Udupi, Mar 28: Grand celebrations marked the launch of  'Solar electric vehicle championship 2024' organized by The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with Coimbatore Society of Racing Minds (CSRM) on Thursday, March 28.

 
Lt Gen Dr MD Venkatesh, vice chancellor MAHE inaugurated the  event by unveiling the trophies of the championship.

 

Speaking on the occasion he said, “Solar electric vehicle championship is one of the pivotal moments for MIT and MAHE. It is aimed at finding sustainable technological solutions in electric and solar energy modes. We are delighted to host the sixth edition of SEVC amidst the most technologically advanced campus in the country. MIT is giving very much importance to sustainable energy and it is promoting higher quality of research in this matter. Today there is a total devastation of the environment and there is a much need for sustainable, environment friendly modern transit modes. There has been a great transition in this field. A great amount of research is also taking place. India is the largest producer and consumer of EV vehicles in the two wheeler segment.  Solar energy is the cleanest energy source availed freely in the environment. MAHE and MIT are committed towards promoting sustainable energy.  75% of our energy consumption derives through renewable energy sources. Every drop of water is reused. All our building constructions are  green certified."

 

 
Dr Y Ras Mathew of Coimbatore Society of Racing Minds (CSRM) speaking on the occasion said “32 teams had registered for the championship among them 14 teams have been qualified today to participate. Various workshops and training sessions were also conducted for the participants. Based on the infrastructure and innovations activities by the MAHE-MIT we  signed an MoU with the institution to host the event here. MAHE has facilitated wholeheartedly for the event”.

 
Cdr Dr Anil Rana, director MIT presiding over the program said “MIT and MAHE is committed towards sustainability solutions.   We are finding mobility solutions and want to achieve. There is a race between two distant technologies between green hydrogen and pure electrical vehicles. Now solar electric vehicles may be another competitive solution. It depends on the efficiency of solar cells and advancement in battery technology, In MIT we have a centre for renewable energy and research is happening”.

 
The event not only promotes healthy competition but also encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants, industry experts, and academia. By harnessing the power of renewable energy and embracing sustainable transportation solutions, MIT aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators to drive positive change in society.

The SEVC 2024 is made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Chefs Touch, Ampere, PragnaMicrodesigns, who share MIT's vision for sustainable development and technological advancement. For more information about the championship.

 

Dr DV Kamath, HOD mechatronics department; Dr Dayanand Pai, HOD aeronautical engineering; and Prof Balakrishna Muddodi, associate professor civil engineering department were also present. 

 
Dr Somashekar Bhat, joint director MIT Manipal welcomed the gathering. Dr Vijay Babu Koreboina, organizing secretary proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Shilpa Suresh, faculty of Mechatronics compered.