UCOL supports EV project

EVolocity, an initiative developing students’ engineering skills and electric transport knowledge, is being introduced by the Universal College of Learning (UCOL) in the Manawatu-Horowhenua area.

Teams of students will build their own two and three or more wheel electric vehicles throughout the year and compete in regional and national competitions. The vehicles are powered by a standard 350W electric motor, controller and two 12-volt gel cells.

“A great thing about the initiative is that it encourages students to be innovative with their vehicle designs, and think about sustainable solutions in engineering and transportation,” UCOL engineering and applied technologies executive dean Danny Reilly says.

UCOL is hosting build days for students to work on their projects under the guidance of UCOL automotive and engineering lecturers.

“By hosting build days at our trades facility, we’ll be introducing students to a range of engineering skills. They’ll be able to get hands on in our workshops and learn from our lectures in a number of areas of engineering.”

The vehicles are judged on performance, design, and innovation. Students also race their vehicles on a track.

At the Manawatu-Horowhenua regional launch event, students from Queen Elizabeth College, Tai Wananga Tu Toa, Nga Tawa and Rangitikei College attached electric motors to push bikes. The Queen Elizabeth College team won the award for the best bike.

“If we can get students focusing on sustainability from the get-go, it puts them in good stead for their futures in engineering,” adds Reilly.

Regional and national EVolocity events are held later this year.