First solar-powered golf cart in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                           

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A team of third-year Mechanical Engineering students at Bahrain Polytechnic designed and manufactured a groundbreaking four-seater golf cart, powered by solar energy, under the supervision and guidance of their tutors, Dr. Ahmed Abdulrhman and Mr. Syed Imam.

Dr. Ahmed is a programme manager in Mechanical Engineering and an assistant professor, while Syed Imam is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. The golf cart was recently showcased and test-driven on campus by Professor Ciaran O. Cathain, Chief Executive Officer; Professor Christina Georgantopoulou, Dean of the EDICT faculty; and several faculty members and students.

This project represents the significant skills of Bahrain Polytechnic’s Mechanical Engineering students. The solar-powered electric cart is equipped with solar panels strategically placed on the vehicle’s roof, allowing it to capture and convert sunlight into clean renewable energy, enabling rapid charging.

The cart can run up to a maximum speed of 30 km/h. The students worked diligently to ensure the cart’s design is safe, sustainable, aesthetic, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly; therefore, plastic PVC pipes were utilised in the chassis design.

During the test drive, Prof. O. Cathain and Prof. Georgantopoulou experienced the cart’s impressive performance firsthand. The vehicle exhibited exceptional performance and stability, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Not only does this electric cart offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles, but it also delivers a dynamic driving experience. Prof. O Catháin praised the students’ innovation, saying: "We are proud to announce that the solar-powered cart will soon be certified for internal use within the campus.

This will provide an excellent opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to embrace sustainable transportation options with less cost." He emphasised that Bahrain Polytechnic continues to foster a culture of sustainable development and inspire its students to lead the way in renewable energy technologies.