Venezuelan Innovators Convert Golf Carts into Solar-Powered Vehicles, Offering Alternative for Gas-Starved Nation

• Two men in Venezuela, José Cintron and Augusto Pradelli, are converting old golf carts into solar-powered and electric vehicles to move their city towards clean energy and end reliance on fossil fuels.

• Cintron developed a solar-powered car, while Pradelli created a micro-electric vehicle that can also use solar panels. Both say these noiseless, non-polluting vehicles represent the future.

• Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves, but economic mismanagement and instability have led to gas shortages and frequent power outages. Affordable electric vehicles could help Venezuelans avoid these problems.

• Moving to solar power would allow the vehicles to charge as long as there is sunlight, providing a free and consistent power source. This would also cut down on air pollution.

• The two men live in Maracaibo and hope to achieve national Venezuelan production of their electric vehicles with support from President Maduro, who has expressed interest in Pradelli's creation.