In a proud moment for innovation and youth-led engineering, mechanical students at JGSSMPG College unveiled their first student-built EV project during the 2025 annual tech fest. This groundbreaking initiative involved designing, assembling, and testing a fully functional electric vehicle from scratch—all done by final-year students as part of their capstone project.
The student-built EV project stood out not just for its working performance, but also because it symbolized what resourceful minds can achieve with limited resources and a shared vision. Under the mentorship of college faculty and the guidance of automotive professionals, the team turned their DIY EV concept into a reality within just six months.
From Design Sketches to a Running EV Prototype
The students began their EV prototype journey with ideation and CAD modeling, followed by real-world material selection and 3D component printing. The vehicle was designed as a two-seater city commuter EV with a lightweight aluminum chassis, brushless DC motor, lithium-ion battery pack, and regenerative braking system.
Their student project focused on efficiency, simplicity, and affordability—ideal for short-distance travel in Indian towns and college campuses. Every wire, switch, sensor, and frame component was selected, tested, and assembled by students, giving them hands-on exposure to full-scale electric vehicle manufacturing.
Practical Learning Beyond the Classroom
Unlike textbook projects, the student-built EV project brought together real engineering challenges: motor heating, current regulation, battery balancing, controller synchronization, and aerodynamic drag. Students learned not only how to build an EV prototype but also how to solve design and safety issues through teamwork.
Faculty supervisors from mechanical and electrical departments guided the project, while local EV vendors provided parts and repair support. This deep collaboration gave students a true sense of ownership over their DIY EV, boosting their confidence in both innovation and execution.
Showcased During JGSSMPG Tech Fest 2025
The vehicle was unveiled in front of a large crowd during the tech fest, where it successfully completed test laps around the campus, demonstrated headlight and brake operations, and even climbed gentle slopes. The performance of the student-built EV project won widespread appreciation from guests, recruiters, and peer colleges.
The students also presented a technical report and shared cost breakdowns, safety measures, and future improvements. Their ability to defend design choices and handle queries from industrial experts reflected the depth of their learning and commitment to the student project.
Paving the Way for Future DIY EV Projects
Inspired by this success, JGSSMPG has now announced funding and lab space for future DIY EV teams. A dedicated Innovation Garage is being set up where students from all branches can collaborate on green technology solutions. The college aims to host inter-college EV prototype competitions and promote hands-on innovation as a core part of engineering education.
This student-built EV project has already sparked interest in solar charging add-ons, retrofitting kits, and electric bikes—showing that this was just the beginning of a much larger student-led revolution in clean mobility.
Summary Table – JGSSMPG’s First Student-Built EV Prototype
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Duration | 6 months from design to execution |
| Vehicle Type | 2-seater electric city car with brushless DC motor and Li-ion battery |
| Team Members | Final-year mechanical and electrical engineering students |
| Core Features | Regenerative braking, lightweight frame, solar-ready battery system |
| Future Plans | Lab expansion, startup mentoring, inter-college competitions |
FAQs
What is the student-built EV project at JGSSMPG?
The student-built EV project is an in-house electric vehicle designed and developed by final-year students as a working prototype.
What features does the EV prototype include?
The EV prototype includes a BLDC motor, regenerative braking, lithium-ion battery, LED lighting, and a simplified dashboard system.
How long did the students take to complete the DIY EV?
The DIY EV took approximately 6 months from ideation and design to testing and final assembly.
Was this project supported by the college?
Yes, JGSSMPG College provided funding, lab access, faculty mentorship, and exposure through the 2025 tech fest for the student project.
What are the future plans after this project?
The success of the student-built EV project has led to the launch of an Innovation Garage for future EV and clean energy experiments by students.
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