy during deceleration and converts it back into electricity to feed the battery. This innovation allows the vehicle to travel significant distances independently, making it highly suitable for regional travel. Despite its sustainable focus, the prototype does not compromise on performance, boasting a top speed of 150 km/h and a chassis design specifically tailored to withstand the rigors of local road conditions.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Gabriel Dwomoh, speaking under the anniversary theme "70 Years of Transformative Technical Education: Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping the Future," highlighted the project as a testament to the university’s commitment to STEM and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He emphasized that the synergy between academia and industry is vital for Ghana’s industrialization and called for enhanced collaboration between the institution and external stakeholders. The university is now actively seeking strategic partnerships with both the government and the private sector to transition from the prototype stage toward large-scale commercial production.

This development arrives at a pivotal time for Ghana, as the nation grapples with rising fuel costs and a global shift toward green energy. The success of the Nimde3 Hyiren REV signals a new era for local engineering, proving that Ghanaian institutions can produce world-class solutions for contemporary energy challenges. Looking forward, KsTU plans to refine this technology further and explore its application in larger utility vehicles, reinforcing the university's strategic focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainable engineering as it enters its next phase of academic excellence.