Solar energy car made by Cambodian

RFA Photo/Keopich Metta

It is the first time that one of Cambodian citizen has tried to invent car powered by solar. Kong Pharith, former math and physics teacher in Kompong Chhnang province, used his knowledge to made solar energy car successfully.  At the present time, he is the chairman of the Able Builder Organization and also chairman of the Phnom Penh based intelligent Planning Center. He lasted about 6 months to research for the right formula.

Kong Pharith said: “for the engine to run fast or slow, if we don’t know how to control it, when the motor is running slow, it is weak because there is not enough electrical power. When it is weak, it cannot pull the car forward, but after researching, we use the PMW [technology]. For the PMW … we use a wave to control the engine to speed up while maintaining the engine power. There were several trials made during the research phase.”

Kong Pharith indicated also that his car can carry 2 to 4 passengers at a speed of 30 to 40 km/h. The car itself weights 750 kilos, and the solar cell can produce between 2,000 to 2,430-watt of power daily. The car can be driven between 30 to 40 km per day.

He also indicated that if there is no sunlight, or if the driver wants to drive farther, the car battery can be charged by electricity because his car is equipped with a dual battery system.