Chinese Farmer Creates "Wind-Powered" Car

An hour from Beijing in a small tractor workshop of the dusty village of Banjiehe , 55-year-old farmer Tang Zhenping has built a prototype of a car that he believes could revolutionise China's auto industry. Mr Tang's model - built in just three months for around £1,000 - is electric. Its engine uses scrap parts from a motorcycle and electric scooter. But what makes the one-seater special is the turbine on its nose. When the car reaches 40mph, the blades spring into action and begin charging the electric car's batteries. "It works just like a windmill," said Mr Tang, who claims the turbine gives his vehicle three times the battery life of other electric cars. The model has a top speed of 70mph."