Eco:Technology | Electric Motor

The Chevrolet Volt is the first mass-market prototype iconic vehicle to operate on an electric motor. The Chevrolet Volt Concept was designed in 2007 by Nigerian Jelani Aliyu, Lead Creative Designer of General Motors. The car is powered by a new lithium batteries which will plug into an electricity socket. Electric cars create less pollution than gasoline-powered cars, so they are an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles (especially in cities). Mr. Aliyu is known to be very poetic when communicating what inspired the design of the Chevrolet Volt Concept. What was his inspiration? His inspiration was the movement of nature in which he provided examples such as exotic animals, falling leaves and rippling ponds. His point of reference stems from being raised in Sokoto, Nigeria. Mr. Aliyu states in New Africa, "My skills are perfect for Africa. Don't forget, that I am not just an Auto Designer, but first and foremost an Industrial Designer. And as an Industrial Designer, the training is first to understand people's problems and then tailor a solution to that specific problem in the form of a design." 

Mr. Aliyu has always had clarity about his passion and made it a point to visualize as well as practice drawing what he envisioned for his life. Reminiscing, Mr. Aliyu shares "I have always designed cars. It has been my passion for as long a I can remember. As a little boy in my courtyard at home, while growing up in Sokoto, Nigeria, I would make models and sketches of all types of cars, while other kids played." It is clear through Mr. Aliyu's contribution to sustaining our environment that his choice is a conscious one.