By In a remarkable step towards more sustainable transportation, an Indian physicist has developed a self-charging electric vehicle that uses wind energy generated while the car is moving. This experimental technology could address one of the biggest challenges facing electric vehicles today — dependence on external charging infrastructure.
The innovative system was designed by Er. Satyam Kumar Jha, an engineer and physicist from Maharashtra, India. Working alongside his wife, Preeti Jha, Satyam has built a working prototype that can recharge its own battery in real time as it drives.
How the Self-Charging EV Works?
The prototype uses a specially designed ducted intake that captures airflow while the car is moving. This airflow drives a compact internal turbine, converting the kinetic energy into electrical power. This generated power is then fed directly into the vehicle’s battery, recharging it on the go — even at low urban speeds.
According to Jha, the system can function efficiently at speeds as low as 30 km/h, making it potentially viable for city drivers stuck in slow-moving or stop-and-go traffic. This design aims to make electric mobility more practical in areas with limited charging stations or unreliable electricity supply.
A Solution for Cities and Remote Areas
The couple behind this innovation believes the self-charging electric vehicle wind energy system could be particularly useful for urban commuters as well as drivers in remote regions where public charging infrastructure is lacking. If successfully validated and commercialized, this technology might help address range anxiety, one of the main barriers to widespread EV adoption.
However, while the prototype has been successfully demonstrated, it has yet to undergo peer-reviewed testing or large-scale trials. Automotive engineers have long cautioned that in-motion turbines can add aerodynamic drag, potentially resulting in a net energy loss rather than a gain. Jha, however, argues that his design reduces this drag to a minimum by using lightweight materials and engineering the system specifically for low-speed conditions where drag effects are less significant.
What’s Next for the Prototype?
At present, Satyam Kumar Jha is actively seeking commercial and institutional partners to support further testing and large-scale deployment of his self-charging electric vehicle wind energy system. He hopes that with the right partners, the concept can move beyond the prototype stage and be refined for real-world applications.
The innovation, if validated through rigorous testing, could open new doors for the EV industry, especially in countries like India where electricity access and charging infrastructure can vary widely.
Pushing Boundaries in Sustainable Transport
As the world pushes towards greener transport solutions, experimental ideas like this self-charging electric vehicle could play a role in reducing fossil fuel dependence. While much more research and testing are needed to confirm its efficiency and practicality, the prototype highlights the creative approaches emerging engineers are bringing to the clean mobility sector.
