KOCHI: Class 4 student Seril got a very special birthday gift from her father this year- an e-car. Yes, Vypin Kochambalam native Sense Antony gifted his daughter a small self-made electric car as a birthday present. Seril now enjoys driving this car in the yard after returning from school.

It was during the lockdown that Seril told her father of her wish to have a toy car that she could drive. Although he searched several places for such a car, he was not able to find one. That’s how he decided to make one such car and gift it to his daughter for her next birthday.

Although Seril's mother and grandfather had initially opposed Seril driving the car due to safety concerns, they later began supporting her. Seril learnt to drive within a week.

The body of the car is made of fibre and a GI sheet. The wheels of the Activa and the steering wheel of the Toyota car is used. The e-car comprises an accelerator, headlight, horn, brake, brake light, indicator and reverse gear.

The 48-watt motor has four batteries for charging. It takes about six hours for the battery to get fully charged.

Sense built the car based on his experience of studying electrical works for Vocational Higher Secondary. He had to seek the help of an outsider only for the welding works. Sense Antony is an interior designer.

Cost Rs 30,000

The construction cost of the small e-car is Rs 30,000. The battery and motor cost Rs 15,000. Several people contacted him after seeing the e-car made for his daughter and called. Sense has also built another car for his friend.