The Tour de Sol Reports, 2001
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The following is copyright Michael H. Bianchi. Permission to copy is granted provided each Report is presented without modification and this notice is attached. For other arrangements, contact me at +1-973-822-2024 .
For more on the NESEA Tour de Sol, see the web page at
For Tour de Sol Reports from 1994 through 2000, see
Official NESEA Tour de Sol information is available from the sponsor, the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) at 413 774-6051 , and 50 Miles Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 , and nesea@nesea.org . All media enquiries should be addressed to ...Jack Groh Groh Associates email: GrohPR@aol.com 401 732-1551 telephone 401 732-0547 fax 401 952-0886 cell/pager
Table of Contents
Report #1: Welcome to the 2001 Tour de Sol Reports
Report #2: "Sungo"
Report #3: "Soljourner 1" and "Soljourner 2"
Report #4: "Honda Insight" and "Honda Civic GX"
Report #5: "Al C. O'Holic"
Report #6: "Aluminum Cow"
Report #7: Demonstration Vehicles from DaimlerChrysler
Report #8: "E-Stream"
Report #9: "E.D. (Electronic Diesel)" and "Response 2 E"
Report #10: "EV-Sport"
Report #11: "Electric Hog"
Report #12: "Envirocycle III" and "Geomino"
Report #13: "Fiero-Volt"
Report #14: "Ford Electric Ranger"
Report #15: "Garnet One"
Report #16: "Greaseltron"
Report #17: "Head Hunter"
Report #18: "Honda EV Plus"
Report #19: Rob Wills, Technical Director of the Tour de Sol
Report #20: "Moonshine's Revenge"
Report #21: "NJ Genesis"
Report #22: Ford "TH!NK" Vehciles
Report #23: Big Country or Tiny County, They Cooperate and Compete at the Tour de Sol
Report #24: Entrants from PET
Report #25: "Parade"
Report #26: "Paradyne/Proxima"
Report #27: "Raptor"
Report #28: "ReCharger"
Report #29: "SEVRX"
Report #30: "Solar Bolt"
Report #31: "Solar Market Insight"
Report #32: "Solectria CitiVan Plus"
Report #33: "Solectria Super Force"
Report #34: "Sunergy II"
Report #35: "Sunpacer"
Report #36: "The Hare"
Report #37: "The Olympian"
Report #38: "Toyota Prius"
Report #39: "Zodiac"
Report #40: So That Is The List of Entrants
Report #41: Connecticut Ride Share, Solectria Force
Report #42: Greaseltron
Report #43: "Zodiac"
Report #44: "EV-Sport"
Report #45: Ford shows near and far future products at Tour de Sol
Report #46: Pole Positions for Monday 21 May 2001
Report #47: An Electric Airplane at the Tour de Sol?
Report #48: Honda's 2001 Insight
Report #49: Naoto Inoue's "Solar Market Insight"
Report #50: A Team From Micronesia
Report #51: A Team From the Republic of China
Report #52: Pole Positions, Tuesday 22 May
Report #53: PET's Tony Locricchio
Report #54: "Solar Bolt" Team
Report #55: "Sungo" Team
Report #56: Pole Positions, Wednesday 23 May
Report #57: "Aluminum Cow" Team
Report #58: Bob Strattan's "Toyota Prius"
Report #59: "KineticarIII" Team
Report #60: "ElectroFuel" Team
Report #61: "Paradyne" Team
Report #62: "Moonshine's Revenge" Team
Report #63: Teams That Did Not Show Up
Report #64: Nickel Hydrogen Battery
Report #65: Scoring By Ensco
Report #66: Another Tour de Sol Information Source
Report #67: Pole Positions, Thursday 24 May
Report #68: "Head Hunter" Team
Report #69: A Visitor From Japan
Report #70: "Solectria CitiVan" on display
Report #71: "Sunergy II" Team
Report #72: Pole Positions, Friday 25 May
Report #73: "Garnet One" Team
Report #74: "The Trout" Poster Display
Report #75: "E.D." and "Response IIE" Teams
Report #76: Tour de Sol Press Release at the Finish
Report #77: Detailed Tour de Sol Results Available.
Report #78: The Tour de Sol Is Finished, The Tour de Sol Reports Continue
Report #79: "E-Stream"
Report #80: A Few Short Notes
Report #81: "Sunpacer" Team
Report #82: "Al C. O'Holic" Team
Report #83: "Parade" Pre-production Prototype
Report #84: Another Web Site With Pictures
Report #85: Web Page with the Full Results of the Tour de Sol
Report #86: Final News Release from NESEA
Report #87: Union-Endicott Does Not To Compete
Report #1: Welcome to the 2001 Tour de Sol Reports
Mike Bianchi here. I am an electric vehicle owner (1995 Solectria "Force") and sometimes EV reporter.
Since 1994 I have been creating the Tour de Sol Reports, attempting to describe the people and vehicles which make the Tour de Sol one of the best places to experience the next generation of transportation. In my opinion, the Tour de Sol, previously named the American Tour de Sol, is _the_ place to see battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles on the hoof (he said mixing his metaphors).
In the past I have attempted to create a sense of actually being at the event by reporting in substantial interviews with each of the participating teams, the event's organizers and sponsors, and some of the folks who attend. In the best year's it was quite a successful endevour. But I have had some difficulty keeping up the pace the previous couple of years and so I will do it a bit differently.
To begin with, the technical detail will start in Reports published will before the Tour begins on Saturday 19 May 2001 in Waterbury CT. The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) which runs it has given me access to the entrants data base and from that I will present the technical descriptions of the vehicles and a few words about the teams before I actually meet them. As the event draws closer and begins, I will add the more human side of the drama, based on interviews I'll be doing as the event runs. And then there will be a wrapup in the week or so after the Tour finishes on Saturday 26 May in Boston MA. During the competition, yours truley also serves as an announcer during the public displays.
If you attend any of those, you will have the opportunity to see over 50 variations on the theme of Green Transportation. Many more people are becoming aware of the technologies that hold the promise of saving our environment from the pollution of today's cars, buses and trucks by reducing, and in some cases eliminating, the exhaust from internal combustion engines. The improvements have been spectacular and the commercial offerings, both today's and tommorrows will be represented by entrants and demonstration vehicles from the major automobile manufacturers.
But the big companies did not start the green revolution. The past Tour de Sol competitions have been dominated by the offerings of much smaller companies, colleges, high schools, individuals, and even an team of middle school students. And while the title was "American", the Tour has always welcomed entrants from around the world.
Such will be the case again this year. The theme of the Tour is "Diversity". So the vehicles will be big, like SUVs, trucks and vans, and small, down to the size of scooters and bicycles. The energy sources will include solar (from which the event got its name), electricity, fuels (both fossil and biological), and even hydrogen fuel cells. The teams will come from some of the biggest countries on earth and one of the smallest.
The motivations will also run from the highly competitive win, Win, WIN to "we're here to show that there is a better way to get around."
So look at the NESEA web site,
www.nesea.orgfor the schedule of events and if you can, plan on a visit. If that isn't possible, then look for these Reports.
By the way, if anyone would like to be part of the Tour as a volunteer, contact NESEA and let them know when and where you can help. It's a fun way to get closer to the future. That's how I got started.
Report #2: "Sungo"
Returning to the Tour de Sol year after year allows me to revisit old friends, both people and vehicles. "Sungo" caught my eye the first year I was at the Tour de Sol (1994) and has continued to every year. It was the first car I saw with independent motors for each of the two rear wheels, an idea which is talked about far more often than you see it.
Small, low and short, it is a two-person commuter that has demonstrated its "stuff" at the Tour and by accomplishing the best electric vehicle time at the Mount Washington Road's "Race to the Clouds".
If you want to see what applied imagination looks like, come to the Tour and take a gander at Sungo.
(The technical data that is included in these reports is taken from the NESEA entrants database. The specifics are subject to change.)
Vehicle Name Sungo Vehicle Number 72 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHCLES (BEV) Team Name SEV club of NHTI Organization Sustainable Energy Ventures Club City Concord State NH Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Purpose Built Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype motor kW continuous 21 kW motor kW peak 128 kW motor manufacturer Solectria motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Ovonics Battery Co. Energy Storage System NiMH Batteries series battery voltage 156 v battery blocks 13 cells battery watt hrs 12480 whrs battery weight 650 lbs battery cost $5280 control system manufacturer Solectria control system type Moseft regenerative braking? Regen charger current 10 amps charger input voltage 230 v charger manufacturer Mentzer charger on board? off board charger type High freq/ss Plug Type 10-30P PV cell type Monocryst. PV manufacturer Astropower PV watts 100 w Conversion Purpose-Built body material Fiberglass Body frame material Aluminum Frame Length both L: 7' ft/ 9 in Width both W: 4 ft/ 9 in Height both H: 3 ft/ 7 in Weight pounds 1600; lbs Capacity pounds 430 ; lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Continental tire model P135/70/R13 tire type radial Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 175 miles Program blurb Sungo was built, and has been continously imporved by memebers of the Sustainabel Energy Ventures (SEV) Club of New Hampshire Technilcal Institute. This 2-seat, purpose-built electric vehcile can reach speeds of over 90 mph, and has placed first at the Tour de Sol on several occasions. It uses 12 Ovonic nickel metal hydride batteries, and two 22 Hp AC motors to dirve the rear wheels. Last year the club installed a 2Kw solar array on their school to charge the various EVs used at the school.
Report #3: "Soljourner 1" and "Soljourner 2"
One of the great joys I have doing these Reports is meeting the teams. Last year the team from West Philadelphia High School showed up with a very clean-looking Saturn electric vehicle conversion which I liked a lot. They said then they were also working on a hybrid-EV based on a Jeep Wrangler, and both cars will be at the Tour de Sol this year.
If you want to see the ways in which the high schools are using electric vehicle technology as a teaching tool and the excellent results they are achieving, come to the Tour and talk with the students.
Vehicle Name Soljourner 1 Vehicle Number 21 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHCLES (BEV) Team Name West Phil. HS Electric Vehicle Team Organization West Philadelphia High School - EV Team City Philadelphia State PA www www.upenn.edu/ccp/access science/soljourner No People in Project 20 Time to Build 2000 hours Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer Saturn Vehicle Model Year 1993 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model SL2 motor kW continuous 26.6 kw motor kW peak 54 kw motor manufacturer MTS motor type Brushless DC Energy Storage Manufacturer Deka Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 336 v battery blocks 28 cells battery watt hrs 25000 whrs battery weight 1450 lbs battery cost $3000 control system manufacturer MTS Automation control system type not available regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 2800 kw charger current 50 amps charger input voltage 208 v charger manufacturer Zivan charger on board? Off board charger type Trans/rectif Plug Type 10-50P PV watts not available Conversion Conversion body material Composite body frame material Steel Fame Length both L: 16 ft/ 0 in Width both W: 5 ft/ 6 in Height both H: 5 ft/ 6 in Weight pounds 3500 lbs Mfg GVW 3540 lbs Capacity pounds 350 lbs brake front type Front Dc/Dm brake rear type Rear Drum No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Michelin tire model P209/60/R15 tire type low roll resist Range miles 150 miles Program blurb The West Philly Electric Vehicle Team is back for its second year at the Tour de Sol. The electric Saturn is equipped with a 36HP MTS brushless DC motor getting its power from 28 Deka DC27 batteries (336 volts). Michelin provided low rolling resistant tires and Boeing tested the improved aerodynamics in their full size wind tunnel. The students have made a number of other improvement to the Saturn and are looking forward to a very successful run this year.
Vehicle Name Soljourner 2 Vehicle Number 22 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name West Philadelphia High School E.V Team Organization West Philadelphia High School - EV Team City Philadelphia State PA Vehicle Manufacturer Jeep Vehicle Model Year 1995 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Wrangler motor manufacturer not avail Energy Storage Manufacturer Deka Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 336v battery blocks 28cells battery watt hrs 20000whrs battery weight 1200lbs battery cost $3000 control system manufacturer MTS Automation control system type not available regenerative braking? Non-regen charger capacity 2800 kw charger current 50 amps charger input voltage 220 v charger manufacturer Zivan charger on board? Off board charger type Trans/rectif Plug Type 10-50P PV watts not available Conversion Pre-Prod Prototype body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length both L: 15 ft/ 0 in Width both W: 6 ft/ 2 in Height both H: 6 ft/ 8 in Weight pounds 4000 lbs Mfg GVW 5000 lbs Capacity pounds 600 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum engine size 0.400 liters fuel effeciency n/a fuel tank capacity 20 lbs. fuel tank type LPG outdoor grill Fuel Type LPG No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Michelin tire model P205/R15 tire type low roll resist Range miles 350 miles Program blurb The West Philly Electric Vehicle Team is back for its second year at the Tour de Sol. The hybrid electric Jeep is equipped with a 36HP MTS; brushless DC motor getting its power from 28 Deka DC24 batteries (336 volts). The students built their own generator with an Onan 14HP propane; motor and a high efficiency 14HP MTS brushless DC motor. Michelin has provided their low rolling resistant tires. We are looking to have some fun at the Tour with our Hybrid 4x4.
Report #4: "Honda Insight" and "Honda Civic GX"
The way I see it, the Tour de Sol was started by people who wanted to change the world. They saw a future where energy use did not have to mean lots of pollution nor heavy resource depletion. And much of the rest of the world laughed at them for being "impractical". Where those folks impractical? Were their dreams too unreal?
I claim that when commercial hybrid-electric cars produced by major automobile manufacturers went on sale, the answer was clearly, "No, they were simply the among first to see a better future."
Honda will be showing two of their realizations of those "impractical dreams". The 2001 "Insight" is the newest version of their 2-place commuter vehicle, now with a CVT transmission. They will also be showing their 2001 "Civic GX" which achieves Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) status running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The underlying theme of the Tour de Sol is "diversity". There are many ways to improve the environmental and economical impact of transportation, and you can visit the Tour to compare many different variations on the theme for yourself.
Vehicle Name 2001 Honda Insight Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name American Honda Motor Co. Organization American Honda Motor Company, Inc City Washington State DC Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb American Honda Motor Company is Gold sponsor of this year's Tour de Sol.; The 2001 Honda Insight will be the official Pace Car of this year's Tour de Sol. Introduced in 1999 as the first gas-electric hybrid for sale in the U.S., the 2001 model offers a `continuously Variable Transmission' (CVT) that combines the convenience of an automatic transmission with the performance and fuel economy of a manual transmission. It features Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, and it never needs to be plugged in.
Vehicle Name 2001 Civic GX Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name American Honda Motor Co. Organization American Honda Motor Company, Inc City Washington State DC Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb Honda's 2001 Civic GX is powered by a dedicated compressed natural gas engine. It contains Honda's `Continuously Varioable Transmission' (CVT) which offers the convenince of an automoatic with the performance and fuel efficiency of a manuyal transmission. It is certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission vehile (SULEV), emitting 96% less pollutants than a typical car. In 1998, U.S. EPA named the GX as ``The Cleanest Car on Earth'' with an internal combustion engine. The GX is offered for sale nation-wide.
Report #5: "Al C. O'Holic"
The Tour de Sol is an international competition, and we have welcomed teams from Canada before. The University of Waterloo joins us with a vehicle that looks at the renewable fuel E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). It is possible to grow fuel since ethanol can be derived for biomass. E85 also promises lower emissions.
This year we have a number of teams has competed in other alternative fuel competitions, so there will be many opportunities to compare their approaches.
Vehicle Name Al C. O'Holic Vehicle Number 35 Category ETHANOL CHALLENGE VEHICLES (E85) Team Name UWAFT Organization University of Waterloo City Waterloo N2L3G1 State ON Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Chevy Silverado PV Vehicle Model Year 1999 Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Silverado motor manufacturer GM Energy Storage System PbA Starter battery control system manufacturer none regenerative braking? Non-regen charger manufacturer none Plug Type none PV watts none body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length both L: 18' ft/ 11 in Width both W: 6 ft/ 6 in Height both H: 6 ft/ 0 in Weight pounds 6400; lbs Capacity pounds 1860; lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc engine size liters fuel effeciency 13/20 mpg Fuel Type E85 No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer not available tire model P265/75 tire type radial Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 300 miles Program blurb UWAFT is an undergraduate student team that has participated in variuos alternative fuel competitions. Our most recent vehicle is a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado that has been converted to run on E85. The focus of the team is to reduce emissions without compromising perforamnce or efficiency.
Report #6: "Aluminum Cow"
As I said, it's good to see old friends. The Team Paradigm folks from the University of Wisconsin Madison have brought some very interesting vehicles in the past. This year they are bringing a parallel hybrid-electric car that uses biodiesel as the fuel.
In years past, teams like this one showed us the implementation of ideas that now are in the commercially available hybrids. I wonder what new ideas they will have this year. Come to the Tour and together we can find out!
Vehicle Name Aluminum Cow Vehicle Number 37 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name UW Madison-Team Paradigm Organization University of Wisconsin Madison - Team Paradigm City Madison State WI www cae.wisc.edu/~vehicle No People in Project 50 Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Ford Mercury Vehicle Model Year 1994 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Sable motor kW continuous 12 kW motor kW peak 30 kW motor manufacturer Solectria AC20 motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Moltec Energy Systems Energy Storage System NiMH Batteries combination parallel/series battery voltage 250 v battery blocks 832 cells battery watt hrs 2200 whrs battery weight 120 lbs control system manufacturer Solectria control system type UMOC 340T regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 6.0 kW charger current 28 amps charger input voltage 208 v charger manufacturer Power Designs charger on board? off board charger type High freq/ss Plug Type 14-30P PV cell type Monocryst. PV manufacturer Siemens Suncat PV watts 100 w Conversion Pre-Prod Prototype body material Aluminum Body frame material Aluminum Frame Length L: 16 ft/ 6 in Width W: 6 ft/ 0 in Height H: 3 ft/ 6 in Weight pounds 2690 lbs Capacity pounds 1300 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc Hybrid Architecture parallel engine size 1.8 liters fuel effeciency 65 mpg fuel tank capacity 14 gal fuel tank type steel modified stock Fuel Type biodiesel No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P205/75/R15 tire type radial Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 910 miles Program blurb The University of Wisconsin-Madison hybrid vehicle team, Team Paradigm, has built and competed in hybrid vehicle competitions since the team was formed in 1991. The Aluminum Crow, along with its counterparts, Electric Cow, Future Cow and Moolenium DOE hybrid vehicles, outperforms its stock vehicle competition.
Report #7: Demonstration Vehicles from DaimlerChrysler
The variation on the theme of alternative fuel vehicles gets wider and wider. DiamlerChrysler will be bringing several of its additions to the symphony.
The Dodge Durango hybrid was shown at the 2000 Tour de Sol as a research prototype, and now is announced for 2003. See the current version at the Tour.
How about a hybid-electric Dodge Ram pickup truck that not only delivers better fuel economy, but also can double as an electrical generator once on the construction site? Coming in 2004, but visible today, at the Tour de Sol.
Or a fuel cell powered Jeep that extracts hydrogen directly from gasoline? A prototype will be on display.
Or, at the other extreme, there is a purely electric neighborhood vehicle. The GEM made its first appearance at the Tour de Sol in 1998. Come to this year's Tour and see the current offering.
Vehicle Name Dodge Durango hybrid Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name DaimlerChrysler Organization DaimlerChrysler City Auburn Hills State MI Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb Beginning in 2003, DaimlerChrysler will market a gas-electric hybrid version of the popular Dodge Durango SUV. The Durango hybrid, with DaimlerChrysler's patented Through-the-Road hybrid powertrain, will achieve 20-25 percent better fuel economy and performance comparable with the conventional Durango.
Vehicle Name Dodge Ram Contractor Special Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name DaimlerChrysler Organization DaimlerChrysler City Auburn Hills State MI Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb This hybrid Dodge Ram pickup, to be marketed by DaimlerChrysler in 2004, offers double environmental benefits. On the road, it achieves 15 percent better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and better performance than the conventional Ram. Off the road, the vehicle converts to a low- emission 20 kW stationary electrical generator for work, recreation or home use.
Vehicle Name JEEP Commander Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name DaimlerChrysler Organization DaimlerChrysler City Auburn Hills State MI Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb This luxury SUV on display is a prototype developed by DaimlerChrysler. It includes an ultra-clean fuel cell powertrain that delivers double the fuel efficiency, housed in a strong, lightweight thermoplastic body. The fuel cell powertrain includes an onboard reformer to extract hydrogen from gasoline for use in the fuel cell.
Vehicle Name GEM Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name DaimlerChrysler Organization DaimlerChrysler City Auburn Hills State MI Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb With the GEM, DaimlerChrysler is the world's leading marketer of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. The battery-powered vehicle comes in 2- and 4-passenger cars and two utility versions. GEMs, certified as zero emission vehicles, replace internal combustion vehicles for the most common, most-polluting short trips around the neighborhood.
Report #8: "E-Stream"
So you are a young person who wants to make a mark on the world. You hope to get a job that can make an environmental difference. How do you get the attention of the people who might hire you?
You build an electric car and bring it to the Tour de Sol, that's how!
Come to the Tour and see how they did it!
Vehicle Name E-Stream Vehicle Number 3 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHCLES (BEV) Team Name TeamEV 2001 Organization (private team) City Princeton Junction State NJ www TeamEV2001.com No People in Project 6 Time to Build 600 hours Who Built private group part of school curriculum? Independant study Vehicle Manufacturer Volkswagon Vehicle Model Year 1991 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Division Prototype motor kW continuous 15 kW motor kW peak 30 kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC Motor motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer Exide Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 96 v battery blocks 16 cells battery watt hrs 20160 whrs battery weight 1040 lbs battery cost $1120 control system manufacturer Curtis control system type PWM regenerative braking? Non-regen charger current 20 amps charger input voltage 120 v charger manufacturer Exide charger on board? on board charger type other Plug Type 5-20P PV watts not available Conversion Conversion body material Steel Body frame material Steel Fame Length L: 12 ft/ 7 in Width W: 5 ft/ 4 in Height H: 4 ft/ 6 in Weight pounds 2975; lbs Mfg GVW 3029 Capacity pounds 700; lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P175/R70 tire type low roll resist Range miles 60; miles Program blurb Team EV is a private group made up of 3 highschool and collee students with a keen interest in engineering, computers and the environments. We are novice alternative energy enthusiasts with hopes for careers in the field.
Report #9: "E.D. (Electronic Diesel)" and "Response 2 E"
Our friends from Lawrence Tech return with their now familiar parallel biodeisel-electric hybrid, defending their first place finish last year.
They will also have their "Reponse 2 E" which started life as an hybrid, but became pure electric ofr last year's Tour. (It ususally seems to go the other way, electric to hybrid.)
Catch the excitement! Visit the Tour de Sol!
Vehicle Name E.D. (Electronic Diesel) Vehicle Number 4 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name Lawrence Tech Engineering Organization Lawrence Tech University City Southfield State MI www www.ltu.edu No People in Project 19 Time to Build 2 years Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer Ford Vehicle Model Year 1997 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Taurus 4 door motor kW continuous 32 kW motor kW peak 64 kW motor manufacturer Unique Mobility motor type Brush DC Energy Storage Manufacturer Ovonic Battery Energy Storage System NiMH Batteries series battery voltage 194 v battery blocks 13 cells battery watt hrs 16250 whrs battery weight 360 lbs battery cost $90,000 control system manufacturer Unique mobility control system type microprocessor regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 204-330 kW charger current 20 amps charger input voltage 230-110 v charger manufacturer Solectria charger on board? off board charger type High freq/ss Plug Type 6-20P PV cell type msx50 PV manufacturer Solarex PV watts 100 w Conversion Conversion body material Steel/aluminum Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 15 ft/ 8 in Width W: 5 ft/ 7 in Height H: 5 ft/ 0 in Weight pounds 3500 lbs Mfg GVW 3500 lbs Capacity pounds not avail brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc Hybrid Architecture parallel engine size 1.9 fuel effeciency 85 mpg fuel tank capacity 9 gal Fuel Type biodiesel No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P215/65/R15 tire type low roll resist Range miles 600 miles Program blurb ED is powered by a charge depleting parallel hybrid electric powertrain consisting of 58hp electric motor and a modified direct injected turbo diesel engine coupled in paralel to a Volkswagon transmission. Last year, this vehicle placed 1st in the Hyrbid vehicle category.
Vehicle Name Response 2 E Vehicle Number 5 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHCLES (BEV) Team Name Lawrence Tech Engineering Organization Lawrence Tech University City Southfield State MI www www.ltu.edu No People in Project 19 Time to Build 4 years Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer Ford Vehicle Model Year 1992 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Taurus motor kW continuous 32 kW motor kW peak 64 kW motor manufacturer Unique Mobility motor type Brushless DC Energy Storage Manufacturer Ovonic Battery Energy Storage System NiMH Batteries series battery voltage 180 v battery blocks 14 cells battery watt hrs 16,800 whrs battery weight 460 lbs battery cost $23000 control system manufacturer Unique Mobility control system type Microprocessor regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 204-330 kw charger current 20 amps charger input voltage 230-110 v charger manufacturer Solectria charger on board? on board charger type High freq/ss Plug Type 6-20P PV cell type Amorphous PV manufacturer Unisolar PV watts 24 w Conversion Purpose-Built body material Carbon fiber Body frame material Aluminum Frame Length L: 13 ft/ 0 in Width W: 5 ft/ 5 in Height H: 4 ft/ 8 in Weight pounds 2100; lbs Capacity pounds 450; lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc Hybrid Architecture parallel No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P215/65/R15 tire type low roll resist Range miles 90 miles Program blurb Response 2E was built in 1993 as a contender in the HEV challenge sponsored by the US Department of Energy. After many competetions and displays, including one on the White House lawn, it was converted to electric in 2000 resulting in a much lighter, quicker vehicle.
Report #10: "EV-Sport"
Some go bowling; some watch football; some read novels.
And some build electric cars. Starting with a Lomax kit car, this group of friends and relatives put together something that I'm looking forward to seeing. Check out these specifications.
Then check out the car in person, at the Tour de Sol.
Vehicle Name EV-Sport Vehicle Number 45 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHCLES (BEV) Team Name Pro-ZEV EV-Sport Organization PRO-ZEV City Lafayette Hill State PA www www.PRO-ZEV.com No People in Project 5 Time to Build 2 years Who Built private group part of school curriculum? No Vehicle Manufacturer Lomax Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model kit car motor kW continuous 7 kW motor kW peak 28 kW motor manufacturer Solectria GRX - 20 motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Electrosource Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 192 v battery blocks 16 cells battery watt hrs 16,300 whrs battery weight 850 lbs battery cost $5200 control system manufacturer Solectria control system type AC 325 regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 8 (together) charger current 70 amps charger input voltage 208 v charger manufacturer Zivan charger on board? On&off bd charger type Trans/rectif PV watts not available Conversion Purpose-Built body material Fiberglass Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 11 ft/ 6 in Width W: 5 ft/ 4 in Height H: 4 ft/ 0 in Weight pounds 1750; lbs Capacity pounds 550; lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum No of Passengers 2 number of tires 3 tire manufacturer Firestone tire model F560 146/F560 145 tire type radial Range miles 140 miles Program blurb Our team is a group of friends and relatives who share an interest in a sustainable transportation future. We have come together to support the EV-Sport project as both an example of fun, practical pollution free transport, and a look at what might have been if electric automobiles had developed in the same manner as internal combustion cars did throughout the past century.
Report #11: "Electric Hog"
... And some have a dream. Carl Vogel's was to have a practical electric motorcyle, with performance, taste and style.
We will see how he did and cheer him on at the Tour de Sol in a couple of weeks. Will we see you there? I hope so.
Vehicle Name Electric Hog Vehicle Number 12 Category ONE-PERSON VEHICLES Team Name Vogelbilt Organization Vogelbilt Corp. City New York State NY No People in Project 1 Time to Build 3 years Who Built other -- Carl Vogel part of school curriculum? No Vehicle Reg Motor Cycle Vehicle Type Class One Person Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Motorcycle motor kW continuous 12 kW motor kW peak 72 kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer Trojan Energy Storage System PbA battery voltage 120 v battery blocks 10 cells battery watt hrs 14040 whrs battery weight 560 lbs battery cost $750 control system type not available regenerative braking? Non-regen charger current 30 amps charger input voltage 208 v charger manufacturer not avail charger on board? on & off board Plug Type 6-30P PV watts not available Conversion Purpose-Built body material Composite/fibergl Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 7 ft/ 5 in Width W: 2 ft/ 5 in Height H: 3 ft/ 0 in Weight pounds 1050 lbs Capacity pounds 350 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 1 number of tires 2 tire manufacturer Contin/Metzler tire model P140/90/R16 fr P180/5.5-vb18 Range miles 120 miles Program blurb Designed, funded and built by Carl Vogel, Vogelbilt Corporation, the Electric Hog is a unique ground up prototype design brought from concept to reeality. The design goal: to achieve a realistic motorcycle with increased range, high speed and acceleration while keeping a standards size and shape. This distinctive design uses a custom steel frame built around 10 lead acid batteries enclosed inside. After many hours of hard work. I am proud to be a part of this years' competition.
Report #12: "Envirocycle III" and "Geomino"
Another electric motorcycle entry in the Tour de Sol comes from a team with many years of experience. Central Connecticut State University's Solar Electric Research team returns with their third generation entry. (One of my favorites was their electric tricycle used by the New Britain police department for downtown patols).
Plus, the will be bringing an Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG; aka Propane) powered hybrid electric pickup truck built from a Geo Metro. Yes, a Geo Metro turned into a pickup truck!
So visit their web site, look at the pictures (who is that handsome guy handing them the plaque last year?) and come to the Tour de Sol to see just how they did it.
Vehicle Name Envirocycle III Vehicle Number 89 Category ONE-PERSON VEHICLES Team Name CCSU Solar ELectric Team Organization Solar Electric Research Team City New Britain State CT www www.sert.ccsu.edu No People in Project 30 Time to Build 3 years Who Built club part of school curriculum? No Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Susuki GSXR1100 Vehicle Model Year 1994 Vehicle Reg Motor Cycle Vehicle Type Class One Person Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model motorcycle motor kW continuous 8.2 kW motor kW peak 11 kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer GMB Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 72 v battery watt hrs 85 whrs battery cost $600 control system manufacturer Curtis control system type Pmc, DC regenerative braking? non-regen charger capacity 2.40W charger current 20 amps charger input voltage 120 v charger manufacturer not avail Plug Type 5-20P PV watts not available body material Plastic body frame material Steel frame Length L: 7 ft/ 0 in Width W: 1 ft/ 10 in Height H: 3 ft/ 10 in Weight pounds 830 lbs Mfg GVW 955 lbs Capacity pounds 300 lbs brake front type Front Disc No of Passengers 1 number of tires 2 tire manufacturer Dunlop tire model P180/55 R17 rear p120/70 r 17 front tire type low roll resist Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles not avail Program blurb The Central Connecticut State University's Solar Electric Research team is engaged in research and development of alternative energy motorcycles for the past seven years. The team has won Tour De Sol several times. This year will compete with the Geomino automobile hybrid, a three year project.
Vehicle Name Geomino Vehicle Number 27 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name CCSU Solar Electric Research Team Organization Solar Electric Reserach Team City New Britian State CT www sert.ccsu.edu Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Geo Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class One Person Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Metro motor kW continuous 11 kW motor kW peak 13 kW motor manufacturer Solectria motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Trojan Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage v 120 battery blocks 10 cells battery watt hrs 100 whrs battery cost $1000 control system manufacturer Solectria control system type AC GTX 20 regenerative braking? Regen charger manufacturer not avail charger on board? on board Plug Type 5-20P PV manufacturer not avail PV watts 35 w body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 12 ft/ 0 in Width W: 5 ft/ 0 in Height H: 4 ft/ 0 in Weight pounds 2200 lbs Capacity pounds 600 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc Fuel Type LPG No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P145/R12 Range miles 65 miles
Report #13: "Fiero-Volt"
The students at Union Endicott High School entered vehicles in the 1997 and 1999 Tour de Sols. I guess there is something about odd-numbered years, because they are back again, this time with a converted 1984 Pontiac Fiero.
In 1999 they had entered a refurbished 1982 Sebring Zippper (or is it Zzipper?), a mini-truck manufactured as an electric. I'll be curious to find out where it is today.
Vehicle Name Fiero-Volt Vehicle Number 25 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV) Team Name UEHS Technology Club Organization Union Endicott Central Schools City Endicott State NY No People in Project 38 Time to Build 1800 hours Who Built club- part of Tech Education part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer GM Pontiac Vehicle Model Year 1984 Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Fiero motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Brush DC Energy Storage System PbA control system manufacturer Zap 1 control system type H2D 96v-500A regenerative braking? non-regen charger on board? Off board Plug Type 6-30P body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 2 number of tires 3 tire manufacturer B.F. Goodrich tire model P185-80/R13 tire type radial Range miles 75-80 miles
Report #14: "Ford Electric Ranger"
One of the electric vehicles actually manufactured and sold, as opposed to leased, by a major manufacture was the Ford Electric Ranger. Most were sold to fleet operators, although I know a few went to individuals.
Vehicle Name Ford Electric Ranger Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competitive) Team Name NYS Dep't of Environmental Conservation Organization NYS Dep't of Environmental Conservation City Albany State NY Vehicle Type Division Production Plug Type Avon-conductive Program blurb The New York Department of Environmental Conservation will showcase a Ford Electric Ranger, and emissions testing equipment. This battery-electric vehicle is one by the state and used to demonstrate the ability of these zero emission vehicles to meet many of our transportation needs. This is one of several EVs that are sold in New York today. New York State is fast becoming the largest manufacturer of EVs that will help the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet EPA clean air standards.
Report #15: "Garnet One"
Once again the team from Swarthmore (PA) College brings the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) hybrid-electric. They have been with us every year since 1997. The team has grown from the original 5 seniors looking for a senior design project.
Vehicle Name Garnet One Vehicle Number 62 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name Swarthmore College HEV Team Organization Swarthmore College City Swarthmore State PA www http:/www.engin.swarthmore.edu/org/he No People in Project 15 Time to Build 6 months Who Built club part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer Chevrolet Vehicle Model Year 1996 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Beretta motor kW continuous 19 kW motor kW peak 63 kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer Trojan Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 120 v battery blocks 20 modules control system manufacturer Curtis control system type 1231c-8601 regenerative braking? Non-regen charger capacity 20 amps charger current 20 amps charger input voltage 120 v charger manufacturer K & W charger on board? off board charger type Transformerless Plug Type 10-30P PV manufacturer Solanex PV watts 10 w Conversion Conversion body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 15 ft/ 8 in Width W: 5 ft/ 8 in Height H: 4 ft/ 5 in Weight pounds 4200 lbs Capacity pounds not avail brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum Hybrid Architecture series Fuel Type CNG No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P185/R14 tire type radial Range miles 100 miles Program blurb Garnet One is a student-built CNG series hybrid from Swarthmore College, a small liberal Arts College Near Philadelphia. Swarthmore's team consists of a handful of undergraduate students advised by two faculty members. The team is beginning work on Garnet2, a 2110 Suzuki Swift HEV conversion.
Report #16: "Greaseltron"
There are times when I think I am supposed to by unbiased in these Reports, and then there are times when I let my enthusiasm for a team show through. the folks from Vermont Technical College is a team which I like a lot.
This year they attack three problems in the alternative fuel vehicle area. One is what fuel can we use that is not derived from petroleum? Another is how do you reuse waste? The last is how do you get the most range out of the available fuel?
Their answer is a hybrid-electric Chevy S-10 truck, with electric drive, solar panels, that burns left over frying oil. "The exhaust smells like french fries!"
That reminds me; I'm hungry.
Vehicle Name Greaseltron Vehicle Number 8 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name Vermont Technical College Organization Vermont Technical College City Randolph State VT www www.vtc.edu/clubs/solar/ Time to Build 500 hours Who Built club part of school curriculum? No Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Chevrolet Vehicle Model Year 1990 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model S-10 Tahoe motor kW continuous 16 kW motor kW peak 48 kW motor manufacturer Advance DC motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer Optima Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 120 v battery blocks 10 modules battery watt hrs 7800 whrs battery weight 450 lbs battery cost $1400 control system manufacturer Curtis-PMC control system type 1221-b regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 1.5 kW charger current 15 amps charger input voltage 120 v charger manufacturer Solar Car Corporation charger on board? on board charger type Trans/rectif Plug Type 5-20P PV cell type Amorphous PV manufacturer Uni-Solar PV watts 10.3 w Conversion Conversion body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 17 ft/ 2 in Width W: 5 ft/ 8 in Height H: 5 ft/ 3 in Weight pounds 3000 lbs Capacity pounds 1513 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum Hybrid Architecture series engine size .916 liters fuel effeciency 40 mpg fuel tank capacity 16 gal fuel tank type plastic Fuel Type biodiesel No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P205/R14 tire type radial Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 300 miles Program blurb Team Vermont Technical College is returning for their third Tour de Sol with a Grease powered hybrid Chevy S-10. Many will remember them from the mooing green cow spotted Moorocco. Greaseltron's fuel is made up entirely from using frying oil, and the exhaust smells like french fries!
Report #17: "Head Hunter"
This group of students from the University of Texas at El Paso has turned a 1999 Chevy Silverado into one that runs on E85 (85% Ethanol). This is not a hybrid, but rather a look at using alternative fuels in internal combustion engines.
The E85 Challenge is a new category at the Tour de Sol, part of the diversity theme this year.
Vehicle Name Head Hunter Vehicle Number 2 Category ETHANOL CHALLENGE VEHICLES (E85) Team Name UTEP Organization University of Texas at El Paso City El Paso State TX www utep.edu/eafrl No People in Project 10 Time to Build 1 year Who Built students part of school curriculum? No Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Chevy Silverado PV Vehicle Model Year 1999 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Silverado motor manufacturer GM Energy Storage System PbA Starter battery control system manufacturer none regenerative braking? non-regen charger manufacturer none Plug Type n/a PV watts none Conversion conversion body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 20 ft/ 0 in Width W: 7 ft/ 0 in Height H: 6 ft/ 6 in Weight pounds 6400 lbs Capacity pounds 1860 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc engine size 5.3liters fuel efficiency 13/20 mpg fuel tank capacity 26 gal fuel tank type plastic/stock Fuel Type E85 No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Bridgestone tire model P265/75 tire type radial Range miles 390 miles Program blurb The UTEP team converted a 1999 Chevy Silverado to run on E85 type fuel for the 1999 and 2000 Ethanol Vehicle challenges. The team consists of 10 members, 1 advisor and 1 assistant advisor. Seven team members were undergrads studying mechanical engineering.
Report #18: "Honda EV Plus"
The EV Plus was, in my opinion, one of the best of the "California Electrics" created to comply with the CARB requirements a few years back. Someday I would like to see something like this on the market again.
Vehicle Name Honda EV Plus Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competitive) Team Name MA Dep't of Environmental Protection Organization MA Dep't of Environmental Protection City Boston State MA Vehicle Manufacturer Honda Vehicle Type Division Production Plug Type Avcon-Conductive Program blurb The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will showcase the Honda EV Plus. This battery-electric vehicle is one of several owned by the state used to demonstrate the ability of these zero emission vehicles to meet many of our transportation needs. Vehicles like this one will be introduced in Massachusetts in the next few years, and they will play a key role in helping the state meet EPA clean air standards.
Report #19: Rob Wills, Technical Director of the Tour de Sol
14 years ago, when Rob Wills was a graduate student at Dartmouth College, he helped build and race a solar powered car in the Swiss Tour de Sol. The next year he led the group that founded the American Tour de Sol. He is still the Technical Director of the Tour de Sol, and 13 years on he still finds it invigorating.
"Three things excite me this year," he said. "One is the level of the production hybrids coming to market. They are clearly on a strong path because they reduce the world's reliance on gasoline." In spite of the engineering challenge of creating an efficient engine and transmission, and an efficient battery pack, motor and generator, and then making them work together effectively, these vehicles are delivering the increased mileage we need. And with energy prices suddenly spiking upwards, increased mileage is getting everyone's attention. "Hybrids are too complicated to meet our long term needs, but they are an important step along the way."
The second thing that Rob likes in this year's Tour de Sol is the increased presence of fuel cell powered vehicles. "Fuel cells are very interesting because the technology is pretty close. We should see production fuel cell vehicles in 5 years." Although only one fuel cell vehicle is competing, that one is demonstrating a very innovative hydrogen storage system. "I am very excited by the ``Genesis''. It shows hydrogen as an energy carrier as opposed to a fuel. Using hydrocarbon fuels to provide hydrogen still produces carbon-ladened exhaust." The cost and efficiency of a reformer that extracts hydrogen from gasoline or methanol is an issue for Rob. "In addition to the polluting exhaust, a fuel cell that runs at 50% efficiency coupled with a reformer at 50% gives the same performance as the hybrids using internal combustion engines. The ``Genesis uses the sodium borohydride Millennium Cell system that only lets steam and water escape."
And finally Rob is still excited by his first love, solar powered vehicles. "I believe we will eventually see autonomous vehicles in the sunny climates, that can collect enough solar energy for commuting 40 miles." If we combine a vehicle capable of 100 Watt-hours per mile, cover it with flexible photo voltaic cells, and drive and park it in the sun I think it becomes mathematically possible and not that far away from practicality." In the mean time, he expects that people who get their hands on production electric vehicles like the Ford Th!ink or Corbin Sparrow will increase their range by covering the roof with solar cells.
Rob also expects to see more examples of solar arrays on buildings, feeding energy back into the the power grid. The folks at New Hampshire Technical Institute have solar panels that feed more energy into the grid than they take out to charge their electric vehicles. That makes them solar-electric cars, even when the cars themselves are not plugged in. "It also helps the power grid level the electrical load. The greatest electrical load is during daylight hours, and at night a charging car uses some of the excess electrical generation capacity."
He pointed out that no matter how you look at it, fossil fuels are limited, and hydrocarbon fuels, even when derived from biological sources, are a problem environmentally. "But wind is basically unlimited, and has very low environmental impact. The Europeans are showing us that the technology is mature, and the USA has huge wind resources, especially in the prairies and off shore."
What does Rob expect to see in the future? "I've been reading about nano-technology in batteries," he said, "which, on paper, promise very, very high energy density." Is 1 kiloWatt-hour in a cubic centimeter of a ceramic material really possible? We don't know. But any fraction of that would still exciting. "It will take 10 or 20 years to find out, I expect."
"Every year at the Tour de Sol, I am so happy to see all the innovations that come from high schools, colleges, small companies and individuals. It is so exciting to see young scientists applying their enthusiasm to the multi-disciplinary problem of putting an advanced technology vehicle into this event. Not only do they have to solve problems in mechanics, electrics, electronics, power electronics, fluid dynamics and solar radiation, but also economics, environmental sciences, fund raising, team work, logistics, planning and management. In the real world there is never enough time to do any of those things completely right and most often there is a hard deadline. At the Tour de Sol the challenges are that they need a vehicle capable of driving on real streets, in real traffic and weather. The deadline is when the competition begins on Monday May 21st."
Report #20: "Moonshine's Revenge"
The idea that it could be economically, environmentally, and practically possible to grow fuel, converting biomass into ethanol, as a form of solar power (sunlight->photosynthesis->biomass->alcohol->usable energy) might not be that far fetched. So as part of the Tour de Sol, we will have several vehicles using E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) in their tanks.
Does the exhaust smell like "Old Grandad"? You be the judge.
Vehicle Name Moonshine's Revenge Vehicle Number 40 Category ETHANOL CHALLENGE VEHICLES (E85) Team Name University of Nebraska Organization University Of Nebraska Lincoln City Lincoln State NE www www.engr.unl.edu/~ethanol/ No People in Project 30 Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer Chevy Silverado PV Vehicle Model Year 1999 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Silverado motor manufacturer GM Energy Storage System PbA starter battery regenerative braking? Non-regen Conversion Purpose-Built body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 18 ft/ 11 in Width W: 6 ft/ 6 in Height H: 6 ft/ 0 in Weight pounds 6400 lbs Capacity pounds 1860 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc storage system 55 gallon drum with an external pump. engine size 5.7 liters fuel effeciency 13/20 mpg fuel tank capacity 26 gallons fuel tank type poly plastic Fuel Type E85 No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P265/75 tire type radial Range miles 250 miles Program blurb UNL has been participating in alternative fuel competitions fotr the past 10 years with the 3 year Ethanol VEhicle Challenge begin the most recent. Moonshine's Revenge was converted to dedicated E85 use by a 30 member student engineering team over the past 1.5 years as part of an engineering curriculum.
Report #21: "NJ Genesis"
While this car was on display at the Tour de Sol last year, it was not quite finished, and so did not run. (Biased Opinion Alert!) This is one I really want to see move. If you go to the website
http://www.millenniumcell.com/solutions/white_hydrogen.htmlyou will see a very high level view of the chemistry. The promise of the technology is a closed system where hydrogen is stored in a salt, sodium borohydride, at a "refinery" (for lack of a better term), placed into a vehicle, and combined with water in the vehicle thus releasing the hydrogen. The hydrogen runs a fuel cell, which generates electricity, which powers the vehicle down the road. But here is the interesting part. The "exhaust" is sodium borate disolved in water. If that solution is kept in the vehicle and pumped out the next time the car is "refueled", the solution can go back to the refinery and become new "fuel"! Closed Loop!
Can it work? Only one way to find out. Come see them try at the Tour de Sol!
Vehicle Name NJ Genesis Vehicle Number 1 Category HYDROGEN VEHICLES - FUEL CELLS Team Name Team New Jersey Organization Team New Jesey (Rutgers U.) City Piscataway State NJ www genesis.rutgers.edu No People in Project 60 Time to Build 12 months Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Ford/Mercury Vehicle Model Year 1994 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Sable motor kW continuous 56 kW motor kW peak 78 kW motor manufacturer Solectria 3 phase motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Ovonic Energy Storage System NiMH Batteries series battery voltage 318 v battery blocks 24 modules battery watt hrs 27030 whrs battery weight 800 lbs battery cost $13,000 control system manufacturer Solectria AC control system type inverter 440 regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 7.2 kW charger current 60 amps charger input voltage 208 v charger manufacturer Solectria charger on board? off board Plug Type L15-30 PV cell type Polycrystalline PV manufacturer Solarex PV watts 20 w body material Aluminum Body frame material Aluminum Frame Length L: 15 ft/ 9 in Width W: 5 ft/ 7 in Height H: 4 ft/ 7 in Weight pounds 3030 lbs Mfg GVW 4500 Capacity pounds 400 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc storage system Hydrogen is stored in the molecular bonds of sodium borohydride Source of H2 water/electrolysis fuel tank capacity 25 gallon fuel tank type polyurethane Fuel Type hydrogen No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P215/R15 tire type low roll resist Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 500 miles Program blurb The Genesis vehicle will be the first vehicle ever to achieve zero emissions while offering all of the performance, range and comforts expected in a modern automobile. Building on a unique platform - a prototype all aluminium Sable donated by Ford Motor Company - Team New Jersey has assembled a power plant using state of the art hydrogen generations system that fuels two PEM fuel cells.
Report #22: Ford "TH!NK" Vehciles
Ford has announce that it will be one of the sponsors of the Tour de Sol this year. And the press release I saw implied there would be a fuel cell vehicle (a postal delivery truck?) on display. But the focus will be on their new TH!NK line of cars and bikes.
The TH!NK City is already sold in Scandanavia and is due in the US next year. (There were some advertisements on New York City television last year showing the TH!NK City as an urban vehicle.)
Vehicle Name TH!NK City Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name Ford TH!NK Mobility Organization Ford Th!nk Mobility City Carlsbad State CA Vehicle Type Division Production motor type AC Induction Plug Type Avon Program blurb Test-drive some of Ford's new vehicles at major Tour de Sol festivals. These vehicle will be sold under Ford's new brand ---TH!NK Mobility -- and let your mind redefine how you could get around in zero emission vehicles. The TH!NK City is a great urban vehicle - and its highway worthy! With this 2-seat electric vehicle you could squeese into the tightest space outside your favorite restaurant. Later cruise home and plug in to recharge - without stoppiing at the gas station. Already a hit in Scandanavia it will be for sale in the US in 2002.
Vehicle Name TH!NK Neighbor Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name Ford TH!NK Mobility Organization Ford Th!nk Mobility City Carlsbad State CA Vehicle Type Division Production Plug Type 5-15P Program blurb TH!NK Neighbor, which meets the new federal requirments for low speed vehicles, combines the benefits of economical electric transportation with a safe comfortable ride. It is ideal for resorts, closed comunities, and suburban environments.
Vehicle Name TH!NK bike fun Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name Ford TH!NK Mobility Organization Ford Th!nk Mobility City Carlsbad State CA Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb TH!NK bike fun offers riders of all ages and interests the opportunity to bike further, faster, and easier. The bike incluides state-of-the-aft electronics for easy bicycling accross any terrain and is perfect for all active lifestyles.
Vehicle Name TH!NK bike traveler Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name Ford TH!NK Mobility Organization Ford Th!nk Mobility City Carlsbad State CA Vehicle Type Division Production Program blurb Th TH!NK bike traveler is designed so that you can take it along in your boat, plane, or trunk of your car. Effortlessly unfold the compact frame, and explore new places while enjoying the benefits of a well-designed bike combined with a state-of- the-art electric motor.
Report #23: Big Country or Tiny County, They Cooperate and Compete at the Tour de Sol
From a Press Release put out by the Federated States of Micronesia ...
Global Warming: What Will Tomorrow Bring?
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and China To Compete in Annual `Tour de Sol' RaceWhat do both the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the People's Republic of China have in common? Huge disparities exist between the two countries in terms of size, geography, population, industrial base, and natural resources, however, both nations share the same environmental concern about climate change and global warming. The two countries are participating in this year's annual alternative energy vehicle race, the Tour de Sol, the ``Great American Green Transportation Festival.'' They are jointly sponsored by the Coolfont Foundation of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and, Personal Electric Transport of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Each nation hopes to raise awareness about the potential impacts of global warming on their country and plans to utilize their participation in the Race as an educational opportunity across the U.S. Northeast from May 19th until May 26th, 2001.
The Tour de Sol commences in Waterbury, CT and ends in Boston, MA. The FSM and China will both be driving battery powered vehicles, each have a separate Team for competition in their vehicle category, and will work together to field a global third team with drivers from the FSM, China and U.S.
The Team participants are drawn from student populations based in the United States. The Tour de Sol provides the ideal backdrop for the youth of both countries to promote needed changes in global transportation systems and vehicles that are zero emission designed. The Race will also demonstrate the viability of alternative energy vehicles in an effort to mitigate the catastrophic effects of global warming induced by increased greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels.
The FSM is an independent nation of 607 small islands in the north central and western Pacific (the Caroline island chain) about 2500 miles SW of Hawaii and lying just north of the equator to the west of the dateline. While the country's total land area amounts to only 270 square miles (about the size of Rhode Island), its national boundaries enclose an area of the Pacific four times the size of the State of Texas. Each of the four states, Chuuk, Yap, Pohnpei and Kosrae, centers around one or more ``high'' volcanic islands, and all but Kosrae include numerous atolls lying generally no more than six feet above sea level. Total population is roughly 127,000.
The FSM is expected to suffer some of the worst projected consequences of global warming: sea level rise severely impacting coastal infrastructure and destruction of critical habitats such as coral reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves, essential for food and economic development. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) recently published an article in ``Our Planet Magazine'' authored by a Munich Re scientist who suggested that an island nation like the FSM could face up to 10% annual gross domestic product (GDP) losses within the next 50 years.i All economic sectors would be affected, including agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. The FSM, like most island nations, produces virtually no CO2 emissions.
China possesses the world's largest population, at approximately 1.3 billion people, with a land area of roughly 3.7 million square miles. Its economic sectors, especially agriculture, could face huge losses impacting its population and export markets. The country has recently made strides in reducing its CO2 emissions by 17% between 1997 and 1999 according to a recent Time magazine story. As the world's second largest CO2 producer at 11%, these voluntary reductions are an example of commitment, in spirit, to the Kyoto Protocol calling on developed nations to reduce their CO2 outputs to 5% below 1990 levels by 2012. China's motivation may have been less about global warming, and more about cleaner air quality and public health according to Timeii, however, the effects will be positive and have been applauded by environmentalists. China and India are both exempted from Kyoto's binding commitments, for the time being, as are other developing nations.
The United States, the world's leading CO2 producing nation contributing at least 25% to global emissions, announced recently it could not meet the 1997 target goals. The reduction of 7% below 1990 levels would cause economic disruption, according to President George W. Bush. Both the FSM and China recognize the importance of taking action now to mitigate worst case scenarios projected by the world's leading climate scientists within the next fifty years. ``[S]mall island states and low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to increases in sea level and storms, and most of them have limited capabilities for adaptation...Adverse changes in seasonal river flows, floods and droughts, food security, fisheries, health effects, and loss of biodiversity are among the major regional vulnerabilities and concerns of Africa, Latin America and Asia where adaptation opportunities are generally low.''
For the FSM, the worst case scenario could include submersion of low-lying atolls or extreme flooding, coastal areas erosion impacting all infrastructure and development activities, and all vital ecosystems threatened.
The nation includes both higher islands to the east and lower-lying islands or atolls to the west, so impacts will vary depending on elevation. The recent IPCC Report considers the FSM in the highest vulnerability index as ``9 of the 10 most vulnerable countries are small islands.''v The country is classified in the ``severe impacts'' category meaning the FSM can expect ``major population displacement'' in a worst case scenario. vi The FSM is economically dependent on its fisheries, tourism and agriculture sectors -- all of which will be affected by sea level and ocean temperature rise. ``The most significant climate-related projection for small islands is sea-level rise.'' The rate is projected to be 2 -- 4 times higher than experienced during the last 100 years.
Ocean temperature rise associated with global warming will impact threatened ecosystems like coral reefs, sea grasses and mangroves. There is debate as to whether coral reefs and mangroves will be able to keep apace of sea level rise.viii Combining sea level rise with associated projected global warming impacts such as rising ocean temperatures, fluctuations in rainfall and freshwater supplies, and increases in severity and frequency in ocean storms mean that vital ecosystems could be irreversibly damaged. Likewise, coastal fisheries or mariculture projects such as giant clam farms could become much less productive as nursery or spawning areas.
Sea level rise will affect coastal infrastructure: roads, airports, harbors and marinas, and associated buildings. Most all infrastructure development in the FSM is along the coastline, and people tend to live near the coast. ``...because island populations tend to congregate in the few urban centers where most of the infrastructure and services are located, damage to important infrastructure (e.g., coastal roads, bridges, seawalls) would be disruptive to several types of economic, social, and cultural activities...social and economic dislocation would be especially severe among communities with high population densities -- such as...Federated States of Micronesia (950persons/km2).''ix Further, the IPCC Report notes ``...that the overall costs of infrastructure protection will be beyond the financial means of many island nations. Vulnerability studies conducted for selected small islands suggest that the costs of coastal protections (``hard'' options) would be a significant proportion of GNP (see IPCC 1996, WG II, Table 9-3).''
As is the case of many nations, the FSM could experience a rise in infectious diseases ``such as cholera, salmonella, and other food -- and water-related infections'' due to water temperature changes and bacteria or micro-organism growth.xi For the FSM, other tropical diseases like dengue fever, malaria, even if the growth were marginal, ``would place great stress on the public health systems of many small islands, where these facilities are often well developed.''
With current science and technology evolving and developing more sophisticated and advanced global climate models the question is not whether the FSM will experience drastic social, economic, and environmental change -- the question is, how soon? And, what will tomorrow bring for the peoples of these nations? The effects of global warming will impact all nations of the world, with UNEP estimating that worldwide climate change effects could cost over US$300 Billion annually.xiii Even if CO2 emissions are stabilized beginning today, over the next few hundred years the concentration will continue to rise, as will temperatures according to Robert Watson, chief scientist at the World Bank, chair of the IPCC and lead author of their recent reports.
As Michael Limonick concludes in Time ``there's not much chance of halting global warming...[but] we can slow things down. If action taken today can keep the climate from eventually reaching an unstable tipping point or can finally begin to reverse the warming trend a century from now, the effort would hardly be futile. Humanity embarked unknowingly on the dangerous experiment of tinkering with the climate of our planet. Now that we know what we're doing, it would be utterly foolish to continue.''
Through events such as the Tour de Sol, and the earnest efforts of competing teams to demonstrate the viability of alternative energy vehicles and transportation systems, it is hoped that United States citizens will urge President Bush to rethink his decision to back away from the Kyoto Protocol. Ambassador Neroni Slade (Samoa), chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), in response to the recent U.S. decision, calls on all parties to the Climate Change Convention ``and the United States in particular, to demonstrate leadership and commitment to ratifying the Kyoto Protocol and to act in accordance with their legal and moral responsibility to present and future generations.'' That act alone is the least that future generations could expect of the United States, as the world's most powerful and polluting nation.
Notes on Sponsors:
Coolfont Foundation: is a cultural and environmental non-profit at the Coolfont Resort and Conference Center, Berkeley Springs, WVA. They hope to encourage America to take a new look at the way pollution occurs and research is funded throughout the world. Coolfant will hold a series of conferences about electric vehicles and global warming, and will act as a showcase for emergent and existing electric vehicles, manufactured in the U.S. for export to developing nations struggling with air pollution and costs associated with gasoline engines. Randall Ashelman, Coolfont President, says ``These electric vehicles not only offer a solution to an impending environmental crisis, but are sleek, peppy and preferable in many ways to their dirty, noisy 2 cycle gasoline-burning cousins.'' (contact: Mara Ashelman, 304.258.4500).
Personal Electric Transport (PET): is the Hawaii based U.S. company that manufactures the electric vehicles in upstate NY. Team FSM and Team China will be riding electric motor scooters made by PET. In the 1999 Tour de Sol, a PET vehicle won in its class. This year, a quick-change battery system vehicle will be used, which is central to the viability of electric vehicles on the global market. These vehicles are in a special class for the race. Tony Locricchio, PET CEO, believes that these scooters can replace the highly polluting (8 -- 10 times greater than cars when new, 20 -- 30 times greater when not maintained) 2 stroke gasoline motor scooter which is one of the major forms of transportation around the world. For countries like China that are transitioning between bicycles to scooters and automobiles, and the FSM which has limited space for major roadways, these new electric scooters could revolutionize their transportation systems. (contact: Tony Locricchio, 808.261.7733 or 808.261.8372)
Tour de Sol: this is the 13th year for the Race sponsored by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). NESEA is the nation's leading regional association involved in promoting awareness, understanding and development of non-polluting, renewable energy technologies. Headquartered in Greenfield, MA, NESEA has worked successfully for more than a quarter century in the fields of transportation, building construction, and renewable energy. There are several categories of sponsorship for this years race, the title sponsor being the U.S. Department of Energy, other sponsors include: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NY Power Authority, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, NY State Energy Research Authority, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, ENSCO Inc., Texaco, American Honda Motor Company, Daimler Chrysler, and Ford Motor Company among many others. (contact: Jack Groh, 401.723.1551, or, Nancy Hazard, 413.774.6051)
Report #24: Entrants from PET
There are three different scooters entered in the Tour de Sol from a company called PET, which stands for Personal Electric Transports. They entered the "Caballito" (Spanish for "little horse") in the 1999 Tour.
This year, three different teams will drive their offerings. One team will be from China, another from the Federated States of Micronesia, and the third combining people from both countries. See Report #23 for the story.
Vehicle Name Caballito Motor Scooter Vehicle Number 6 Category ONE-PERSON VEHICLES Team Name Team China I Organization PET & Embassy of the People's Republic of China City Kailua State HI Vehicle Manufacturer Purpose-built Vehicle Type Division Production Vehicle Type Model motorscooter motor manufacturer Suntera motor type Brushless DC Energy Storage Manufacturer PET-Suntera Energy Storage System PbA battery voltage 12 v battery blocks 3 modules charger input voltage 12 v charger on board? Off board Plug Type 5-20P Conversion Purpose-Built body material Composite Body frame material Urethane Frame Urethane Body Length L: 5 ft/ 6 in Width W: 1 ft/ 0 in Height H: 3 ft/ 4 in Weight pounds 305 lbs Mfg GVW lbs Capacity pounds 1000 lbs brake front type Front Drum brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 1 number of tires 2 Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 40 miles
Vehicle Name Climate Cooler Vehicle Number 30 Category ONE-PERSON VEHICLES Team Name PET Micronesia Organization Federated States of Micronesia City Washington State DC Vehicle Manufacturer Purpose-built Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model motorscooter motor manufacturer Advanced DC Energy Storage Manufacturer Quick-change Energy Storage System PbA control system manufacturer Curtis charger on board? Off board body material Urethane body frame material Urethane Frame Length L: 5 ft/ 5 in Width W: 1 ft/ 0 in Height H: 3 ft/ 4 in Weight pounds 305 lbs Mfg GVW lbs brake front type Front Drum brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 1 number of tires 2 Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 60 miles
Vehicle Name PET Sunray Transporter Vehicle Number 51 Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name PET World Team Organization PET City Kailua State HI Vehicle Manufacturer Purpose-built Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Production motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer Quick-charge Energy Storage System PbA charger input voltage 120 v charger type High freq/ss Plug Type 5-30P PV watts none Conversion Purpose-Built body material Composite Body frame material Aluminum Frame Length L: 9 ft/ 3 in Width W: 5 ft/ 7 in Height H: 5 ft/ 9 in Capacity pounds 200 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 2 number of tires 2 tire manufacturer Pirelli tire model P4 225/R14, P3 135/R15 tire type Radial Maximum Speed mph mph Range miles 10-15 miles
Report #25: "Parade"
Another of the international entrants in this year's Tour de Sol is from ATT R&D Company in Seoul Korea. Their pre-production prototype is described as a "4-seat station wagon".
Vehicle Name Parade Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competative) Team Name ATT R&D Organization ATT R&D Co. Ltd City Seoul, Korea www www.attrd.com Vehicle Type Division Production motor kW continuous 15 kW motor kW peak 30 kW motor manufacturer Siemans motor type AC Induction battery voltage 228 v battery blocks 24 modules battery watt hrs 1080 whrs battery weight 942 lbs control system manufacturer Siemens control system type IGTB regenerative braking? non-regen charger capacity 3 kW charger current 20 a charger input voltage 220 vac charger manufacturer Zivan PV watts none Length L: 11 ft/ 8 in Width W: 5 ft/ 5 in Height H: 5 ft/ 3 in Weight pounds 2425.5 lbs Capacity pounds 920 lbs brake front type disc brake rear type Rear disc number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Hankook tire model P175/65 R14 tire type radial Program blurb Advanced Transportation Technologies R&D Co. (ATT R&D) is proudly presenting three all- electric pre-produciton prototypes. The goal of ATT R&D is to offer price competative EVs at low volume production. All vehicles use creative design and features to deliver superior performance and user-friendliness. Quality parts are chosen for their energy efficiency. The vehicles incorporate extensive use of aluminum and aerospace technology body panels to keep weight low and to increase recyclability. The Parade is a 4-seat station wagon. The Invita and Always are neighborhood vehicles that meet the new U.S. requirements for low speed vehicles.
Report #26: "Paradyne/Proxima"
It is not uncommon to see the entrants from schools improve year after year. The University of Tulsa's Paradyne has been showing increased capablitity since it first showed up in 1998. For 2001 a computer will manage this Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) parallel hybrid-electric's power systems.
Vehicle Name Paradyne/Proxima Vehicle Number 17 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name University of Tulsa Organization The University of Tulsa City Tulsa State OK www www.hev.utulsa.edu No People in Project 24 Time to Build 2 years Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer GM Geo Vehicle Model Year 1992 Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model Metro motor kW continuous 12 kW motor kW peak 30 kW motor manufacturer Solectria motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Concorde Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 144 battery blocks 12 battery watt hrs 6000 battery weight 480 lbs battery cost 1000 control system manufacturer Custom control system type U of Tulsa regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 2.5 kW charger current 19 amps charger input voltage 230 v charger manufacturer Zivan charger on board? on board charger type High freq/ss PV cell type Amorphous PV watts 25 w Conversion Conversion body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 12 ft/ 2 in Width W: 5 ft/ 1 in Height H: 4 ft/ 5 in Weight pounds 2300 lbs Capacity pounds 1000 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear drum Hybrid Architecture parallel engine size 1 liter fuel effeciency 35-50 mpg fuel tank capacity 10.5 gal fuel tank type steel Fuel Type RFG No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P185/65/R14 tire type radial Range miles 500 miles Program blurb The University of Tulsa's ``Paradyne'' is a converted Geo Metro parallell hybrid vehicle. Winner of the 1999 Tour de Sol, and runner up in 1998 and 2000, the Paradyne is 40% more efficient than a stock Metro, with imporved acceleration. New for 2001 is a fully computerized control system.
Report #27: "Raptor"
The team from Hopkinton High School (Contoocook New Hampshire) is new this year with an entrant of their own, but they have been helping out the teams from New Hampshire Technical Institute in the past.
Vehicle Name Raptor Vehicle Number 9 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV) Team Name Hopkinton HS EVC Organization Hopkinton High School, EVC City Contoocook State NH No People in Project 15 Time to Build 6 months Who Built class part of school curriculum? Yes Vehicle Manufacturer SCC Vehicle Model Year 1992 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Division Prototype motor kW continuous 29.84 kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Brushless DC Energy Storage Manufacturer Trojan Energy Storage System PbA Batteries combination parallel/series battery voltage 120 v battery blocks 15 modules battery watt hrs 310 whrs battery weight 900 lbs battery cost $70 control system manufacturer Curtis control system type 1221 B regenerative braking? Non-regen charger input voltage 110 v charger manufacturer SCC charger on board? on board charger type Trans/rectif PV cell type Monocryst. PV watts 98 w body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 14 ft/ 1 in Width W: 5 ft/ 3 in Height H: 5 ft/ 0 in Mfg GVW 3500 lbs Capacity pounds 1110 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum engine size liters No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Kelly Springfield tire model P205/65/R15 tire type radial Program blurb The Hopkinton HS Electric Vehicle Club began in the Spring of 2000 with a donation of a 1989 Chevy S-10 Pickup truck from the New Hampshire Technical Institute. Currently, we are working on getting the vehicle ready for the 2001 Tour de Sol. Over the past several years, we have participated with NHTI's team on the Tour.
Report #28: "ReCharger"
The ReCharger ReTurns! With the Tour de Sol in 1997, 1998 and 1999, this pickup truck conversion very much impressed me as one of the neater and more imaginative conversions. Come see what I mean at the Tour.
Vehicle Name ReCharger Vehicle Number 166 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV) Team Name University of New Haven Organization University of New Haven Mechanical City West Haven State CT www www.seas.newhaven.edu/asme/asme.html No People in Project 4 Who Built student/faculty/volunteers part of school curriculum? No Vehicle Manufacturer Ford Vehicle Model Year 1984 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Division Prototype motor kW continuous 21 kW motor kW peak ? kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Series Wound Energy Storage Manufacturer Reactor Energy Storage System PbA Batteries combination parallel/series battery blocks 156 modules battery watt hrs 10920 whrs control system manufacturer DC Power Systems control system type PWM regenerative braking? Regen charger capacity 3.5 kW charger current 20/18 amps charger input voltage 110/220 v charger manufacturer Bycan charger type Ferro-reson Plug Type 6-30P PV cell type Silicone PV manufacturer ASE America, Inc/ PV watts 60 w body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 14 ft/ 7 in Width W: 5 ft/ 5 in Height H: 5 ft/ 2 in Weight pounds 3200 lbs Mfg GVW 5300 lbs Capacity pounds 1500 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model P205/175/R14 tire type radial/low roll resist Range miles 100 miles Program blurb Unlike many other electric vehicles, our 1984 Ford Ranger is a true utility vehicle. While performance has been improved beyond that of the original gasoline engine model, neither safety nor load carrying capacity have been compromised. This truck will cruise with highway traffic, or handle like a sportscar on country roads.
Report #29: "SEVRX"
Some newcomers to the Tour de Sol are not newcomers to the idea of electrically powered vehicles. The Solar Knights team has built 5 solar-powered vehicles for the annual SunRayce across the middle of America. The bring their vehicle and experience to the northeast this year.
Vehicle Name SEVRX Vehicle Number 75 Category SOLAR ELECTRIC VEHICLES Team Name Solar Knights Organization Clarkson University City Potsdam State NY www www.clarkson.edu/~solarcar No People in Project 20 Time to Build 8 months Who Built club part of school curriculum? No Vehicle Manufacturer Honda Vehicle Model Year 1984 Vehicle Type Division Prototype motor kW continuous 13 kW motor kW peak 37 kW motor manufacturer Solectria motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer NRG Energy Storage System Li Ion Batteries combination parallel/series battery voltage 147 v battery blocks 1764 battery watt hrs 11200 whrs battery weight 150 lbs battery cost $33,100 control system manufacturer Solectria control system type UMOC 425TF regenerative braking? regen charger capacity 2.8 kW charger current 19 amps charger input voltage 208 v charger manufacturer Zivan charger on board? On board charger type High freq/ss Plug Type 6-30P PV cell type Monocrystal. PV manufacturer Clarkson PV watts 350 W Conversion Conversion body material Steel/fiberglass Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 12 ft/ 3 in Width W: 5 ft/ 4 in Height H: 4 ft/ 3 in Weight pounds 1750 Mfg GVW 1750 Capacity pounds 400 brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Goodyear tire model p155/80/R13 tire type radial Range miles 75 miles Program blurb While new to the Tour, the Clarkson Solar Knights are no strangers to solar racing. With five cars to their credit during 12 years of participating in the GM SunRayce, the Solar Knights will draw on this wealth of experience while developing their newest vehicle, SEVRX.
Report #30: "Solar Bolt"
The complaint is sometimes heard that the teams which can raise the most money or come from the best technical colleges are the ones that do the best at events like the Tour de Sol. And there is no question that there is some correlation.
But the exception proves that the rule is not The Rule! The high school team from Bolton Connecticut, which I first saw in 1994, proved that they could build an electric car that ran on "ordinary" lead acid batteries capable of delivering 142 miles on a single charge! Careful attention to detail is the key. For example, use farings to make the body slippery in the air. And tune the disk brake cylinders so the pads completely lift of the rotors. By eliminating all the drag they could, they created the gold standard, and then improved on it year after year.
Come to the Tour and see the "kids" who are helping to create the future!
Vehicle Name Solar Bolt Vehicle Number 61 Category BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV) Team Name Solar Bolt Team Organization Bolton High School City Bolton State CT Time to Build 1 year Who Built class part of school curriculum? No Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Fiat Vehicle Model Year 1974 Vehicle Reg Car/Truck Vehicle Type Class Light Duty Vehicle Type Division Prototype Vehicle Type Model x-19 motor kW continuous 20 kW motor kW peak 30 kW motor manufacturer Advanced DC motor type Brushless DC Energy Storage Manufacturer US Battery Energy Storage System PbA Batteries series battery voltage 120v battery blocks 3 modules battery watt hrs 22000 Whrs battery weight 1450 lbs battery cost $1800 control system manufacturer Curtis control system type 1231c-8601 regenerative braking? Non-regen charger capacity 6 kW charger current 25 amps charger input voltage 208/240 v charger manufacturer Solar Car Corp charger on board? off board charger type Ferro-reson Plug Type 6-30P PV cell type Amorphous PV manufacturer Uni-solar PV watts 11 w Conversion Conversion body material Steel Body frame material Steel Frame Length L: 12 ft/ 0 in Width W: 5 ft/ 4 in Height H: 3 ft/ 9 in Weight pounds 2892 lbs Capacity pounds 400 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Disc No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Bridgestone tire model P145/80/R13 tire type radial Range miles 165 miles Program blurb A core group of about 25 students and teachers worked throughout the year to improve the Solar Bolt, which was started in 1992. Support from various departments and from the local community has been essential to the success of this ongoing project. Over the years, the Bolton High School team has set and bested its own range records several times! It presently holds the range record for lead acid battery vehicles at 165 miles on a single charge.
Report #31: "Solar Market Insight"
We get entries from schools, and companies, and governmental agencies at the Tour de Sol, but some of the cars come from just-plain-folks who want to make a difference.
Naoto Inoue will return to the Tour with his personal Honda Insight to spread the idea that hybrid-electrics are an important part of our future.
Vehicle Name Solar Market Insight Vehicle Number 41 Category HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEV) Team Name Naoto Inoue Organization Talmage Solar Engineering City Arundel State ME Months to Build months Vehicle Manufacturer Honda Vehicle Model Year 2000 Vehicle Type Division Production Vehicle Type Model Insight motor kW peak 10 kW motor manufacturer Honda motor type AC Induction Energy Storage Manufacturer Panasonic Energy Storage System NiMH Batteries series battery voltage 144 v battery blocks 120 modules battery watt hrs 900 whrs battery weight 45 lbs control system manufacturer Honda control system type AC regenerative braking? Regen body material Aluminum Body frame material Plastic Frame Length L: 12 ft/ 11 in Width W: 4 ft/ 5 in Height H: 5 ft/ 7 in Weight pounds 1878 lbs Mfg GVW lbs Capacity pounds 165 lbs brake front type Front Disc brake rear type Rear Drum engine size 1 liters fuel efficiency 60 mpg Fuel Type gasoline No of Passengers 2 number of tires 4 tire manufacturer Bridgestone tire model P165/65/R14 Range miles 600 miles Program blurb Naoto Inoue is a proud owner of a Honda Insight, and a partner with Talmage Solar Engineering, Inc. Naoto got involved in renewable energy in 1976, and built his own electric vehicle in 1991. He ordered his Insight as soon as he heard of its planned debut to support Honda's effort to build clean cars. Last year he placed 2nd after Ed Dempsey's Insight.
Report #32: "Solectria CitiVan Plus"
When you hear about electric vehicles, you usually hear about the "little cars". Well this ain't little. The CitiVan is an pure-electric delivery vehicle, and the CitiVan Plus extends the range by being an hybrid. It isn't what you could call "cute", or even "pretty", but when you consider how much it cuts down on pollution, you might just think it's beautiful.
Vehicle Name Solectria CitiVan Plus Category DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES (non-competitive) Team Name MassPort Organization Massachusetts Port Authority City East Boston State MA Vehicle Type Class Heavy Duty Vehicle Type Division Production Plug Type 6-30P Range miles 50 miles Program blurb Massachusetts Port Authority is showcasing Solectria Corporation's CitiVan Plus. This gas- electric hybrid delivery van is one of 32 electric vehicles plus 38 compressed natural gas vehicles operated by MassPort at Logan Air Port. Their use eliminates the production of tons of NOx, CO, and PM emissions each year. This vehicle, as well as all-electric shuttle buses, baggage and people movers, and airplane tugs, are playing an increasingly important role in reducing ground level pollution around Logan air port, and other air ports nationwide.
Report #33: "Solectria Super Force"
Team New England is one of the perpetual entrants. They always seem to have some kind of vehicle or another in the Tour de Sol. Last year this car plus battery trailer was used as a demonstration of the Power-Cheqs battery equalizers. I understand that at least one other car ("The Olympian") will be using these to keep the battery pack in perfect balance.
(Opinion Alert!) I have long been a believer in actively charge balancing a series string of battery blocks. I will be watching these cars very closely.
Vehicle Name Solectria Super Force Vehicle N