Bilal Mir's unique solar car to be launched

Story by Basit Zargar | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 10-02-2025

Bilal Mir with his solar car in Srinagar (Pics and Text by Basit Zargar)

Basit Zargar/Srinagar

After three years of rigorous efforts by mathematics teacher Bilal Ahmad Mir to revolutionize transport through his solar car, RAY is ready to take the roads. The revamped solar car is all set for launch on Monday, February 10.

The solar-powered vehicle features a brand-new design with enhanced efficiency and technology.

Mir’s journey started in 2022 when he brought a solar car. “I fully self-sponsored the venture and spent Rs 20-22 lakh,” Mir said. He has not received any money for this venture.

He studied various luxury car designs from the 1950s to the present, in order to incorporate the latest technological elements in the design of this car. His research has been published in six countries, and he has been called the 'Elon Musk of Kashmir'.

Bilal Ahmed Mir drriving his car

Earlier Mahindra Company chairman Anand Mahindra had shown interest in his model but the collaboration failed to take off due to technical issues.

The refurbished RAY is a 1 kW solar-powered car, with a high-tech Battery management System (BMS), and autonomous parking sensors. The car can run without charging, and its sensor-optimized solar panels are self-oriented to maximize sunlight capture.

RAY's doors feature a gull-wing design, which is not only beautiful but is also equipped with solar panels to generate additional power. Its sleek design reduces wind resistance, making it more effective and efficient.

Mir spent 13 years turning his vision into reality, modifying a 1988 Nissan Micra to create the prototype.

While most electric cars need sunlight to charge, RAY charges itself in cloudy, and snowy weather, too.

Mir’s goal is to make clean-energy cars for the common masses. He feels he doesn’t face competition in India, even though Indian manufacturers are making electric cars and buses.

Bilal Ahmed Mir explaining features of his car

“Abroad, there are companies like Lightyear and Aptera Motors, and I am competing with them.” Mir’s innovation has received global acclaim.

His research was published in more than six countries.

The car functions just like any other vehicle with a five-seater capacity, a dual power system combining solar energy and a rechargeable battery, and a charging port located conveniently near the rear boot.

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The car will be released on February 10 and will be out on the roads by the end of June this year. He however doesn’t reveal his plans for its manufacturing.