The Tour de Sol Reports, 2005
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The Tour de Sol Reports, 2005
Photos
See the main page of Tour de Sol 2005 Photos at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos.html
Table of Contents
Report #1: The Tour de Sol Reports Ride Again!Report #2: The 17th Annual Tour de Sol in Saratoga and Albany, NY
Report #3: 100 Miles per Gallon Challenge
Report #4: Sneak Preview: 18 Teams Compete in the TdS Championship; Maybe More!
Report #5: Competition Entrants
Report #6: E-Bike & NEV Competition at the 2005 Tour de Sol (Entrants)
Report #7: Team Profiles and Vehicle Specifications
Report #8: Team Profile: Western Washington University: Viking 23 and Viking 32
Report #9: Photos - Western Washington University's entrants: Viking 23 and Viking 32
Report #10: Team Profile: Bassi Scientific
Report #11: Photos - Bassi Scientific Entries in the E-Bike and NEV Category
Report #12: Team Profile: S&S Autosport Toyota Prius
Report #13: Photos - S&S AutoSport's entrant: S&S AutoSport Prius
Report #14: Monte Carlo Rally Entrant: Kyoto Camel
Report #15: Photos - Monte Carlo Rally entrant: Kyoto Camel
Report #16: Team Profile: Self Portraits from Western Washington University
Report #17: Team Profile: Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute
Report #18: Photos - ITAQ Smart Biodiesel
Report #19: Photos - Short Descriptions of the 2005 Tour de Sol Championship Entrants
Report #20: Tour de Sol Events Open to the Public
Report #21: 2005 Tour de Sol Offers Solutions to Energy Crisis
Report #22: Tour de Sol Events at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show
Report #23: 2 Dollars Off Coupon from the Tour de Sol
Report #24: Tour de Sol Events at Empire State Plaza
Report #25: Governor Pataki to speak at the Tour de Sol in Albany
Report #26: WICN Interview with Jim Dunn, Craig Van Batenburg and Gilles Labelle
Report #27: Press Release about Western Washington University's entries
Report #28: Plug-In Hybrid Car Runs in Tour de Sol Monte Carlo Rally and 100 MPG Challenge
Report #29: Team Profile: Methacton High School, "The Lorax"
Report #30: The Reports Reporter Goes to the Tour de Sol to Report
Report #31: Western Washington University Team Members, Michael Seal
Report #32: Team Profile: rEVolutionride.org
Report #33: Team Profile: Carl Vogel
Report #34: Team Profile: Hybrid Attack
Report #35: Interview: Craig Van Batenburg
Report #36: Photos - West Philadelphia High School, "Hybrid Attack"
Report #37: Monday Press Release - Replaced with Report #39
Report #38: Governor Pataki's Tour de Sol Press Release
Report #39: Monday Press Release - Modified Hybrid Vehicle Nears 100 MPG Barrier
Report #40: The Tour de Sol Reports Continue
Report #41: Press Release - Revised TdS Monte Carlo Rally Results
Report #42: TdS Stories at the Boston Globe's Web Site.
Report #43: Team Profile: Bio SMART
Report #44: Photos - Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ), Bio SMART
Report #45: The Green Hornet
Report #46: Photos - The Green Hornet
Report #47: Team Profile: The Lorax
Report #48: Photos - The Lorax
Report #49: Tour de Sol Championship Team Rankings and Awards
Report #50: Final Press Release for the Monte Carlo-Style Rally
Report #51: Tour de Sol Detailed Scoring
Report #52: Team Profile: The Olympian
Report #53: Photos - The Olympian
Report #54: Team Profile: Woodstock
Report #55: Photos - Woodstock
Report #56: Monte Carlo Rally: Just for Fun
Report #57: Photos - Mercedes Benz diesel runs on vegetable oil
Report #58: Press Release: Tour de Sol Victory Saves School's Automotive Academy
Report #59: Philadelphia Daily News Story: West Philly Win Spares Program
Report #60: Demonstration Vehicle: Honda FCX Fuel Cell Car
Report #61: Photos - Honda FCX Fuel Cell car
Report #62: Team Profile: Solar Black Bear
Report #63: Photos - Solar Black Bear
Report #64: Team Profile: Zodiac
Report #65: Photos - Zodiac
Report #66: Team Profile: Plug-in Prius
Report #67: Photos - Plug-in Prius
Report #68: Tour de Sol News Media Web Page
Report #69: Answer to the Pop Quiz
Report #70: Team Profile: Newburgh Free Academy Solar Racing Team
Report #71: Photos - Newburgh Free Academy Solar Racing Team
Report #72: Team Profile: Bassi Scientific
Report #73: Photos - Bassi Scientific
Report #74: Runabout Cycles
Report #75: Photos - Runabout Cycles
For Tour de Sol Reports from 1994 through 2004, see
Report #1: The Tour de Sol Reports Ride Again!
Daylight Savings Time is about to start and that means the Tour de Sol Reports recommence, this time for the 11th year.
The Tour itself is celebrating it's 17th birthday with a multi-faceted event in Saratoga and Albany New York, May 13th through the 16th.
As before, I will talk with the teams and report what I find here. I hope you will enjoy the ride.
Report #2: The 17th Annual Tour de Sol in Saratoga and Albany, NY
17th Annual Tour de Sol to be held May 13-16, 2005 in Saratoga and Albany, NY Featuring New Events, Competitions, and Activities Leading the Way to a Sustainable Energy and Transportation Future
A Green "Car Show" and More
The May 13-16, 2005 event will feature the Tour de Sol Championship and several new and exciting activities, including a green "car show" at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show; a Monte Carlo-style rally for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle owners; a "VIP Press" day; and a demo-drive. In addition, a 50-vehicle display and Award Ceremony at New York State's Empire State Plaza in Albany will offer superb opportunities to test-drive 3 All-NEW Hybrid SUVs, and to meet with the press and key government and industry representatives.
Events and Activities for the General Public
(Go to www.TourDeSol.org to link to the >> items.)
Friday, May 13:
Press-Only event
The press is invited to an exclusive pre-show event that offers ride
and drives in the NEW over 35-mpg Sport Utility Vehicles from Ford,
Toyota and Lexus, a preview of the Tour de Sol Championship
participant vehicles, and much more.
Saturday May 14:
>> The Tour de Sol at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show >> Monte Carlo-style performance rally
Monday May 16:
>> A culminating event at Albany, NY's Empire State Plaza
Fun, Competitive Events for students, HEV owners, e-bike owners and more!
>> Tour de Sol Championship May 13-16: Students, individuals and corporations are invited to enter the Tour de Sol Championship and showcase their efforts to design vehicles that approach zero carbon emissions and use renewable fuels.
>> E-bike Rally and Competition May 14-16: We invite electric bike owners and e-bike manufacturers to show off their vehicles, offer test-drives, and enter a competitive event.
Additional important links:
>> How to enter the Tour de Sol Championship
>> To learn more about green vehicles, please go to our Green Car Club for a listing of green cars to buy, fun ways of getting around, green car news, discussion groups, and more!
>> Photo essay of last year's Tour de Sol
>> 2004 Sponsors
>> Volunteer Opportunities: Each year, over one hundred people get involved in technical testing, marketing, event set-up and more.
>> Follow this link for a glimpse behind the scenes.
>> Exhibitor Opportunities
>> Field Trip Opportunities coming soon. Sign up to take a field trip to the Tour de Sol.
Report #3: 100 Miles per Gallon Challenge
Press Release:
Contact:
Nancy Hazard [nhazard@nesea.org] 413-774-6051 x18
Craig Van Battenburg [craig@auto-careers.org] 508-753-2431
100 mpg Challenge
National Monte Carlo-Style Rally
May 13-14, 2005
Greenfield, MA. - Mar 25, 2005 -
$10,000 in awards will be given to the most fuel efficient vehicles in the National Monte Carlo-style Rally this May. The prizes will be given to production hybrid or bio-diesel vehicles that travel a minimum of 150 miles, at an average of over 55 mpg. A $5,000 prize will be given to most fuel-efficient vehicle that breaks the 100-mpg barrier. Vehicles can start at any of 15 locations across US and Canada, and must arrive in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. by noon on May 14, 2005.
"The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association has created this all-new Monte Carlo-style Rally for people with advanced vehicles that reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions" says Nancy Hazard, executive director of NESEA, organizer of the 2005 Tour de Sol. www.NESEA.org. "Scores of advanced vehicles will converge at the Tour de Sol finish line at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show, to celebrate how we can reduce our need for foreign oil today."
"Gas prices, along with our dependence on foreign source oil, are on the rise," said Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, Chairman of the House Science Committee. "Reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil and promoting the use of alternative energies will continue to remain top priorities. New York State is a leader in renewable energy programs and is setting the pace for the rest of the nation. Events like this are vital to demonstrate the exceptional technology produced by U.S. engineers, to develop new solutions to solve our nation's energy crisis."
Self paced Monte Carlo-style Hybrid Rally -
Entrants will travel to Saratoga Springs, NY at their own pace, starting at any of 15 pre-selected starting sites across the US and Canada. Many entrants have already registered from as far as Washington State, 2500 miles away.
There will be 9 categories of vehicles, with a minimum rally distance of 150 miles. The Rally finish ceremony and award presentation will be part of Saratoga's Spring Auto Show on Sat. May 14 at the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY, at 3 PM. www.TourDeSol.org
TEST of NEW 30 mpg HYBRID SUV's -
A special challenge has been thrown out to FORD, Toyota and Lexus to see which of the new Sport Utility Hybrids will get the best mileage with their new SUV's. This is the first event that will demonstrate the efficiency of the 3 NEW Sport Utility Hybrids, which the public will also get to see in Saratoga, at the finish line.
Self paced Monte Carlo-style Rally -
Monte Carlo-style Rally participants are invited to join at one of our numerous starting sites around the US and Canada. After they have topped off and their fuel tank sealed, they will drive to the finish line at Stewarts' Shops in Saratoga Springs, NY. There, they will a free fill up with gasoline or bio- diesel, compliments of Stewarts' and Environmental Alternatives - and we will measure the fuel used. There are nine vehicle categories, and the minimum rally distance of 150 miles.
After filling up, Rally participants will join the Tour de Sol, the clean energy and transportation festival and competition, on Saturday, May 14 at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show. $10,000 in awards will be presented at 3 PM. The Automotive Career Development Center is taking the lead in organizing the rally.
Tour de Sol -
From the drawing board...to the show room...to the customer's garage
"The Monte Carlo-style Rally is a perfect addition to the Tour de Sol," says Nancy Hazard of NESEA. "While the Tour de Sol pushes the envelope so that we can all have cost competitive, zero carbon, non-toxic, domestically-produced energy and transportation, the Rally demonstrates what everyone can do today to help reach that goal."
Now in its 17th year, the Tour de Sol challenges auto companies, students, entrepreneurs, fuel suppliers, and government to work together, and design, build, and market vehicles that can meet our transportation needs without compromising our future. From May 13-16, 2005, the general public is invited to see what Yankee ingenuity has created. In addition to talking with advanced vehicle owners participating in the Monte Carlo-style Rally, and students who have built vehicles to compete in the Tour de Sol Championship, attendees will have an opportunity to see three new hybrid SUV's, Honda and Toyota's hybrid sedans, electric bikes and scooters, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. After participating in Saratoga's Spring Auto Show, which is organized by the Saratoga Auto Museum. On Monday, May 16, the Tour de Sol will parade to Albany for a free display on Albany's Empire State Plaza.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Center for Technology Commercialization are Premier sponsors of the Tour de Sol and Monte Carlo-style Rally. Supporting Sponsors include the New York Power Authority, the U.S. Department of Energy, Toyota, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Honda, and the Federal Highway Administration.
The Tour de Sol is organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), the nation's leading regional education and advocacy association that aims to accelerate the deployment and use of renewable energy, and energy efficiency. NESEA produces major sustainable energy events that inspire and motivate large numbers of people to get involved and make a difference.
For more information on the Tour de Sol and Monte Carlo-style Rally registration, go to
www.TourdeSol.org
or call 413-774-6051.
Monte Carlo Vehicle Categories
1- Toyota Prius Classic ('01-'03)
2- Toyota Prius ('04-'05)
3- Honda Insight
4- Honda Civic Hybrid
5- Honda Accord Hybrid
6- Hybrid SUV - Ford Hybrid Escape, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus 400 Hybrid
7- Custom Built hybrids (modified or built from scratch)
8- Modified Factory Hybrids, including plug-in factory hybrids
9- Bio-diesel, and Clean diesel vehicles
Report #4: Sneak Preview: 18 Teams Compete in the TdS Championship; Maybe More!
It ain't official until NESEA says so, but I've seen a preliminary list of entrants to the 2006 Tour de Sol Championship. Here's what I saw:
Production Category 2 entries 1 returning commercial hybrid team 1 new experimental bio-diesel team
Battery Electric Vehicles Category 8 entries 1 new team 5 returning teams running on lead acid batteries 2 returning teams running advanced batteries 1 lithium ion 1 nickel metal hydride
Maybe 2 additional teams
Hybrid-Electric Vehicles and Alternate Fuel Vehicles Category 3 returning teams 2 bio-diesel hybrids 1 with lead acid batteries 1 with nickel cadmium batteries 1 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with nickel metal hybrid batteries Maybe 1 additional team
Solar Category 3 returning teams
E-Bikes, Scooters and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles 2 entrants Maybe 2 additional teams
That adds up to 18 teams, plus 5 maybes. I expect the official announcement of entrants and prizes will be in about a week or so. That press release will be posted here.
To my mind, the variety of entrants is one of the best features of the Tour de Sol. It is the place, in the northeast, to see the real-world electric, hybrid-electric and advanced fuel transportation technology on the hoof (he said, mixing his metaphors). And the the people in the teams are anxious to explain just what they did, and why, and how. So make your plans now and come see the Tour de Sol. Details are at the website
http://www.TourDeSol.org
Report #5: Competition Entrants
The demonstration vehicles and entrants to the Sustainable Energy and Transportation Festival and Competition of the 2005 Tour de Sol have been announced. (See the E-Bike and Neighborhood EVs in the next TdS Report.)
The vehicles are entered in Categories, and Divisions within each Category.
Abbreviations: B20 Biodiesel 20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) B100 Biodiesel 100 (100% biodiesel) CNG Compressed Natural Gas HEV Hybrid Electric Vehicle HS High School ICE Internal Combustion Engine LiIon Lithium Ion NMH Nickel Metal Hydride PbA Lead Acid, RFG Reformulated Gasoline Veh# Vehicle Number
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Veh# Participant-Team Name
Year/Make/Model Propulsion System & Fuel
Vehicle Name State
PRODUCTION DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Demo American Honda Motor Company
2004 Honda Civic Hybrid HEV: Gasoline + Battery
2004 Civic Hybrid California
Demo American Honda Motor Company
2003 Insight HEV: Gasoline + Battery
2003 Insight California
Demo American Honda Motor Company
2005 Hybrid Accord HEV: Gasoline + Battery
2005 Hybrid Accord California
Demo American Honda Motor Company
2004 Civic GX ICE: Natural Gas (CNG)
2004 Civic GX California
Demo American Honda Motor Company
FCX Hydrogen Fuel Cell
FCX California
10 ITAQ (Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute)
2005 SMART ICE: Biodiesel (B20)
Bio SMART Quebec, Canada
70 S&S AutoSport
2001 Toyota Prius HEV: Gasoline (RFG) + Panasonic NMH
S&S AutoSport Prius Oklahoma
Demo Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
2005 Highlander HEV: Gasoline + Panasonic NMH
2005 Highlander California
Demo Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
2005 Lexus RX 400h HEV: Gasoline + Panasonic NMH
2005 Lexus RX 400h California
12 Vogelbilt
2004 Ford F250 diesel pick-up ICE: Biodiesel (B100)
Vogelbilt Vehicle New York
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
36 Valence Technology, Inc
2004 Toyota Prius HEV: Gasoline + Valence LiIon
Saphion Texas
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
2 West Philly EV Team (HS)
K1-Attack kit car conversion HEV: Biodiesel + battery PbA
Hybrid Attack Pennsylvania
32 Western Washington U. Hybrid Club
Purpose-built HEV: Bio-methane (CNG) + Panasonic NMH
Viking 32 Washington
23 Western Washington U. Hybrid Club
Purpose-built HEV: Biodiesel + SAFT NMH
Viking 23 Washington
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Veh# Participant-Team Name
Year/Make/Model Propulsion System
Vehicle Name State
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
19 Electrovaya
2002 Tracker conversion Electric (Battery: Electrovaya LiIon)
Maya-100 Ontario, Canada
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
16 Burlington County Electechs
Burlington County Electechs Electric (Battery: GNB PbA)
The Olympian New Jersey
45 Methacton Electric Car Club
1999 "Lomax" kit car conversion
Electric (Battery: Eagle Picher PbA)
The Lorax Pennsylvania
56 St. Mark's Electric Vehicle Club
1994 Ford Ranger conversion Electric (Battery: Trojan PbA)
Woodstock Massachusetts
50 Tandem Friends School
2005 Purpose-built Electric (Battery: Optima PbA)
Sola Rola Virginia
66 U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team
Purpose-built Electric (Solar+Battery: Trojan PbA)
Phantom Sol Maine
53 www.revolutionride.org (N. Haven HS)
1986 VW Vanagon conversion Electric (Battery: PbA)
Revolution Ride Maine
CATEGORY: SOLAR-ASSISTED ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Veh# Participant-Team Name
Year/Make/Model Propulsion System
Vehicle Name State
STUDENT DIVISION: One-person light-duty vehicles
92 Cato-Meridian HS Technology Team
1992 Purpose-built Electric (Solar + Battery: Ovonic NMH)
Sunpacer New York
7 IHS Solar Car Team (W. Irondequoit HS)
1999 Purpose-built Electric (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)
Zodiac New York
STUDENT DIVISION: Two-person light-duty vehicles
20 U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team
1986 Chevy S-10 conversion Electric (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)
Solar Black Bear Maine
Report #6: E-Bike & NEV Competition at the 2005 Tour de Sol (Entrants)
The Sustainable Energy and Transportation Festival and Competition has a separate sub-competition for the short-range vehicles like Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). Here is the list of entrants. (See the full-sized vehicle entrants in the previous Report.)
E-Bike & NEV Competition at the 2005 Tour de Sol
Veh# Participant-Team Name
Year/Make/Model Propulsion System & Fuel
Vehicle Name State
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
33 Bassi Scientific Purpose-built E-Bike Lead Acid Batteries E-Bike Connecticut
34 Bassi Scientific Purpose-built E-Bike Lead Acid Batteries E-Racer Connecticut
35 Bassi Scientific NEV Lead Acid Batteries Low Speed NEV Connecticut
55 Partnerships Purpose-built E-Bike Lithium Ion Batteries E-bike New Jersey
300 Run About Cycles Purpose-built, 3-wheeled Electric (Battery: Valence LiIon) The RunAbout #1 Massachusetts
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
24 Newburgh Free Academy Team Purpose-built E-Bike Lead Acid Batteries (to be announced) #1 New York
25 Newburgh Free Academy Team Purpose-built E-Bike Lead Acid Batteries (to be announced) #2 New York
Report #7: Team Profiles and Vehicle Specifications
If you look back over the Tour de Sol Reports from years past, the pattern was to have a Team Profile that combined the human stories with the mechanical and electrical details of the vehicle that team entered. But I'm going to depart from that model this year.
Instead, I've asked the teams to send me the technical information and some of their story in advance so more of the time spent on the interviews can be about the more unusual aspects of their history and entry.
First to respond was Western Washington University, which is entering Viking 23 and Viking 32. We'll start with those Reports.
Report #8: Team Profile: Western Washington University: Viking 23 and Viking 32
(This report was provided by the Viking teams.)
Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute has been designing and building award winning prototype vehicles since 1972. Over 36 vehicles have been completed. For their entry in the 2005 Tour de Sol a group of students formed the Vehicle Research Hybrid Club. They made a formal presentation the WWU's associated student association to receive recognized club status and be eligible to apply for funding. They put together a great power point proposal and were awarded $1,600 to update and improve Viking 23 and Viking 32. Both these cars had previously completed in the TdS. Although this club originally had 25 active members in November it currently has only 7 students who are working on the vehicles and plan to attend the TdS. The team captain is Kate Stenson. The students on the team are all new to hybrid vehicles and this will be their first competition. Dr. Michael Seal, the retired past director of the VRI agreed to be their faculty advisor for the 2005 Tour de Sol.
With the help of a retired electrical engineer from Eaton Corporation Emily Morris has completely rewired the high energy battery system in Viking 23. The Saft NiCd batteries have been reconditioned and individually brought up to full charge.
At last year's TdS the bio-diesel Diahatsu engine overheated and seized. Ryan Cruse and Brian White took apart the engine and the head, which had a slight warp from the overheating, was sent out for grinding. As this engine is not available in the US, Ryan located new gaskets in England and Japan and had them shipped to Bellingham. The engine is together in Viking 23 and is running well.
Viking 32, which has a hydraulic suspension system which allows it to change its ride height, had problems at last years TdS and cracked its front body going over curbs and potholes. This resulted in a redesign of the suspension and the addition of a reservoir for additional hydraulic fluid. The interior of Viking 32 was redone with leather upholstery. The windows are unique as they are round with complicated mechanism that was not working properly last year and didn't seal against the car. Calvin Lin and Sean Aylward worked with Dr. Seal to refit and stiffen the windows to fit properly and should improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Another aerodynamic improvement was completed by Matt Willson who fitted belly pans to the underside of Viking 32.
VEHICLE RESEARCH INSTITUTE WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON 360 650 3045
http://vri.etec.wwu.edu
Viking 23: Specifications
Electric Drive to Front Wheels
UQM 47 HP (12 kW continuous 32 kW peak power brushless Dc motor utilizes Neodymium permanent magnets and water cooling for both motor and controller. System efficiency = 96%
- Regenerative braking controlled with a potentiometer at brake pedal and VRI designed torque control electronics.
- Two speed Subaru manual transaxle with Geo Metro drive axles and hubs, and double Gilmer belt drive to the motor.
Traction battery pack is 233.3 volts and 5.184 Watt hours from 144 Saft NiCad cells in series. Battery pack weight is 306 lbs. approximate cost $5,500.
Biodiesel Engine to the Rear Wheels
Diahatsu Charade 1 liter 3 cylinder 43 HP turbo-charged Biodiesel engine and 5-speed manual transaxle driving the rear axles which have air-cooled overrunning clutches to minimize system friction when operating in ZEV mode on electric front drive only.
Composite Monocoque 2 Seat Sports Coupe Body and Chassis
- Body is vacuum bagged carbon fiber reinforced polymer in a sandwich construction with closed cell PVC foam core.
- Chassis is bonded flat sandwich panels of carbon fiber reinforced polymer with Nomex honeycomb core.
Dimensions: Length = 157''; Width = 70''; Height = 44'' Weight of entire car = 1901 lbs. Windshield: Acura NSX Racing fuel tank capacity = 7.5 gal.
Suspension:
VRI designed and built 4 wheel independent suspension with ``long and short arm'' double wishbones and coil over shocks.
Tires and Wheels: - General XP 2000 II tires, size 205/50 R 15 on front and rear. - Custom 15'' x 5'' alloy wheels.
Brakes: - Yamaha motorcycle disc brakes front and rear, with VRI designed and built rotors. - Honda motorcycle disc emergency brake on front rotors.
Performance: - Estimated efficiency -- 50 mpg city 50 mpg highway - Top speed more than 100 mph
Viking 32: Specifications
Electric Drive to Front Wheels
- UQM 100 hp (50 kW continuous, 75 kW peak power) brushless DC motor utilizes Neodymium permanent magnet and water cooling for both motor and controller.
System efficiency = 96%
- Regenerative braking controlled with a potentiometer at brake pedal and VRI designed torque control electronics
- Two speed Volkswagen automatic shift transmission. Student built and programmed computer that controls the clutchless shifting.
- Traction battery is 330 volts, 4.7 kW hours from two 44 cell strings in parallel Battery pack weight 250 lbs. Approximate cost is $12,000.
CNG Engine to the rear Wheels
- 2002 Honda Civic 1.7 liter CNG engine producing 100 hp (75 kW) drives through a van Doorne system continuously variable transmission (CTV)
Composite 2 + 2 seat sports Body and Chassis
- Body is vacuum bagged carbon fiber reinforced polymer in a sandwich construction with closed cell PVC foam core. - Chassis is bonded flat sandwich panels of carbon fiber reinforced polymer with Nomex honeycomb core.
Dimensions: Length = 14' 5''; Width = 5' 6''; Height = 5'
Weight of entire car = 2,200 lbs.
Windshield: Acura NSX
CNG fuel tank capacity = 6.2 gal gas equiv.
Suspension:
- VRI designed and built semi-active height control suspension allows 8 inches of ground clearance in the high position and 5 inches in the highway mode.
Tires and Wheels
- Michelin 205/60 Radial - Forged aluminum 5 spoke wheels
Brakes:
- Honda disc and calipers on front. Honda disc and Ford SHO calipers on the rear to provide powerful handbrake.
Performance:
- Estimated efficiency -- 50 mpg city 50 mpg highway 0-60 in 5.5 sec
- Top speed more than 100 mph
Report #9: Photos - Western Washington University's entrants: Viking 23 and Viking 32
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_001.html
Western Washington University's entrants: Viking 23 and Viking 32
Viking 23 has appeared in the Tour de Sol many times since its first appearance in 1996. It has changed quite a bit in that time, but the basic body pan and front-wheel-electric-motor and rear-wheel-ICE-engine plan has been consistent.
Viking 32, without its racing decorations ...
and with them.
Report #10: Team Profile: Bassi Scientific
In the E-Bike & NEV Competition of the Tour de Sol, Bassi Scientific has 2 vehicles entered:
Number 33 An E-Bike Number 34 An E-Racer Number 35 A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
While Tony Basilicato hails from Georgia, the Team is based at Bradford High School in Connecticut. In 2002, Tony "B" joined the Technology Education Department to build several electric bikes, trikes, neighborhood and racing vehicles.
Tony, now 70 years old, sent his part of the story:
"This whole Bassi Scientific thing was created in '74 (in my mind) while I was waiting to get $1.00 worth of gas for my Thunderbird - on my way to work some 40 miles away from my home where I occupied the position as National Service Manager of the Edwards Company. My thoughts - How can I help America? It was a bad situation but little did I know the need for foreign oil would raise such bleak interjections.
: :
"What came out of my work was 2 different approached to driving vehicles electrically with cordless supplies. I named them - "The Resonant Factor" & "The Impedance Factor".
:
"I have just two prototypes existing - One of each theory. The electric bike incorporates 'The Resonant Factor'. Briefly, a 1/3 hp motor drive - 15 mph - theoretical 75 miles/charge. My son will attempt to run it for 3 hours during the Tour competition w/o pedal assist. The design is some 30 years old - the bike approx. 27. It weighs in under 70#'s and has been equipped with a 4 oz 2hr charger - in the past. It will not be so equipped for the Tour. Main feature. Motor stays cool.
"The Trike is fashioned in 'The Impedance Factor' fashion - It has torque and not quickness. It is driven by a 1/4 hp motor to a speed of about 12 mph. It weighs in about 150#'s and is driven for 1 hour by one 80 ampere-hour battery - Termed industrial EV - it has many times pulled a car. Again - Important aspect - the motor run KOOL - Termed the 'KOOL DUV". To save controversy, I will not resort to factoring the various theories of operation. This EV will be for display only. It has some 30,000 miles on it over the last 30 years.
"The other 2 EV's are basically teaching machines. Both are driven by 1 hp motors. The E-Racer can reach speeds (with my wife @ the wheel) approaching 35 mph. Average speed over a course - somewhere about 25 mph. It will run that speed with a supply of about 64 lbs of batteries ( 2-18 ampere hr. & 4-14 ah in series/parallel). This is more convention with a few trick I have incorporated. It is about as efficient as a conventional EV can be and students must strive to complete and compete. The E-Racer placed 2nd in an efficiency contest in '03 driven by middle school kids that had never driven before and where pitted against seasoned seniors.
"The last vehicle is a slo-speed NEV. It is ideal for teaching students what makes up an EV. It is some what efficient. It has the same components as the E-Racer, but is more of a practical machine. It is still being tested but the result appears that this NEV powered by 4 - 18 ah batteries can maintain a constant speed of 12 mph for an hour or 12 miles. It was designed as to encompass all terrain with only tire changes. I will be driving this vehicle."
:
Tony E Basilicato
Bassi Scientific - Non-Profit/Educational
1253 Alden Drive
Augusta, GA 30906-8755
706-793-8761
bassisifi@aol.com
Report #11: Photos - Bassi Scientific Entries in the E-Bike and NEV Category
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_002.html
Bassi Scientific Entries in the E-Bike and NEV Category
Photos provided by Tony Basilicato.
Several of Tony Basilicato's EVs
A photo from the April 17, 2003, edition of "The Sound" newspaper, Bradford Connecticut.
Photos provided by Tony Basilicato.
Report #12: Team Profile: S&S Autosport Toyota Prius
For over a decade now, part of the message of the Tour de Sol has been that sustainable transportation is practical transportation. Another part of the message is that we are not limited by what we have now. Bob Strattan has been wearing two hats at the Tour for some time now. One reads "See What is Practical Now" and the other reads "Look At What is Coming!" He provided most of this Report.
S&S Autosport Toyota Prius, #70 S&S Autosport, Tulsa, OK
This is the fifth Tour de Sol for Bob Strattan's S&S AutoSport model year 2001 Toyota Prius. It has competed each year since it was the first Prius HEV delivered in Tulsa, OK. It is the defending champion of the Light-duty HEV Production Class. The car has 60,000 trouble free miles and a lifetime average of 45 MPG.
Dr. Strattan is a faculty advisor to the University of Tulsa's Hurricane Motor Works HEV project which has entered prototype HEVs in the 7 previous Tour de Sols.
Bob Strattan has been coming to the Tour as an advisor to the University of Tulsa's teams since 1998 and as a competitor in his own right since 2001.
This year his Prius also is participating in the Green Car Monte Carlo-style Rally as well as the Tour de Sol Championship event. Bob and Vada Strattan are rallying into Saratoga Springs from their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The 2001 model year Toyota Prius was the first customer delivered Prius in Tulsa, arriving in October 2000. It has been Bob's daily driver ever since, and is rolling up 60,000 trouble free miles. This is its 5th trip from Oklahoma to the Tour de Sol. The lifetime fuel economy average has been about 45 miles per gallon. Careful driving at below interstate speed limits can result in values over 55 miles per gallon. The mileage is better in city driving than on the highway, but goes down in the summer when using the air conditioner, and in the winter due to longer warm-up periods. The highest mileages are usually observed in the spring and fall. This Prius holds the light duty production HEV (4-6 passenger) Tour de Sol records of 53 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) fuel economy and 207 grams of CO2 greenhouse gas emission.
Bob enjoys opportunities to give presentations about hybrid vehicle technology and sustainable fuel issues to civic and professional groups. One of the joys of driving an unconventional vehicle is the getting to talk about it and explain the concept to the public. The public displays are one of features of the Tour de Sol than keeps him returning.
Team Name S & S AutoSport Vehicle Name Toyota Prius Vehicle Number 70 Registered as Car In State Oklahoma Empty weight 2765 Length 14 feet 2 inches Width 5 feet 7 inches Height 4 feet 10 inches Frame material steel Body material steel No. of people 5
Energy Storage System Manufacturer Toyota Chemistry NiMH No. of cells 228 Connection series Capacity 1768 Watt-hours System Voltage 272 Weight 90 pounds
Electric Drive System Manufacturer Toyota Motor type brushless DC Motor rating 33 kiloWatts peak
Electric Control System Manufacturer Toyota Type multiple embedded microcontrollers Fueled Drive System Manufacturer Toyota Displacement 1.5 liters Hybrid Geometry parallel power-split Fuel reformulated gasoline Tank Capacity 11.9 gallons Fuel Efficiency 52 city / 45 highway / 48 combined miles per gallon Emissions test? no
Tires Number 4 Manufacturer Bridgestone Model P175/65, R 14 Type radial
Brakes Front disc Rear drum Regenerative yes
Accompanying the engineering students from the University of Tulsa is what brought Bob to his first Tour de Sol in 1998. The Hurricane Motor Works student teams designed and scratch-built a fiberglass chassis series-hybrid for the HEV Challenge university design competitions held from 1993 through 1995. When they were not selected to continue into the FutureCar and Future Truck competitions, the school decided to continue to develop HEVs and use the Tour de Sol to benchmark their progress.
Initially, the students converted a Geo Metro hatchback into a test mule to develop a parallel hybrid powertrain. This HEV, the ParaDyne, won the prototype HEV category in 1999 using gasoline and in 2002 using E85 fuel. The ParaDyne set the HEV range record of 493 miles and fuel economy record of 47.6 MPGe in 1999 and the won the best ethanol vehicle prize in the 2002 tour de Sol.
The students then designed a built the light weight and aerodynamic carbon fiber and fiberglass prototype HEV Proxima that competed in the 2003 and 2004 Tour de Sol events. This vehicle is still a work in progress, but has taken a back burner to the Challenge X project now underway at the Hurricane Motor Works.
The University of Tulsa is one of 17 universities accepted into the "Challenge X" competition sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors, along with many other companies. "Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility" is a 3 year competition where the engineering students use the industrial standard vehicle development process to demonstrate improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while maintaining performance and drivability. The target vehicle is the Chevrolet Equinox. After completing a year of simulations, analyses and design trade studies, the students will be presenting their results in Detroit in early June 2005. They will receive an Equinox crossover SUV to take apart and put back together in a hybrid-electric configuration for test demonstrations at GM proving grounds in 2006 and 7. Hopefully the product of this endeavor will appear at the Tour de Sol in the future.
These HEV design and competition projects provide excellent hands-on learning experiences for the students and are a good recruiting tool for the school. Many incoming students cite the opportunity to participate in these programs as an important factor for their school selection.
Report #13: Photos - S&S AutoSport's entrant: S&S AutoSport Prius
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_003.html
S&S AutoSport's entrant: S&S AutoSport Prius
Photos provided by Bob Strattan.
Starting out under the Blue Planet Earth Flag.
On display at the Trenton NJ State Museum plaza in 2002.
Displaying the trophies won in 2002.
Photos provided by Bob Strattan.
Report #14: Monte Carlo Rally Entrant: Kyoto Camel
The Monte Carlo style Rally is new to the Tour de Sol this year. It gives folks who are enthusiastic about the Tour another way in which to participate. Now those owning commercial vehicles that make deliberate efforts to be gentler on the environment have another fun way to demonstrate their commitment to the Tour's sustainable transportation message.
Jonathan Bartlett entered the tour in 2003 with his "Kyoto Codex", which was a TDI Diesel sedan. His tee shirt had "TDI Fährfrumpumpen" printed on the back.
He will be driving in to Saratoga Springs from Massachusetts and sent along this report.
Private entry affiliated with: TDIClub.com. Current (this week's) vehicle nickname: Kyoto Camel Manufacturer, year and model: 1996 Volkswagen Passat TDI wagon Power plant: standard VW 1.9 liter turbocharged, direct injected diesel engine Fuel choice: B-100 biodiesel. Operates on petroleum diesel, biodiesel or any blend. Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gallons Fuel efficiency: annual average of 49 mpg, lower in city, higher on highway Emissions compliance: conforms to bi-annual light duty diesel emissions test in MA Tires: Michelin 185-65-14. Wheels: stock steel. Brakes: Vacuum assisted disc front and rear, ventilated in front. No regenerative braking. Vehicle weight: curb: 3278 lb., gross: 4012 lb., towing capacity with brakes: 2000 lb. Body and frame material: steel Passenger capacity: 5 Registered as: private passenger vehicle in MA Owner: Jonathan Bartlett Team: Jonathan Bartlett and David Glynn
This new-to-me TDI wagon replaces the previous 1996 VW Passat TDI sedan I used in the 2003 Tour de Sol. This is my third 1996 Passat TDI, but my first wagon. I had wanted the wagon body style Passat TDI since 1997, but chose to drive sedans while I searched for the scarce few wagons without a sunroof. I bought this wagon on-line from New Jersey last May when it had just over 150,000 miles on it. I expected it to have over 178,000 by the time of the event. The previous sedan had 250,000+ miles on it during the 2003 tour. I sold it last June with 300,000 miles.
I have chosen to compete in this year's shorter two day Monte Carlo style Rally that NESEA is running in conjunction with the full Tour de Sol. The shorter duration rally fits my work schedule much better than a full four (or more) day TdS event.
I began using biodiesel shortly after competing in the ``130 mph club'' event with the previous TDI sedan at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2001. I was slightly embarrassed by missing the 130 mark needed for membership, but much more so by the black petroleum diesel soot trail my tailpipe blasted into the formerly white salt.
I happened to pick up a copy of the Kansas City paper on my trip back home. There was an article in it about a guy in western MA making biodiesel. I called him, made an appointment to meet, and made my first biodiesel purchase before getting home.
I now have over 175,000 miles of biodiesel use between that sedan and my present wagon, mostly at 100 percent (B-100). I am resigned to blending in petroleum diesel during the sub-freezing temperatures of the New England winters. Even with that wintertime petroleum usage my annualized fuel use is 90% renewable biodiesel and 10% non-renewable petroleum based diesel. If the temperature is above freezing, I'm running B100.
Oh, and I also run biodiesel in my garden tractor, a 1988 Bolens with a 750 cc Mitsubishi three cylinder diesel engine.
Report #15: Photos - Monte Carlo Rally entrant: Kyoto Camel
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_004.html
Monte Carlo Rally entrant: Kyoto Camel
Sometimes you want exactly what you want. This in Jonathan Bartlett's third 1996 TDI Volkswagen Passat, but finally he found the wagon-without-sunroof he wanted.
Photo provided by Jonathan Bartlett.
``Kyoto Camel'': a stock 1996 VW Passat TDI wagon operated on B-100 biodiesel.
Photo provided by Jonathan Bartlett.
Report #16: Team Profile: Self Portraits from Western Washington University
Why do people enter the Tour de Sol? If I ask a dozen entrants and I usually get fifteen answers.
Members of Western Washington University's Hybrid Club and Team Members submitted these self-portraits. Their two entries are:
Viking 32 -- CNG Electric Hybrid
Viking 23 -- Bio-diesel Electric Hybrid
"I have learned a great deal of the problem this country is facing now and will soon be facing without the availability of fossil fuels. I am extremely excited to be able to get involved in a program that could soon help solve this problem or at least slow it down with the hybrid concept now moving stronger than ever. I feel very grateful to have such an opportunity to get involved with such a remarkable program that is the Tour de Sol."
Sean Aylward, VRI Hybrid Club, WWU
"I have been a part of the VRI for almost three years now and I see my going to the Tour de Sol as the result of my hard work. I've only been apart of the Hybrid team for a quarter, but I really feel like an important component of the team. The thing I hope to accomplish in the Tour de Sol is to help the team and make sure that our cars perform well and succeed. I have no idea what to expect at this event because I have never done anything like it, but I am looking forward to a great experience and great challenge."
Emily Morris
"To be a part of something big is hard to come by now days, but being a part of the team that is saving the earth is definitely worth investing some time into. As a kid growing up mesmerized by cars, I had to take advantage of the great opportunity that was right in front of me. Not only do I get to develop my skills as a designer and builder, I also get to protect our environment by reducing pollution and saving energy. Change in society doesn't happen overnight and to me hybrids are a bridge between the current internal combustion cars and the clean energy cars of the future. I hope that in the future I can look back on these days and say `I was on the forefront of the hybrid revolution.'"
Calvin Liu
"When I joined the VRI I never thought I would soon be traveling to New York to be in a national green energy competition. I chose to work on the hybrid team because I know that is where the market will be in the future and what better time to get started in it now and learn the technology? It is really amazing that although we are not a sports team traveling to compete against other schools that we still have a similar opportunity. There are other schools involved in the competition whom we can learn from, and we are all taking steps to making a worldwide impact; that is what this is all about. A positive experience for everyone."
Kate Stenson
"I am involved with the hybrid club because I have been a car dork all my life, but at the same time I realize how major an impact automobiles have on the environment. As an avid outdoors lover I feel compelled to combine my two passions and work for the greater good of both the automotive industry and our natural surroundings. I really enjoy being able to apply my engineering skills in a socially responsible way. I am really excited to meet kindred souls and see all of the other projects that are being produced throughout the industry."
Ryan Cruse
Report #17: Team Profile: Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute
The last time the Tour de Sol had an entrant from Quebec was in 1994, when the University of Quebec Design Department brought a very unusual entrant.
This year Quebec's Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) has an entry which is unusual in the United States, but finding acceptance in Europe and now Canada, that shows the provincial and Canadian commitment to the same mission as the Tour de Sol.
Director of Research and Development Hugo Marsolais has provided information:
"Our Institute (ITAQ) is a new one. Basically our mandate is to promote the emergence in Quebec of an advanced transportation center of excellence by helping local industries with Research and Design (R&D) services, technology transfer and training. We also work to inform on the general public through special events on the theme of sustainable transportation.
"Good achievements so far:
- A 6 M$ advanced transportation lab, unique in Canada. It provides appropriate R&D tools to Quebec and Canadian researchers.
- We were the spark plug for the creation of an EV company in the Laurentians.
http://www.nev-nemo.com
- Partnership with the ITS (Institute of Transportation Studies) of the University of California - Davis
- Representation to the Quebec government to promote biodiesel: the result (announced in last week's budget) is a 100% tax return for public transportation fleets (buses).
- We will also manage all the R&D aspect of a new EVs : the next generation of the ZENN of Feel Good Cars.
http://www.FeelGoodCars.com
- Technology transfer of the CHEC-HFI (Canadian Hydrogen Energy Company - Hydrogen Fuel Injection) products in Quebec and training of certified installation centers - Hydrogen injection for heavy-duty truck and buses.
http://www.globaltech.ca
"We start this year with the Tour de Sol in a `humble' manner, with only one car. But what a car! A Smart Fortwo Cabriolet that will run on biodiesel made from recycled vegetable oil and animal fat. This is production car that has no modifications.
http://www.Smart.com
http://www.Rothsay.ca/montreal.html
"We hope next year to come with more advanced vehicles, which some would be custom built by our students and teachers."
Truly yours,
Hugo Marsolais, ing.
Directeur R&D
Institut du transport avance du Quebec
http://www.cstj.qc.ca/itaq
I'm not sure being a "spark plug for the creation of an EV company" is the correct metaphor, but we know what you mean Hugo.
Their car, the 2005 SMART Biodiesel runs on B20 (20% biodiesel), and will be driving to the Tour from Quebec as part of the Monte Carlo rally.
Report #18: Photos - ITAQ Smart Biodiesel
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_005.html
ITAQ Smart Biodiesel
Photo provided by Hugo Marsolais.
Hugo Marsolais will be driving this car in both the Monte Carlo Rally and the Tour de Sol Championship. The smart (the first letter of the name is not capitalized) has a lot of options, and is sold by Mercedes-Benz Canada.
Report #19: Photos - Short Descriptions of the 2005 Tour de Sol Championship Entrants
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_006.html
Short Descriptions of the 2005 Tour de Sol Championship Entrants
Entrants in the Sustainable Energy and Transportation Festival and Competition
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Production Division: Light Duty Vehicles
Vehicle Name: 2004 Civic GX Team Name: American Honda Motor Company Demonstration Vehicle: 2004 Honda Civic GX ICE: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
American Honda is pleased to continue offering the Natural Gas fueled Civic GX; named "Cleanest Production Vehicle on Earth" for the 3rd consecutive year by the ACEEE. The Civic GX offers a 20-30% fuel savings, using domestically produced CNG, with a range of 210-240 miles per fillup. Honda continues to support CNG as the "Pathway to Hydrogen." Honda will be exhibiting the hydrogen fueled FCX that is currently being demonstrated by the NYS OGS; as well as the Honda Hybrids, including the Insight, Civic and Accord.
Vehicle Name: FCX Demonstration Vehicle: Honda FCX Electric: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Vehicle Name: 2004 Civic Hybrid Demonstration Vehicle: 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid HEV: Gasoline + Battery
Vehicle Name: 2003 Insight Demonstration Vehicle: 2003 Honda Insight HEV: Gasoline + Battery
Vehicle Name: 2005 Honda Accord Demonstration Vehicle: 2005 Honda Hybrid Accord HEV: Gasoline + Battery
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Vehicle Name: Bio SMART (2005 SMART) Vehicle Number: 10 Team Name: Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) Providence: Quebec, Canada ICE: Biodiesel (B20)
The Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) team wants to demonstrate a fun to drive eco-friendly car. The SMART is a production vehicle which, when powered with biofuels, can deliver substantial reductions in climate change emissions and air quality improvements. Quebec hosts one the largest biodiesel producers in North America using feedstock mainly from recycled source and this is an important R&D niche for the ITAQ.
Vehicle Name: S&S AutoSport Prius Vehicle Number: 70 Team Name: S&S AutoSport State: Kansas ICE: 2000 Toyota Prius, Gasoline + Battery
This is the 5th year for this 2000 classic Prius to compete in the Tour de Sol. The vehicle has been trouble free for 60,000 miles and delivers a consistent 45 mpg in daily driving. The owner is a faculty co-advisor to the University of Tulsa's Hurricane Motor Works HEV team that has built 3 hybrids since 1993 and has competed in the Tour de Sol for 7 years.
Team Name: Toyota Motor Sales, USA Demonstration Vehicle: 2005 Lexus RS 400h HEV: Gasoline + Panasonic NMH
Toyota is committed to environmental responsibility through the design and development of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. We will continue to focus on developing innovative and practical technologies with minimal impact on the environment.
Team Name: Toyota Motor Sales, USA Demonstration Vehicle: 2005 Highlander HEV: Gasoline + Panasonic NMH
Vehicle Number: 12 Vogelbilt 2004 Ford F250 diesel pick-up ICE: Biodiesel (B100) Team Name: Vogelbilt
This year Vogelbilt is using 100% renewable energy in a new 2004 Ford F250 6.0L Diesel. This truck has been modified for increased fuel economy and also has a generator on the engine PTO to produce electricity.
Additionally, Vogelbilt's electric motorcycle will be on display during the Tour de Sol. The motorcycle was part of the Eco Trekker TV series.
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Team Name: Valence Technology, Inc.
Powered by the Valence U-Charge* Power System, this concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a fully functional concept car based on a 2004 Toyota Prius that was modified by EnergyCS. Because the Valence battery offers much more energy than batteries traditionally used in hybrid vehicles, it allows significant amounts of zero-emission driving and fuel efficiencies of 120-180 mpg.
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Hybrid Attack Vehicle Number: 2 Team Name: West Philly EV Team (High School) State: Pennsylvania HEV: kit car conversion, Biodiesel + Battery PbA
The West Philadelphia High School Electric Vehicle Team is returning for its fifth Tour de Sol. This years vehicle, named "The Hybrid Attack", has been a two year project. This hybrid "super-car" has over 300 hp and achieves more than 50 mpg. The front wheels are driven by an AC propulsion electric motor and the rear wheels are driven by a Volkswagen TDi burning biodiesel.
Vehicle Name: Viking 32 Vehicle Number: 32 Team Name: Western Washington University Hybrid Club State: Washington HEV: Purpose-built, Bio-methane (CNG) + Panasonic NMH
With funding from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, students and faculty at Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute built Viking 32 to demonstrate the first automotive use of carbon-fiber Viking 32 offers survivable front impact protection at up to 80 kph. In addition, side impact and roof strength exceed United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Vehicle Name: Viking 23 Vehicle Number: 23 Team Name: Western Washington University Hybrid Club State: Washington HEV: Purpose Built, Biodiesel + SAFT NMH
Viking 23 is designed and built by students and staff at the Vehicle Research Institute at Western Washington University. In 1990 a new body was designed by students and built out of carbon fiber. It uses Biodiesel a renewable fuel for its IC Diahatsu engine which powers the rear wheels. The front wheels are powered by a brushless DC UQN motor thus giving it 4 wheel drive.
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Maya 100 Vehicle Number: 19 Team Name: Electrovaya Providence: Ontario, CA Electric: 2002 Tracker conversion, Battery: Electrovaya LiIon
Electrovaya has developed a long-range, ultra-safe, low cost zero-emission electric vehicle drivetrain based upon its proprietary Lithium-Ion SuperPolymer® battery technology and several unique system designs. Showcased in a 5-passenger compact SUV, it solves the Achilles heel of electric vehicles with a range of up to 230miles.
Vehicle Name: The Olympian Vehicle Number: 16 Team Name: Burlington County Electechs State: New Jersey Electric: (Battery: GNB PbA)
"The Burlington County Electechs" includes students and instructors from Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Burlington County College (BCC.) They are entering the Olympian, an electric vehicle recently donated by Cinnaminson High School. The team is committed to preparing students for vocations in the high tech automotive and related industries, including the economic, social, and heath related benefits of greener transportation.
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: The Lorax Vehicle Number: 45 Team Name: Methacton Electric Car Club State: Pennsylvania Electric: 1999 "Lomax" kit car conversion, (Battery: Optima PbA)
The Methacton Electric Car Club is made up of males and females ranging from 9th to 12th grades. Our mission is to explore alternative energy resources one car at a time while providing hands-on learning about alternate power sources for science, engineering, and trade students and the general public. In addition to building a vehicle the team created computer generated fundraising materials, and community outreach.
Vehicle Name: Woodstock Vehicle Number: 56 Team Name: St. Mark's Electric Vehicle Club State: Massachusetts 1994 Ford Ranger conversion Electric: (Battery: Trojan PbA)
"Woodstock" is a true zero emission vehicle. It runs on 100% renewable electricity! This yellow 1994 Ranger was converted to run on battery power by high school students at St. Mark's School. Woodstock's batteries recharge overnight with wind-generated electricity from the grid. Built by physics students, the project gives them an opportunity to explore what engineering would be like, and the importance of efficiency.
Vehicle Name: Sola Rola Vehicle Number: 50 Team Name: Tandem Friends School State: Virginia Electric: (Battery: Optima PbA)The Tandem Friends Schools vehicle is a single person, solar charged commuter car. It was designed and built by the 16 students of the Conceptual Physics class. The hope is that involvement in a far-reaching project such as this will facilitate learning the basics concepts of physics.
(No photo yet.)
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Phantom Sol Vehicle Number: 66 Team Name: U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team State: Maine Electric: Purpose-built (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)
The Phantom Sol was created in 2001 to dispell the myths that electric vehicles are impractical, weak, expensive and not much fun to drive. Originally a GMC-S15 pickup, this car has been drastically re-engineered to produce an economical and powerful vehicle with exceptional performance and sleek appearance.
Vehicle Name: Revolution Ride Vehicle Number: 53 Team Name: www.revolutionride.org State: Maine Electric: 1986 VW Wagon conversion (Battery: PbA)
Since 2002, when students from Maine's smallest public high school put their Vanagon Syncro electric vehicle on the road, the van has become an indispensable daily driver and teaching tool for the school. The 4wd, 7 passenger van is charged by a 5.2kW net-metering photovoltaic array.
CATEGORY: SOLAR-ASSISTED ELECTRIC VEHICLES
STUDENT DIVISION: one-person light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Sunpacer Vehicle Number: 92 Team Name: Cato-Meridian High School Technology Team State: New York Electric: 1992 Purpose-built (Solar + Battery: Ovonic NMH)
Since 1992 the SunPacer has participated in the Tour de Sol every year, and captured first place in the One-person Solar category 10 times. This student engineering project aims to improve vehicle efficiency each year. It presently has a range of 80 miles, top speed of 60 mph., and a demonstrated efficiency of 218 miles per equivalent gallon of gasoline.
Vehicle Name: Zodiac Vehicle Number: 7 Team Name: IHS Solar Car Team - W. Irondequoit High School State: New York Electric: 1999 Purpose-built, (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)The Zodiac has been going strong for five years thanks to the commitment dedication and countless man hours poured into the vehicle. Through previous competitions we have proven our skills and and hope to wow the competition this year.
Vehicle Name: Solar Black Bear Vehicle Number: 20 Team Name: U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team State: Maine Electric: 1986 Chevy S-10 conversion, (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)
The Solar Black Bear was created in the spring of 1999 and has been the Light-duty two-person Solar Commuter Champion for 6 years. The Solar Black Bear is a very practical and usable vehicle that demonstrates the team's enthusiasm and commitment to creating a better tomorrow for today.
Report #20: Tour de Sol Events Open to the Public
There are two places where the Tour de Sol vehicles and teams will be on display for the public.
The first is at the Saratoga Spa State Park at the Auto Museum in Saragota Springs, New York. The Tour will be part of the annual Saratoga Automobile Museum Auto Show on Saturday, May 14, 2005, from 10 am to 5 pm. May 15th is the rain date. Details are at
http://www.saratogaautomuseum.com/springautoshow.html
The Auto Show features hundreds of antique, classic, and show piece vehicles, along with a series of 20 minute workshops. Three talks associated with the Tour are:
10:30 am
"Design and Construct a Prototype Hybrid"
Mike Seal
Vehicle Research Center of Western Washington University
12:30 pm
"Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles"
James Dunn
Center for Technology Commercialization
1:30 pm
"Owning and Servicing a Hybrid"
Craig Van Batenburg
Automotive Career Development Center
The second public event is on Monday, May 16, 2005, at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York, from 10 am until 2 pm. The Award Ceremony will be at 11 am.
Along with the Tour de Sol participants on display, New York State Clean Cities and Clean Fueled Vehicle Programs will have displays featuring the member businesses and partners. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is sponsoring that event.
Make plans to visit the Tour de Sol this year!
Report #21: 2005 Tour de Sol Offers Solutions to Energy Crisis
May 4th Press Release from NESEA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Hazard NHazard@NESEA.org 413 774-6051 x18
James Dunn JDunn@CTC.org 508 870-0042 x108
2005 Tour de Sol Offers Solutions to Energy Crisis
Advanced Vehicle Show in Saratoga Springs and Albany, NY May 13-16
Greenfield, MA - May 4, 2005
The unsung heroes participating in the national 2005 Tour de Sol - America's sustainable energy and transportation festival and competition - offer alternative solutions to the energy crisis. People in the Northeast can meet these heroes and see a wide assortment of advanced vehicles when the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) presents the 2005 Tour de Sol in Saratoga Springs and Albany, NY May 13-16.
"The world has reached a point where the demand for oil has exceeded the supply," says Nancy Hazard, executive director of NESEA. "Drilling for oil will not solve the problem."
For the past sixteen years, students, corporations, and government agencies who care about climate change and the security, health, and economic implications of oil dependence have been developing and demonstrating clean vehicle technologies at the Tour de Sol. Today, the event embraces three competitions and showcases over 50 advanced vehicles offered by major auto, truck, bus and bike manufacturers, concept vehicles by students and entrepreneurs, and other displays by business and government leaders.
"The Tour de Sol aims to demonstrate that we can reduce oil use and climate change emissions from the transportation sector, which uses two-thirds of the oil and emits one-third of the climate change gases," says Hazard. "We believe that developing and using climate friendly, secure and non-toxic energy to power our economy and our transportation system and improve our health and quality of life is an achievable goal."
On Saturday, May 14 dozens of hybrid and biodiesel vehicle owners participating in the Tour de Sol's new 100-mpg Monte Carlo-style rally will converge at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show held at the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY, from 10am-5pm. They will join student and corporate teams competing in the Tour de Sol Championship and E-bike competitions for concept vehicles, which aim to achieve reduced climate change emissions and zero oil consumption.
Other exhibits include:
o Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (the FCX);
o Cars to heavy trucks that run on natural gas;
o All three of the new hybrid SUVs that get 30 mpg or better in the EPA city driving cycle:
the Toyota Highlander, the Lexus RX400h, the Ford Escape;
o Concept vehicles with new lithium batteries;
o Biodiesel suppliers and vehicles;
o Electric bikes and neighborhood vehicles;
o Clean vehicles used in New York State Parks and other state agency displays.
Admission to the Auto Show and the Tour de Sol is $7 at the door.
Children under 12 are free.
$2 off coupons are available on the Tour de Sol web site
www.TourdeSol.org
MORE
On Monday, May 16, the Tour de Sol participants will drive to Albany's Empire State Plaza for a free display from10am-2pm. Here, New York State business and government will join them with displays of real-world examples of clean transportation solutions that their partnership has produced. Governor George Pataki has been invited to speak at the 11am awards ceremony.
"Governor Pataki and the State of New York understand the economic and environmental advantages of advanced vehicles," says Hazard. "It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring the Tour de Sol to New York." Major sponsors of the Tour de Sol are the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Center for Technology Commercialization. Key supporting sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy, the New York Power Authority, Toyota, the New York State Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Federal Highway Administration, New York State Parks, The Automotive Career Development Center, Honda, Environmental Alternatives, and the Electric Drive Transportation Association.
NESEA, organizer of the event, is the nation's leading regional education and advocacy organization that aims to accelerate the deployment and use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. NESEA produces major sustainable- energy events that inspire and motivate large numbers of people to get involved and make a difference.
For more information on the 2005 Tour de Sol, the Monte Carlo-style Rally, E- bike competition, and events in Saratoga Springs and Albany, and $2 off coupons for the Saratoga event, visit
www.TourdeSol.org
or contact NESEA at 413 774-6051.
# # #
NOTE TO ALL MEDIA: Photos are available upon request.
Photo Gallery of Tour de Sol Championship entrants can be found at
http://www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/2005entrants1.html
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
50 Miles Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
413-774-6051
Report #22: Tour de Sol Events at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show
Some notes to help you plan your trip to the Tour de Sol in Saratoga Springs New York ...
The 2005 Tour de Sol The Sustainable Energy and Transportation Festival and Competition
at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show Saratoga Spa State Park
Saturday May 14 2005 10am-5pm (rain date May 15)
Admission: $7, free under 12
- Monte Carlo-style Rally & 100mpg Challenge - Tour de Sol Championship - E-bike, scooter, and NEV events
If it reduces oil use and greenhouse gas emissions, you'll see it at the Tour de Sol! The 50-vehicle display will showcase the winners of the Monte Carlo-style Rally, and Tour de Sol and E-bike participants. There will be many exhibits by auto companies and government leaders that show real world examples of clean transportation solutions that strive for zero climate change emissions and reduced oil use.
- Hybrid vehicles including new SUVs - Hydrogen and natural gas vehicles - Biofueled vehicles - Advanced technologies & fuels - Student and industry-built concept vehicles
With gasoline prices soaring, oil wars in the Middle East, and greenhouse gases 25% higher than at any time over the last 400,000 years, there is no better time to explore transportation options. Developing and using climate friendly, secure and non-toxic energy to power our economy and our transportation system and improve our health and quality of life is an achievable goal.
Presented by
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association www.NESEA.org
Schedule of Events, Saturday, May 14 (rain date May 15)
10:00 am Open
Workshop Schedule - each 20 minutes long, at Tour de Sol banner
10:30 am Tour of Student-built vehicles in the Tour de Sol Championship
11:30 am Design and Construct a Prototype Hybrid Mike Seal Vehicle Research Institute Western Washington University
12:30 pm Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles James Dunn Center for Technology Commercialization
1:30 pm Owning & Servicing a Hybrid Craig Van Batenburg Auto Career Development Center
3:00 pm Monte Carlo-style Rally Awards at the Hall of Springs
5:00 pm Saratoga's Spring Auto Show closes
5:30 pm Autocross event in SPAC E50 Parking Lot
Exhibit Highlights:
Monte Carlo-style Rally & 100-MPG Challenge:
Dozens of owners of hybrid cars and diesel vehicles that run on biodiesel have driven their cars from around the country and Canada to compete in this new fun rally. Cash prizes will be awarded during the 3 pm awards ceremony to the most efficient drivers and the car with the least greenhouse gas emissions. A $5,000 prize is reserved for the most efficient vehicle that exceeds 100-mpg! Special support from Stewart's Shops, Environmental Alternatives, and Automotive Career Development Center.
Tour de Sol Championship:
Over a dozen student-built vehicles competing in the Tour de Sol Championship, which aims to work toward zero oil and greenhouse gas emission vehicles, including two solar assisted vehicles from New York State - Cato Meridian and West Irondequoit High Schools; purpose-built hybrid biofuel vehicles; battery- electric vehicles from Maine to Washington State, and much more. Cash prizes awarded May 16.
E-bikes and NEVs:
Over a dozen electric bikes and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) will demonstrate new fun ways of getting around your community with zero emission vehicles. Organized by RunAbout Cycles, a range event and awards will be held May 15.
Industry and Government displays:
Clean vehicles for sale from auto companies, and displays from business and government leaders working together to produce clean transportation solutions in New York State and beyond will be showcased.
- Three new hybrid SUVs that all get 30 mpg or better in the EPA city
driving cycle -
Toyota Highlander
Lexus RX 400h
Ford Escape
- Hybrid sedans - 45-70 mpg by Honda and Toyota
- Hydrogen displays including: Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX a hydrogen NEV by the Center for Technology Commercialization the U.S. Department of Energy
- Compressed Natural Gas vehicles - from light cars to heavy trucks and buses
- Advanced lithium batteries for zero emission vehicles - a battery electric vehicle from Electrovaya a plug-in hybrid from Valence Corporation
- Biodiesel suppliers and vehicles - Environmental Alternatives Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute's biodiesel SMART NYS's Vogelbilt Ford250 and more
- Clean vehicles in use in New York State Parks
- Case studies and information resources from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Capital Region Clean Communities organization
Presented by Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
www.NESEA.org
Report #23: 2 Dollars Off Coupon from the Tour de Sol
NESEA has arranged for a $2 discount off the regular $7 dollar admission price to Saratoga's Spring Auto Show. The coupon is available as a PDF document that you can download and print at:
http://www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/Auto_Show_Coupon.pdf
Tell them the Tour de Sol Reports sent you!
Report #24: Tour de Sol Events at Empire State Plaza
Some notes to help you plan your trip to the Tour de Sol in Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York ...
The 2005 Tour de Sol The Sustainable Energy and Transportation Festival and Competition Green "Car Show" and More
at Empire State Plaza Albany, New York
Monday May 16 2005 10am-2pm
Free
Featuring a 50- vehicle display to highlight the winners of the Tour de Sol and show real world examples of business and government working together to produce clean transportation solutions in New York State and beyond.
- Hybrid vehicles - Hydrogen and natural gas vehicles - Biofueled vehicles - Neighborhood vehicles - E-bikes - Advanced technologies & fuels - Student and industry-built concept vehicles
With gasoline prices soaring, oil wars in the Middle East, and greenhouse gases 25% higher than at any time over the last 400,000 years, there is no better time to explore transportation options. Developing and using climate friendly, secure and non-toxic energy to power our economy and our transportation system, and improve our health and quality of life is an achievable goal.
Schedule of Events - May 16, 2005
10:00 am Open
11:00 am Tour de Sol Welcome and Awards Presentation - on the stage:
George E. Pataki, Governor, State of New York (invited)
Daniel D Hogan, Commissioner, Office of General Services
Denise M. Sheehan, Acting Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Robert Callender, VP for Programs New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Helen Eisenfeld, Director of Electric Transportation New York Power Authority
Nancy Hazard, Executive Director Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
2:00 pm Close
Exhibit Highlights:
Tour de Sol Championship Monte Carlo-style Rally E-bike Entrants Sponsor Exhibits
Vehicle and advanced transportation technology exhibits by New York State business leaders, Clean Cities stakeholders, and the Clean Fueled Vehicle Program.
- Three new hybrid SUVs Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 400h and Ford Escape -
that all get 30 mpg or better in the EPA city driving cycle
- Hybrid sedans 45-70 mpg by Honda and Toyota
- Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, and hydrogen fueling by Plug
Power
- Compressed Natural Gas vehicles from light cars to heavy trucks and
buses
- Propane-powered ice cream delivery from Schwan's
- Advanced hybrid transit bus in service in NYS by Orion and BAE Systems
- Hybrid Taxi prototype for NYC - by AFTCO and Advanced Energy Conversions
- New Emission reduction technology for trucks and buses - by Donaldson Co Inc. and Cummins Northeast
- Idle emission reduction through electrification the MorElectric Truck by Caterpillar
- Hybrid delivery vehicle - from FedEx
- New ceramic brakes by Star Fire
- Battery electric vehicle - 230 mile range - by Electrovaya with its Lithium SuperPolymer batteries
- Plug-in hybrid vehicle - 120 mpg - with Valence Corp. lithium batteries
- Biodiesel suppliers and vehicles - Environmental Alternatives, Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute's biodiesel SMART, NYS's Vogelbilt Ford250 and more
- E-bikes and neighborhood electric vehicles
- Over a dozen student-built vehicles competing in the Tour de Sol Championship that aim to work toward zero oil and greenhouse gas emission vehicles including two solar assisted vehicles from New York State:
Cato Meridian High School West Irondequoit High School
Purpose-built hybrid biofuel vehicles
Battery-electric vehicles from Maine to Washington State
And much more
- OEM-built vehicles in Tour de Sol's new Monte Carlo-style Rally & 100 mpg
Challenge
Report #25: Governor Pataki to speak at the Tour de Sol in Albany
It has been confirmed that Governor George Pataki will speak at the Tour de Sol event on the Empire State Plaza in Albany New York on Monday, May 16th 2005. He is scheduled to open the ceremonies at 11 am.
Report #26: WICN Interview with Jim Dunn, Craig Van Batenburg and Gilles Labelle
WICN Public Radio's "Business Beat" show on May 8, 2005, featured a 30 minute discussion of the role of alternative fuels and energy systems in American energy policy hosted by Steve D'Agostino. The guests are all involved with this year's Tour de Sol. An MP3 recording is available at
http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/businessbeatmay8.mp3
From
http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/businessbeatmay8.htm
Featured:
James Dunn of the Center for Technology Commercialization
Craig Van Batenburg of the Automotive Career Development Center
Gilles Labelle of the Hybrid Center at Westboro Toyota
Toyota, Honda and Ford all have entries in the hybrid-vehicle sector of the auto market -- as well as in the national 2005 Tour de Sol 100 MPG Challenge to be held in Saratoga Springs and Albany, NY, May 13-16. A key question stemming from this event is whether American carmakers -- especially General Motors, which has a market value of only $15 billion on annual sales of $193 billion as well as an S&P junk-bond rating -- should get full-blown into the hybrid- vehicle development game. Or, whether should they instead put most of their R&D resources into fuel-cell technology - as GM is doing. It may be that fuel-cell technology eventually becomes a killer app. But if that ever occur, it could take many years to happen. In the meantime, hybrid vehicles can serve as a transitional technology to help us start weaning ourselves off fossil fuels.
During June (2005), this show will be posted in CD quality the WICN Archive
http://www.WICN.org/programs/archive.htm
Report #27: Press Release about Western Washington University's entries
Provided by NESEA ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Hazard nhazard@nesea.org 413-774-6051 x18 James Dunn jdunn@ctc.org 508-870-0042 x108NOTE TO ALL MEDIA: Photos are available upon request.
Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute Enters Two Top Contenders In The National 2005 Tour de Sol Championship
Greenfield, MA -- May 10, 2005 -- The two cars entered by Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute are top contenders in the National 2005 Tour de Sol Championship. One of them won the Grand Award in the 2004 Championship. Entries in the Championship competition are ultra-high energy- efficiency vehicles that aim to produce zero climate-changing oil and carbon emissions. The 17th annual Tour de Sol, to be held May 13-16 in Saratoga Springs and Albany, NY, is America's longest-running sustainable-energy and transportation festival and competition.
Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute (http://vri.etec.wwu.edu/), located in Bellingham, WA, is returning to the Tour de Sol this year with two entries and student teams. WWU sees competitions as excellent motivators for its students. "We need to get off oil, cut greenhouse-gas emissions and use renewable fuels,'' says Mike Seal, founder and retired director of WWU's Vehicle Research Institute. ``The Tour de Sol is the only competition in the country that is helping us get to that goal.''
Mike Seal has built 32 vehicles with his Western Washington University students over the years, including the vehicle that won the Grand Award in the 2004 Tour de Sol Championship. Most of those vehicles were purpose-built so they could reap the benefits of vehicle-efficiency gains due to weight reduction and aerodynamics. His students also gained experience on how to build very safe, light-weight vehicles.
This year, WWU is bringing its 2004 Grand Award-winning vehicle, the Viking 23, as well as its Viking 32 to the 2005 National Tour de Sol. Viking 23 and Viking 32 placed seventh and third, respectively, overall in the 2004 National Tour de Sol.
Viking 23, an electric/bio-diesel hybrid, was awarded ``greenest vehicle'' in the 2002 Tour de Sol, received first place in the ``light-duty, alternative- fuel, purpose-built vehicle'' category in the 2003 Tour de Sol, and captured the Grand Award in the 2004 Tour de Sol for ``the light-duty vehicle with the lowest greenhouse-gas emissions.'' Viking 23, a purpose-built hybrid vehicle that runs on bio-diesel (a fuel made from vegetable oils), demonstrated that it emits only 61 grams of greenhouse-gas emissions per mile. This is seven times less than a conventional 27 MPG gasoline vehicle, which emits 420 grams of greenhouse-gas emissions per mile, according to the US Department of Energy.
Viking 32, an electric/natural-gas hybrid, uses an internal-combustion engine that is designed to run on landfill gas, which enables it run without the use of oil, resulting in greenhouse-gas emissions that are close to zero. WWU estimates it would take the waste from two cows to create the gas to run this vehicle for a year (12,000 miles). During the 2005 Tour de Sol, Viking 32 will run on compressed natural gas because compressed landfill gas is not available in the Saratoga Springs/Albany area. Viking 32 took first in the 2004 Tour de Sol in the autocross category and the 350-foot acceleration test. Viking 32 has an aerodynamic design and $800,000 in funding from the Federal Highway Administration plus $200,000 in matching funds from WWU. It exemplifies safety and fuel efficiency, and is designed and built to demonstrate new principles of energy management in an all-composite and carbon-fiber vehicle.
The 2005 Tour de Sol's immediate goal is to bring together manufacturers, energy suppliers, government officials, news media, consumers and students for a multi-day "traveling festival" and competition this May 13 through 16 in Saratoga Springs and Albany, NY. Tour de Sol's eventual goal is to turn imaginative thinking about a zero oil-and carbon-emission economy into a sustainable effort that produces substantial profits and a cleaner environment.
Highlights of the 2005 Tour de Sol include:
The Tour de Sol Championship, which is for concept vehicles built by students and entrepreneurs seeking to achieve zero oil and carbon emissions.
A Monte Carlo-style Rally, which is for hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicle owners and will feature a 100 MPG Challenge.
Vehicle events, which are designed to create new fun ways of getting around, such as electric bikes, electric scooters and neighborhood electric vehicles.
A "green car show" on Saturday, May 14, at Saratoga's Spring Auto Show, where auto manufacturers will join with Tour de Sol competitors to showcase future vehicle technologies, including three all-new, 30 MPG hybrid SUVs -- from Ford, Toyota and Lexus - plus natural gas, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, next to the several hundred antique vehicles that participate in the Auto Show.
An Award Ceremony and 40-vehicle display on Monday, May 16 at Albany's Empire State Plaza, where NYS Clean Cities stakeholders will join Tour de Sol participants to celebrate the progress made in New York's tate to integrate clean advanced vehicles into everyday use as well as to meet key industry and government representatives.
Monte Carlo-style Rally
Monte Carlo-style Rally vehicles are invited to compete for up to $10,000 and 35 awards for the most fuel-efficient production-hybrid or biodiesel vehicles (which can be production-line or modified) that travel a minimum of 150 miles at an average of over 55 MPG. The overall prize money includes $5,000 for the most fuel-efficient vehicle that breaks the 100 MPG barrier over a range of 500 miles.
To participate, advanced-vehicle owners must join at one of the numerous starting sites around the US and Canada. After they have topped off and had their fuel tank sealed, Rally participants must drive to the finish line at Saratoga Springs by noon on May 14. There, they will get a free fill up with gasoline or biodiesel, compliments of Stewart's Shops and Environmental Alternatives, and officials will measure the fuel used and miles driven.
There are 10 vehicle categories. Tires will be pressure checked to be 50 PSI or less and must have tread. The rally is limited to 50 entries and a total 500-person entourage. All cars must be registered, inspected, insured and meet federal Department of Transportation regulations. The winners and statistics about the Rally entrants will be gathered, analyzed and posted at
http://www.TourDeSol.org
Tour de Sol
Over a half million consumers have visited the Tour de Sol since its creation in 1989 by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), and over 40 million print and broadcast exposures accrue from the Tour each year. The Tour de Sol provides a key platform for vehicle manufacturers, students, and entrepreneurs to demonstrate future designs and current products that aim reduce oil and carbon emissions to zero. The event provides news media the opportunity to provide timely and topical updates on the status of sustainable energy and mobility.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Center for Technology Commercialization are the event's premier sponsors. Additional key sponsors include the US Department of Energy, the New York Power Authority, Toyota, the New York State Environmental Conservation, the Federal Highway Administration, New York State Parks, Environmental Alternatives, and the Electric Drive Transportation Association. The Automotive Career Development Center in Worcester, MA, is a key organizer of the Monte Carlo-style Rally.
NESEA, the nation's leading regional education and advocacy association, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. NESEA aims to accelerate the deployment and use of renewable energy and energy efficiency by, among other things, producing major sustainable-energy events that inspire and motivate large numbers of people to get involved and make a difference. NESEA is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (www.ASES.org), a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the development and adoption of renewable energy in all its forms, including solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydrogen energy, ocean energy, biofuels energy, and energy efficiency.
For more information on the 2005 Tour de Sol as well as the Monte Carlo-style Rally and registration, visit www.TourDeSol.org, or contact NESEA at 413.774.6051. For more information on NESEA, visit www.NESEA.org.
To hear a 30-minute Q&A on why American car makers -- especially General Motors -- should fully get into the hybrid-vehicle development market, listen to ``The Business Beat,'' produced by WICN/90.5 FM, the NPR affiliate for Central New England. The guests are James Dunn of the Center for Technology Commercialization in Westboro, MA, Craig Van Batenburg of the Automotive Career Development Center in Worcester, MA, and Gilles Labelle of the Hybrid Center at Westboro Toyota in Westboro, MA. Listen now at
http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/businessbeatmay8.htm
To join an online conversation on why American car makers should fully get into the hybrid-vehicle development market, visit the Edmunds.com hybrid-vehicle forum at
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?13@@.ef7a43c/16.
Report #28: Plug-In Hybrid Car Runs in Tour de Sol Monte Carlo Rally and 100 MPG Challenge
Press Release provided by NESEA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Hazard nhazard@nesea.org 413-774-6051 x18 James Dunn jdunn@ctc.org 508.870.0042 x108NOTE TO ALL MEDIA: Photos are available upon request
New EDrive Systems `Plug-In' Hybrid Technology In National 2005 Tour de Sol 100 MPG Challenge
Greenfield, MA -- May 11, 2005 -- The new EDrive Systems ''plug-in'' hybrid technology will be demonstrated during the National 2005 Tour de Sol's 100 MPG Challenge. Hybrid owners can now ``fuel'' their cars from home electrical outlets. This novel hybrid technology enables hybrid vehicles to be plugged in and charged by a common 3-prong, 110-volt home electrical outlet so that owners can use ``green'' electricity, minimize gasoline usage, and have the convenience of long-range driving.
Valence Technology Inc., a manufacturer of the lithium batteries installed in this new vehicle, will demonstrate the cutting-edge EDrive Systems technology in a Toyota Prius during the May 13-16 National 2005 Tour de Sol in Saratoga Springs and Albany, NY. ``By combining gasoline power with electricity from a home recharge, a vehicle equipped with EDrive Systems hybrid technology can average 100 to 150 miles per gallon for up to the first 60 miles of the day, compared to 45 to 55 miles per gallon for a conventional Prius,'' states Marc Kohler, a Valence engineer and an EDrive Systems partner. ``The vehicle also has the capacity to run in electric-only mode at neighborhood speeds, resulting in zero emissions.''
This is a quite timely announcement, since President George W. Bush recently called for vehicle technologies that reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and cut greenhouse-gas emissions. In addition, a group of 31 former national- security officials recently wrote to the President citing America's dependence on foreign oil as a ``looming national-security crisis.'' They went so far as to endorse the use of "plug power," referring to hybrid vehicles that can be plugged in for recharging.
``We are excited to have this vehicle, powered by Valence's new Saphion lithium-ion batteries, participating in the National 2005 Tour de Sol's Monte Carlo-style Rally and 100 MPG Challenge, with $10,000 in prizes,'' states James Dunn, co-chair of the Tour de Sol and CEO of the Center for Technology Commercialization. ``This is an example of the exciting technologies we will showcase during the 100 MPG Challenge, to show the public that we have technology today that can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil as well as help reduce climate-change emissions.''
The EDrive Systems plug-in conversion product is engineered by EnergyCS LLC and distributed by Clean-Tech LLC, using Valence Technology battery technology. More information will soon be available on the EDrive Systems website at www.edrivesystems.com.
Valence Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: VLNC) in Austin, TX, is a leader in the development and commercialization of Saphion technology, the only safe, large- format lithium-ion rechargeable-battery technology. Valence Technology holds an extensive, worldwide portfolio of patents relating to its Saphion technology and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. For more information, visit www.valence.com or call Judy Rascino at 512.626.7716.
Energy Control Systems Engineering Inc. (doing business as EnergyCS LLC) in Monrovia, CA, provides leading-edge consulting, design and prototyping services for system-integration, management, and monitoring of electrochemical energy systems such as batteries and fuel cells. EnergyCS focuses on applications in the areas of EV and HEV transportation and alternative-energy systems from 24 to 400+ VDC. For more information, visit www.energycs.com or call Katie Romans at 916.240.8077.
Report #29: Team Profile: Methacton High School, "The Lorax"
Press Release provided by Methacton High School Electric Car Club
Club Sponsor: Mr. Savitz
Educating the public on alternatively powered vehicles has been forefront purpose of the Methacton High School's Electric Car Club. The club began with the generous donation of the vehicle itself by John Murphy, who also has been grateful in contributing his time, efforts and invaluable knowledge. Also, the members would like to thank Mr. Savitz, the club sponsor for all his hard work and time.
The car classifies under the ``battery electric'' division, and has won the grand award for ``most efficient light duty vehicle'' at last year's Tour de Sol. To live up to its title this year, the club has made several vital additions. These include the construction of the roll bar, which adds to the safety of the vehicle, and the installment of another battery which adds to the car's power and potential. The car now has seventeen twelve volt batteries, three wheel chassis, a Solectria controller, and an 50 hp AC motor. The car is five times as efficient as the gasoline-powered car in your driveway, achieving 136 MPGe. Next year, the club hopes to add a photo-voltaic roof to increase the vehicle's energy potential.
The roadblocks this year have been several technical difficulties including, mainly the failure of a 12 volt battery that powered the electronic controller for the motor, just weeks before the race. The problem was solved by recharging the 12 volt battery, replacing the fuses connecting the 12 volt battery to the controller, as well as replacing the photovoltaic cell to recharge the 12 volt battery on a continuous basis.
To achieve our goal of greater community awareness the club has been published in newspapers, participates in the Tour de Sol yearly, and goes out directly to the community. The students turn many heads when they drive the three-wheeled car around the neighborhood. Students take a great amount of time to explain to the public how the vehicle operates and how it might change the future of transportation by using alternative energy to decrease our dependence on oil. Although mechanical engineering may not be in the future for some of the students, they nonetheless put in great energy to keep improving the car, and learn from the experience of working with a renewable energy vehicle.
Report #30: The Reports Reporter Goes to the Tour de Sol to Report
For those who read these reports on a regular basis as the Tour de Sol occurs, fair warning. I'm about to head out to the Tour de Sol to start recording interviews and collecting John Helwig's pictures.
While that is going on, the Reports will be sporadicly posted, and when the Tour itself is finished, they will continue for at least a couple of weeks as I type up the interviews. So if you don't see much activity over the next few days just be aware that the Reports have not stopped, just slowed down.
Of course, if you can _come_ to the Tour de Sol, either in Saratoga Springs or Albany, New York, that would be great! Be sure to stop by the NESEA table and say that you read about it on the Tour de Sol Reports.
Report #31: Western Washington University Team Members, Michael Seal
After the press conference on Thursday, I got a chance to talk with Emily Morris, Brian White, Matt Willson, Ryan Cruse, Kate Stenson, Calvin Liu and Sean Aylward who are some (all?) of the team members for Viking 23 and 32.
Ryan: "I'm a huge car dork and I've recently become concerned about our environment. This allows me to be a car dork and a responsible car dork."
They said they were all pretty much responsible car dorks. There are two different aspects to the technology program at WWU. One is the CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing) programs that concentrate on design. The other is the VRI (Vehicle Research Institute) that involves people in the actual construction, tuning and competing.
The other two teams are Formula which builds race cars and Mini-Baja which builds off-road vehicles. "They are not responsible dorks."
I first saw a hybrid vehicle when WWU's Viking 21 competed in the Tour de Sol in 1993. Few of us really understood what it was all about back then. (I know it took me a long time to see the point of two different drive systems in one vehicle.) Now I can buy six different hybrids from three different manufacturers. Where does a program like VRI go from here?
"We need to improve all the systems that are out there right now; pioneer some new ones, more efficient ones." There is a need to fight the stereotypes of hybrids being slow. "We can show that a hybrid can save fuel, still go fast and be fun to drive."
Will there be hybrids at NASCAR and other races?
The electric motor in a hybrid gives lots of torque which will definitely be appreciated in a race car.
VRI is starting to look into different fuels. Viking 32 is sometimes run on bio-methane from cow manure, which is another facet of the program.
Viking 32 was pretty new the last time it was at the Tour. It has about 9000 miles on it now. "We've had some fun going on some curvy roads. It handles very well. It is very stable at high speeds." The electric motor on the front wheels helps pull it out of tricky situations. A two-speed transmission on the front is shifted by an electric solinoid driven by a computer that also balances power between the front (electric) and rear (combustion engine) drives.
They have considered driving the Vikings to the Tour, but being fueled by CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) makes finding fuel tricky. They have considered driving up to Canada where they have many more CNG stations and then coming back down, but it makes the trip much longer.
Later, I had some time to talk with Michael Seal, retired advisor to the Viking teams. I asked why Viking 32's doors were hinged at the back.
"The were called couch doors. The reason for it was that you don't have to open the door very far and you can get in quite nicely. If you are parked near another car, you can still get in the front seat quite easily." Viking 32 has four seats. "With the hinge in the front and a long door, you can only get in the back in tight situations. But they fell out of favor because they flew open and caught the wind. Then the door was gone. They became known as suicide doors. "With modern technology there is no reason for a door ever to open accidentally, because of the modern latching systems. Some of the Japanese show cars are starting to have doors hinged at the rear."
Viking 32 can run at two heights. With the suspension at the elevated position it can run in deep snow, and you have a bit better vision in traffic. The low position is 4 inches lower. That gives a lower center of gravity, less air going under the car, and the front wing (built into the front bumper) and the rear wings provide additional down force for stability. The car automatically lowers when moving more than 30 miles per hour, or it can be set in the low position manually. "The geometry is correct when up or down, but during the transition the wheels have a slightly negative camber." A hydraulic cylinder above the suspension connects to a tiny link wishbone and controls the elevation. The spring, shock absorber and inner wishbone pivot all move as one. "It is quite light, with a very small weight penalty. The power steering pump is used to power the transistion."
"Because the whole thing is made of carbon fiber, the body, chassis, everything, it weighs just over 2000 pounds; about what a Triumph TR2 or TR3 weighed. So we have the weight of a light weight, 2-seat, squeeky sports car in a stiff, monocoque 4-seat car." It has 100 electric horsepower in front and 100 CNG horsepower in the rear.
Report #32: Team Profile: rEVolutionride.org
Two years ago this team from North Haven Island off the course of Maine brought thier electric driven van to the Tour, and talked about efforts to make the island more energy independent and efficient. Ben Lovell brought me up to date.
"We did a few minor maintenance projects on the van to keep it going. We haven't made any major modifications to the vehicle itself. We added anti-sway bars and some things like that."
The battery pack is 108 Volts of Trojan flooded blocks. The Curtis controller and other power electronics is very neatly wired under a ventelated clear plastic cover in the rear. It is very pretty to my eye. You can read the wiring very easily. The van also has a single solar panel on the roof.
"Mostly, for the past two years, we've been setting up a system at our school to be zero-emissions. We don't use any electricity from the regular power supply." The island gets its electricity through an undersea cable. "We've set up a 5.1 kiloWatt solar array of the school, and have a net-metering agreement with Fox Island Electric Cooperative." Net-metering allows them to sell power back to the electric company for the same price as they pay to get it. "Whenever we don't use the electricity to charge the vehicle, it goes back to the grid."
There was a lot of planning that went into this project. They were talking about it when they were last at the Tour. The panels were put on the roof of the school about two months ago.
Between Tours, the van is used to run errands around the island. "We have a small bus, but it's too big to use on the island. Anywhere you have to go is no more that 12 miles. So we just all pile in the van and go to the beach for science class or whatever. It gets used more than once most days. The superintendent uses it to pick people up at the boat and travel around the island.
John Dietter is a teacher at the North Haven community school and advisor to rEVolutionride and the solar panel project.
"These students had written a grant proposal to purchase a photovoltaic system for the school. Fox Island Electric had also written a grant to the Department of Energy to install photovoltaic systems on North Haven and the other island near us. The two of use came together, combined our grants, and were able to purchase more capacity than the sum of our individual proposals." Now identical systems are on both islands. "Their installer came out and worked with our students. That saved a lot on installation."
They have a poster with photos of the students on the roof with the installer. The students are wearing safety harnesses. "The local construction company donated the harnesses and had their safety coordinator teach us how to use them."
Ben was one of the students on the roof. It took less than two days to install the panels. "Our original design had batteries to provide power during power outages. But we eliminated those."
To top it off, the van is being charged during the Tour using biodiesel fuel that they brought with them. They make the fuel from waste cooking oil from the restaurant on the island. This had been a demonstration project for some time, but they started to make large batches this spring.
Report #33: Team Profile: Carl Vogel
Carl, from West Babylon, New York, has become a regular at the Tour de Sol. His Vogelbilt motorcycle always got attention, and he has returned with a newer version, plus his biodiesel powered truck.
This is not the bike we saw before. "This is my second bike. It went cross country with the TV series, formerly called EcoTrekker, now called the Cool Fuel Road Trip that will air this September." He isn't sure which cable channel it will be on; possibly Discover or The Learning Channel.
Doing anything for the second time allows one to learn from the previous experience. "The frame changed. I can get the 10 batteries out very quickly. The other bike took about two hours. The rear suspension is changed a bit. The first had a chain drive; this uses toothed belts." A 6 inch Advanced DC motor drives a 5-speed transmission via a belt, which in turn drives the rear wheel. "I tend to use the first 4 gears only. I can get about 60 miles." The Zappy controller gives the bike regenerative braking and a reverse. "It has worked flawlessly. I'm very happy with it."
His Ford 250 SuperDuty truck is now 13 months old has been run B100 biodiesel since day one. 52,000 miles later it has been to California and all over the place. "I had to pick my route out west to get biodiesel." When he could not get it he would use a mix until he found it again. No changes were required to switch fuels. The truck has a 95 auxillary tank plus the 40 gallon stock tank. The truck is used to deliver biodiesel fuel to Carl's customers on Long Island. The fuel is manufactured on Long Island using virgin soybean oil.
Carl volunteers his time at Farmdale College on Long Island, working on fuel cells and other electric vehicles.
Report #34: Team Profile: Hybrid Attack
The West Philadelphia High School Electric Vehicle Team is returning for its fifth Tour de Sol. Previous entries were a foundly remembered electric Saturn and a hybrid Jeep, still in use. This year's entry is turning heads! I spoke with Devereaux Knight, the team captain and a senior in the club.
"It's a K1-Attack kit car from Slovakia. It is the first one imported to the United States, which they donated to us. We told them we were going to make a hybrid for the competition. They thought that would be good publicity. We gave them the carbon fiber the body and they made the parts." It arrived in the summer of 2003.
Often kit cars are bodies that are put on chassis from production vehicles. But not in this case. The chassis is a custom tubular steel frame welded up for the car.
The body in front is hinged below the bumper and tilts forward to expose the electric motor and controller. "It's a 200 horsepower AC propulsion motor with a Honda transmission that drives the front wheels. In the back we have a turbo diesel Volkswagen TDi engine that drives the rear wheels. We aren't running the electric motor yet. We ran into some problems with the battery box and ran out of time." They were supposed to go in the side of the car, but they are going to redo them when they get back after the race.
So the car is being entered as a biodiesel. It has been running since January using B100, the pure stuff, which is made from waste oil "from McDonalds. We get it from a company that makes it from used vegetable oils."
The car has two really deep bucket seats with five point seat harnesses. The instrument panel is from a Volkswagen.
The car has been getting some community interest. "The Daily News came up yesterday, Channel 6 did a segment on us, and West Side Week, a West Philly newspaper, also talked with us." Is it a chick magnet? "Oh yeah. When we are driving it around a couple of blocks, it's `Oh, can I get a ride?'"
But sometimes the attention makes you nervous. Like the guy on the highway, driving alone, who pulled up along side the trailer and first took a few snapshots and then was shooting with a video camera, all at 65 mph.
When I asked if there was anything I forgot to ask, Simon Hauger, physics teacher and team supervisor, chimed in, "Top speed of the vehicle." So, how fast have you gone? "I've never broken the speed limit, 65 miles per hour."
I asked Simon how this came about. "We have a summer program where the kids lay out their projects for the upcoming school year. The kids had seen that the hybrids in the competition and the one they had built were not getting the type of attention that they should." Two summers ago they came up with the idea of building a fast, cool hybrid that got great gas milage. Sexy and ecological too. "It seemed a bit lofty at the time, when we started sending out donation requests. But materials started coming inand the kit-car company donated the kit. And so we got committed."
Ron Preiss teaches auto shop, and responded to the question if these projects teach applicable skills. "Does this apply? Absolutely! This is our future. This is what these kids are going to be working on. The suspension is ultra high-tech. The drive chain is something we'll see all over the place. It is what the kids should be learning about. They are doing things that guys out there 20 years have never done. It brings math and science and automotive all together and they understand why they need to know all these academic subjects."
Report #35: Interview: Craig Van Batenburg
Craig Van Batenburg created the Automotive Career Development Center, ACDC for short, which is a "hybrid training resource company. We opened in 1998 to help the state of Massachusetts with it's emissions training program, which we still do.
He owns a Honda Insight Hybrid with serial number 157, built in December 1999. "I ordered in June 1999. I went to my local dealer with a check and said, `I want to buy a Honda Insight.' When they asked what is that, I said I would pay retail. So they gave me a receipt.
"As you can see it's in perfect shape because it is all aluminum and the winter has not done much to it. With snow tires this car is fabulous in the snow. I put it into a lower gear, so the electric motor does more of the work. It has so much torque down low that it doesn't spin the tires.
"What I do is train independant service technicians how to work on hybrids, so consumers have an option between the dealership and an independant shop. That's my full time charge. I have all the books, scan tools and equipment needed. For 26 years I ran an independant repair shop fixing Hondas and Toyotas. Our focus now is environmentally clean transportation. We are trying to get technicians, who influence a lot of people's buying decissions, to not only work on them but to drive them. We have some of my buddies are part of the Monte Carlo Rally. They bought Insights on eBay and are driving this way. Both owners of Slipstream Automotive in Boulder Colorado are coming. They fell in love with this after they came to my hybrid class about 4 months ago. They got bit by the bug."
He says there are tons of information on the web site. Links, cool pictures, everything. There is also a CD-rom that is a 112 page booklet for consumers and technicians. "It's a version of a manual I wrote for hybrid technicians turned into a consumer's manual. If you are a hybrid owner and want to understand how it works under the hood, this is what you want, with pictures, diagrams, and explanations. There are also helpful hints for talking with an independent repair shop. The cost of the CD is $29.95 plus $3 shipping and handling; $5 goes to NESEA. You may print the manual once. Any time it is printed after that, we ask that they send NESEA $5, on the honor system."
http://www.auto-careers.org
Craig told an interesting story about the new Honda Accord Hybrid. That car has 6 cylinders, but runs on only 3 cylinders when cruising at 60 miles per hour. "I can get 35, maybe 36, miles per gallon on 3 cylinders." But it is a powerful car, so it can easily drive faster. "But when everyone is going 75 mph, my temptation is to do that too. But then there is so much wind drag at that speed (drag goes up as the square of speed) that the 6 cylinders have to kick in. You go from 36 to 27 mpg in a heartbeat. So the 3-cylinder mode is only for people who have more self control than I do."
Report #36: Photos - West Philadelphia High School, "Hybrid Attack"
Photographs from the Tour de Sol:
http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_007.html
West Philadelphia High School, "Hybrid Attack"
Vehicle Name: Hybrid Attack Vehicle Number: 2 Team Name: West Philly EV Team (High School) State: Pennsylvania HEV: kit car conversion, Biodiesel + Battery PbA
The West Philadelphia High School Electric Vehicle Team is returning for its fifth Tour de Sol. This years vehicle, named "The Hybrid Attack", has been a two year project. This hybrid "super-car" has over 300 hp and achieves more than 50 mpg. The front wheels are driven by an AC propulsion electric motor and the rear wheels are driven by a Volkswagen TDi burning biodiesel.
A car that turns heads.
A view of the engine.
We're looking over the hood, which is tilted forward, at the shocks and springs (yellow), the transmission (left) and motor forward of them, and the motor controller at the font.
Simon Hauger in the driver's seat.
Report #37: Monday Press Release - Replaced with Report #39
Report #38: Governor Pataki's Tour de Sol Press Release
GOVERNOR ATTENDS 17TH ANNUAL TOUR DE SOL AT THE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA
Festival Showcases State Efforts to Encourage
Clean Fuel Vehicles and Technology
STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
GEORGE E. PATAKI, GOVERNOR
Press Office
518-474-8418
212-681-4640
http://www.state.ny.us
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, Monday May 16, 2005
Governor George E. Pataki today joined the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), New York State officials, and companies displaying advanced fuel technology and alternative fuel vehicles at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The event marked the conclusion of the 17th Annual Tour de Sol, America's sustainable energy and transportation festival. The 2005 Tour de Sol, which kicked off Friday in Saratoga Springs, showcases alternative-fuel vehicles and related technology that aim to reduce oil and carbon emissions to zero.
``Each year the Tour de Sol highlights the latest innovations in alternative energy technology and advanced fuel vehicles, showcasing the future of the clean energy and transportation industry,'' Governor Pataki said. ``Over the last ten years, we've invested unprecedented funding into the research and development of clea