Wacky eco-friendly wheels driving Africa's green revolution

By Alex Court, for CNN

Updated 1016 GMT (1816 HKT) April 2, 2015

Made from fiberglass, the "Autonov III" from the University of Lagos is shaped like a teardrop to minimize drag.
Photos: Africa's Lean Green Speed Machines
Teardrop dynamics – Made from fiberglass, the "Autonov III" from the University of Lagos is shaped like a teardrop to minimize drag.
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The average age of the students who worked on Autonov III was just 22.
Photos: Africa's Lean Green Speed Machines
Age advantage – The average age of the students who worked on Autonov III was just 22.
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The 'Kiira EV' was the first electric car built in Uganda. The project, which was mostly run by students, launched a proof of concept in 2011 and plans to produce its first commercial car by 2018.
Photos: Africa's Lean Green Speed Machines
Going commercial – The 'Kiira EV' was the first electric car built in Uganda. The project, which was mostly run by students, launched a proof of concept in 2011 and plans to produce its first commercial car by 2018.
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The team behind the Kiira EV included leather seats and a CD player in their model.
Photos: Africa's Lean Green Speed Machines
Eco-comfort – The team behind the Kiira EV included leather seats and a CD player in their model.
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Students from the University of Benin in Nigeria built the gasoline-powered Ecocruise using a mixture of plant fiber and fiberglass.
Photos: Africa's Lean Green Speed Machines
Speed machine – Students from the University of Benin in Nigeria built the gasoline-powered Ecocruise using a mixture of plant fiber and fiberglass.
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ABUCAR II, built by students from Nigeria's Ahmadu Bello University, will compete in the Shell Eco-marathon in May 2015.
Photos: Africa's Lean Green Speed Machines
Competition ready – ABUCAR II, built by students from Nigeria's Ahmadu Bello University, will compete in the Shell Eco-marathon in May 2015.
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