According to a news report from Leadership, the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) at Kwara State University, Malete (KWASU), has successfully transformed a gasoline vehicle into an electric vehicle (EV).

The transition to electric vehicles aims to diminish reliance on fossil fuels and bolster energy security by harnessing domestic renewable energy sources like solar and hydroelectric power, investigations by LEADERSHIP have revealed.

The electric vehicle can be charged directly by connecting it to the grid, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, electric vehicles boast lower operating costs due to the reduced cost of electricity compared to gasoline, along with fewer moving parts and lower maintenance requirements.

Investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing not only supports the shift towards cleaner transportation but also generates employment opportunities and drives economic growth.

“With a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and technological progress within the automotive sector, KWASU's CSE has undertaken the ambitious project of converting an 18-seater gasoline-powered Toyota bus into an electric vehicle.

“This initiative underscores KWASU's commitment to sustainability and the adoption of cleaner transportation alternatives. By repurposing a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle into an EV, the university is contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions,” the team leader, Dr Lambe Adesina said.

The team of engineers from KWASU has also converted a Nissan Frontier Pickup vehicle into an electric vehicle.

Adesina said,“Like any research, the breakthrough may take time, but once the concept is known, the procedure can be repeated within a short time frame.

“The pursuit started during the time of Professor AbdulRasheed Na' Allah and it took like one and a half years to realise the goal. Meanwhile, the chassis was locally fabricated, an idea that affected the aesthetic. Hence, the team went through CSE to obtain a vehicle from KWASU, and in less than three months, the bus was ready.”

These milestones have caught the attention of the Kwara State government, leading to a collaborative agreement between the state and the university.

As part of this agreement, the state has authorised the conversion of its gasoline vehicles stationed at the Government House, Ilorin and Harmony Express to electric vehicles. It's important to note that the cost of converting any vehicle to an EV necessitates a thorough audit of the vehicle. Therefore, a precise financial quotation can only be provided to clients who are fully prepared. However, it's worth emphasizing that the cost of conversions is significantly more economical compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles,“ Adesina explained.

Meanwhile, the state government has inaugurated a committee tasked with the conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles to electric-powered-vehicles.

The state's commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon Damilola Adelodun who inaugurated the committee said the initiative seeks to promote the adoption of eco-friendly transportation solutions in the state.

The commissioner, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Mary Adeosun, said the committee's assignment aligns with global efforts to transition towards clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuel by converting existing gasoline vehicles to electric powered ones.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including officials of KWASU and government representatives, who expressed their support for the initiative and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges of climate change.