This do-it-yourself fanatic built a solar-powered electric car as a low-cost option for locals amid rising electricity costs in Thailand.

Vichean Ruenthai, 73, nicknamed 'The Grade 4 Engineer,' designed the eighth-generation electric campervan in Ang Thong province, testing out multiple iterations before finally landing on his latest version.

The motorhome is well-equipped, fitted with a stove, a toilet, and all sorts of electrical appliances inside. It runs on two 450-watt solar panels, with a single charge allowing it to travel up to 200 kilometres.

Vichean said: ‘I have also included a motor system for reinforcement when the car is going uphill or when it is reversing.

'I am also planning to install an air conditioning system for a better driving experience'

Vichean said he learned to build these cars through trial and error, and bought books to increase his knowledge.

He started by scrapping together an electric tricycle, with the design eventually evolving into a four-wheeled car before he finally landed on the current campervan design.

He said: 'Because all future automobiles will be electric, I'd like Thai people to use my car once it's finished. It's cheap and doesn't require oil.'