Zimbabwean inventor Maxwell Chikumbutso is making headlines once again after being hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House, Harare, on January 28. Chikumbutso claims to have developed a vehicle powered by radio frequency (RF) waves—an assertion widely dismissed by experts as pseudoscience, particularly in light of his RF-Powered Car Claim, which raises critical questions about its feasibility.
Scientists have long established that RF energy is far too weak to power an automobile, making Chikumbutso’s claims scientifically untenable. His reappearance on such a high-profile platform, promoting a supposed breakthrough that defies fundamental principles of physics, warrants critical scientific scrutiny.
Through his company, Saith Technologies, Chikumbutso has previously claimed to have developed “free energy” devices, including an RF-powered generator and vehicles. However, no independent verification of his work has ever been provided. Experts continue to emphasize that RF waves lack sufficient energy to power a car, thereby undermining his RF-Powered Car Claim, which remains unsupported by scientific evidence.
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence debunking such concepts, claims like these persist, fueled by social media misinformation and widespread public hope for revolutionary energy solutions. History is littered with similar high-profile hoaxes involving so-called alternative fuel technologies—many of which resulted in financial losses and disillusioned supporters.
Chikumbutso’s RF-Powered Car Claim illustrates the persistent allure of innovative energy solutions, even when they contradict established science.
A History of Energy Hoaxes
One of the most infamous cases was that of Stanley Meyer, who, in the 1990s, claimed to have developed a water-powered car using a “fuel cell” that split water into hydrogen and oxygen with minimal energy input. After attracting significant investments, Meyer was sued for fraud in 1996, with the court ruling that his “Water Fuel Cell” was a scam.
Similarly, Filipino inventor Daniel Dingel falsely claimed for decades to have created a water-powered vehicle but never provided valid scientific proof. He was ultimately convicted of fraud in 2008. Another notorious case was Genepax, a Japanese company that briefly claimed in 2008 to have developed a water-powered car, only to shut down shortly after admitting that they had no true innovation.
Moreover, the RF-Powered Car Claim is a reminder of the necessity for rigorous scientific evaluation of new technologies that promise revolutionary changes.
The scrutiny applied to Chikumbutso’s RF-Powered Car Claim exemplifies the critical role of scientific literacy in distinguishing between credible innovations and fraudulent claims.
These hoaxes often gain traction by exploiting public enthusiasm for sustainable energy breakthroughs. However, under scientific scrutiny, they invariably collapse. One such example is the Kanzius Effect, proposed by John Kanzius, which suggested that saltwater could be used as fuel when exposed to specific radio frequencies. Upon closer analysis, it was revealed that the process consumed more energy than it could produce, making it an unviable energy source. In Pakistan, a similar claim emerged in 2012 when Agha Waqar Ahmad, an engineer, claimed to have developed a “water kit” that could enable cars to run solely on water. As expected, the claim was later debunked.
Understanding the ramifications of the RF-Powered Car Claim can help ensure that future energy technologies are subject to the necessary scientific inquiry and validation.
This case serves as a vital lesson in the importance of critical thinking when evaluating claims about revolutionary technologies, like the RF-Powered Car Claim.
The Need for Scientific Literacy and Transparency
These cases highlight the importance of scientific literacy and skepticism when evaluating extraordinary energy claims. If a purported breakthrough appears to violate established laws of physics, it is almost certainly a hoax.
To safeguard progress in legitimate energy research, the public must demand transparency and accountability from those making such extraordinary claims. Pseudoscientific hoaxes not only mislead investors and policymakers but also undermine the efforts of genuine scientists working tirelessly to develop real, sustainable energy solutions.
ALSO READ: Dr. Magoola’s Universal Vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease
About the Author
Dr. Matthias Magoola is the Founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma in Uganda. He is one of Uganda’s foremost scientists, as well as a researcher, author, and biotechnology innovator.
🌍 Proud to feature Dei Biopharma in our "10 Best Admired Companies to Watch 2025"list!
— Biztech Outlook (@biztech_outlook) January 20, 2025
In this exclusive #BizTechOutlook interview, Dr. Matthias Magoola, MD of Dei Biopharma, shares insights on leading innovation in mRNA tech and global healthcare.
🔗 https://t.co/unR4ztsAy8… pic.twitter.com/pbJeR4Evmc
