center for research in transportation technologies

The Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at applying contemporary technologies   to develop sustainable transportation solutions for Uganda and Africa. The Project was inspired by the Vehicle Design Summit (VDS), an International Student-Led Consortium aimed at Leapfrogging Sustainable Transportation Technologies. In 2008, Vehicle Design Summit (VDS) Teams from 35 Pre-eminent Research Universities built a 5 seater Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, The Vision 200 Led by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Logo Development

The kiira vehicle flag has been developed taking inspiration from the name “kiira” which is a a waterful. The kiira vehicle is purely electric and  “zero emission “  vehicle and therefore a green means of transport.

Conceptual Vehicle Model Design.

Using  current automobile design techniques, the team has been able to develop  the conceptual model from hand sketches to CAD models through various design iterations.  The model design has evolved due to concerns of aerodynamic efficiency .The models below show the evolution of the Conceptual Vehicle model.

Physical  model

Before the actual implementation of the body, a 1: 1 model was developed with the aim of obtaining some information about the design parameters before fabrication; vital information was obtained about  the Ground clearance, wheel base, vehicle height and length. The model was initially to be developed out of styrofoam but due to absence of the material on the local market in bulk, the model was developed using wires, cardboard and wood.

Structural fabrication of Chassis and Frame

The fabrication and Construction of the mechanical Systems of the Kiira EV started at the CEDAT fabrication workshop using locally available materials. The systems include; the chassis, frame, Suspension system and Battery compartment. The chassis was initially to be fabricated using extrusion technology from aluminium alloy but due to absence of the material on the local market locally available steel was used for the fabrication.

Kiira EV Complete

The electric car made by the Makerere University Vehicle Design Project, was finished and was taken for its first test-drive on Tuesday 1st November 2011. The test-drive was successful and attracted alot of local and international attention. The Kiira EV will be officially unveiled at the 2nd Annual Students’ Open day on the 18th -19 Nov 2010, College of Engineering Art and Design – CEDAT. The car has been painted green to emphasize its environment friendly aspects. Green is also one of the Makerere colours. This car has zero emissions, since it is electric and comes as an alternative transport solution totally dependent on green energy. Its battery power lasts 80km, and takes about 5.5 hours to recharge using a single phase charger with 13A/220V.