KNUST Students Convert Petrol-Powered Car into Fully Functional Electric Vehicle
In a groundbreaking display of innovation and engineering prowess, final-year BSc. Automobile Engineering students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have successfully converted a petrol-powered Toyota Corolla into a fully functional electric vehicle (EV)
In a groundbreaking display of innovation and engineering prowess, final-year BSc. Automobile Engineering students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have successfully converted a petrol-powered Toyota Corolla into a fully functional electric vehicle (EV). The project was unveiled during the university’s maiden TekAlumni Homecoming 2025, drawing admiration from academia, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates across Ghana.
The vehicle, originally part of the Vice-Chancellor’s office fleet, underwent a complete transformation under the guidance of KNUST’s College of Engineering. The conversion involved replacing the internal combustion engine with a high-efficiency electric motor, integrating a custom battery pack, and reconfiguring the vehicle’s control systems to support electric propulsion.
Led by a team of final-year students, the project exemplifies the university’s commitment to practical research and hands-on learning. According to faculty advisors, the initiative was designed not only to showcase technical skills but also to explore scalable solutions for Ghana’s transport sector. “This is more than a student project—it’s a statement about what Ghanaian ingenuity can achieve when given the right tools and mentorship,” said one senior lecturer at the unveiling.
The conversion aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green mobility. With Ghana’s growing interest in electric transportation, the KNUST prototype serves as a model for locally driven innovation in clean energy.
University officials emphasized that the project could inspire similar retrofitting initiatives across the country, especially in public transport and fleet management.
Plans are underway to document the conversion process and publish a technical guide for other institutions and entrepreneurs interested in EV retrofitting. The team also hopes to secure funding to scale the project and explore commercial applications.
