Srinagar, Kashmir: In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable mobility, Bilal Ahmad Mir, a mathematics teacher from Kashmir, is set to launch the region’s first solar-powered car, “RAY,” on June 22, 2025. This achievement comes after 16 years of relentless dedication, hard work, and innovation. Mir, who invested over Rs 22 lakh in his dream project by selling a portion of his ancestral property, aims to make clean and affordable energy accessible to the masses in Kashmir and beyond.
A Vision Born in 2009
In 2009, Mir conceived the idea of creating an affordable, eco-friendly car for the common people of Kashmir. With no formal engineering background, Mir began his journey by researching car technology and solar energy, driven by his desire to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world. What began as an ambitious dream has now evolved into “RAY,” a 1kW solar-powered car designed with advanced technology, efficiency, and accessibility at its core.
Speaking about his project, Mir emphasized, “From the very beginning, my goal was to make an affordable, environmentally friendly car that everyone could use. Today, as I unveil RAY, I am proud to say that this is the region’s first solar-powered car that can run entirely on solar energy, even in harsh weather conditions like snow or overcast skies.”
The RAY: A Technological Marvel
RAY is equipped with state-of-the-art solar panels, capable of charging the vehicle even under suboptimal conditions, such as overcast weather or snow, where traditional electric vehicles might struggle. The car’s innovative solar panels are sensor-optimized, allowing them to automatically adjust their orientation to capture the maximum amount of sunlight, ensuring constant energy generation.
The car features a 1kW solar-powered system, a high-tech Battery Management System (BMS) for power efficiency, and autonomous parking sensors for safety. What sets RAY apart from other solar cars in the market is its performance and design. While other solar-powered cars in the region generate only 100 watts of power, RAY is a powerful alternative with its 1kW solar panel system. Additionally, the car’s music-responsive rear lighting, gull-wing doors integrated with solar panels, and a unique dual power system combining solar energy and a rechargeable battery are features that elevate RAY’s appeal.
Affordable and Sustainable Mobility
One of the most striking aspects of RAY is its affordability. Priced at under Rs 10 lakh, RAY is positioned to be an accessible solution for a broad range of consumers, with the potential to revolutionize the local automobile market. In a region like Kashmir, where affordability is a crucial factor in purchasing decisions, Mir’s solar-powered car offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to both traditional petrol-diesel cars and electric vehicles (EVs).
“RAY’s aim is to provide affordable mobility without compromising on sustainability. Unlike conventional vehicles that need constant charging, RAY runs continuously on solar power, eliminating the need for frequent external charging. The cost-effective pricing ensures that even the common person can access a cleaner, greener mode of transport,” Mir stated.
A Leap Toward Clean Energy
Mir’s journey toward creating RAY has not been easy. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly, transforming his backyard into a workshop where he developed his first prototype. Beginning with a 1988 Nissan Micra, Mir initially converted the car to an electric vehicle before turning it into a solar-powered model. His commitment to research and development culminated in a final product that is set to compete globally, not just locally.
Internationally, RAY competes with solar-powered car manufacturers like Dutch-based Lightyear and US-based Aptera Motors, both of which are leaders in the field. Mir’s confidence is evident when he says, “In Kashmir, I have no competition. My only global competitors are Lightyear and Aptera Motors. But I believe that RAY’s performance, design, and energy efficiency make it a unique player in the solar car market.”
Testing, Safety, and Future Plans
Ahead of the official launch, Mir has already conducted rigorous testing of RAY, including in the harsh climate of Kashmir. From the extreme cold of the winter months to the intense heat of summer, RAY has withstood all challenges, proving its durability and reliability. Additionally, the car has passed all necessary safety tests, ensuring that it meets global standards.
RAY will begin its roadshows on March 31, 2025, with stops in high-altitude locations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, as well as on Boulevard Road in Srinagar. These roadshows will serve both as an advertisement campaign and as an awareness drive to promote the need for clean-fuel vehicles in Kashmir.
A Global Vision for the Future
Mir’s innovation has the potential to inspire a global shift towards sustainable transportation. Beyond RAY’s commercial success, his ultimate goal is to encourage other engineers and innovators to explore alternative energy solutions, helping to address the pressing environmental issues caused by conventional fuel-based vehicles.
As Mir looks to the future, he is not just thinking about Kashmir. He is already planning to expand RAY into international markets. “This is just the beginning. The world is ready for clean, solar-powered mobility, and I am confident that RAY will lead the way,” he said.
A Local Hero with Global Aspirations
Bilal Ahmad Mir’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and innovation. Despite limited resources, Mir’s passion for clean energy has enabled him to achieve what many would have deemed impossible. With RAY, he has not only created a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles but has also paved the way for the future of clean, solar-powered transportation.
Mir’s work serves as an inspiration, not just to the people of Kashmir, but to aspiring engineers and innovators around the world. His success story is a powerful reminder that with determination and ingenuity, even the most ambitious ideas can be turned into reality.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, RAY could represent a small but significant step toward a cleaner, greener future.
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