Connor Lewis stunned Hermanus by creating an app in two hours that calculates the exact solar power needed to charge any electric vehicle.
Hermanus, South Africa (27 August 2025) – At just 17, Connor Lewis from Curro Hermanus has shown that innovation does not wait for age. In a mere two hours, he built an app that calculates exactly how much solar power is needed to charge an electric vehicle, and it stole the show at the EVs on Display showcase in Hermanus.
The event was a playground for electric vehicle enthusiasts, featuring sleek models like a Tesla and a striking blue electric G-Wagon. But the real star was not on four wheels. Rather, it was Connor and his brilliant app, which blends smart technology with practical solutions for South Africa’s move toward cleaner energy.
Connor’s app is impressively clever. It pulls data from your home solar system, factors in real-time and average weather conditions, and matches it with your EV’s battery specs. Even vehicles not preloaded can be added manually, giving users a precise readout of charging speed and duration.
Here’s what’s more impressive: Connor did not lean on AI, templates, or extra help. It was pure talent honed over years of coding. From experimenting with basic code in Grade 5 to mastering programming languages like Java and Python from Grade 8, he has built skills that rival seasoned developers.
Seven of the eight high schools in the Overstrand region joined the Learner Challenge, tackling essays, infographics, and app development. Yet Connor’s entry shone for its real-world impact, proving that young minds can produce professional-level solutions when given the chance.
Hermanus mayor Archie Klaas handed Connor a R10,000 electric scooter in recognition of his achievement, highlighting how young people are driving the country’s shift to sustainable transport. Connor himself is optimistic about South Africa’s EV future, noting that infrastructure and battery capacity are the main hurdles. Challenges he is ready to help solve head-on.
With just a laptop and a vision, Connor has turned a bright idea into a tool that could power the nation’s journey to cleaner energy. His app is not just a tech feat. See this as a glimpse of the extraordinary talent shaping South Africa’s future.
Sources: Curro
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