Design, Build, and Test EVs
Supporting its mission to demonstrate and research electric vehicle technologies, EVT designs, builds, and tests EVS. The team recently converted a 1976 Porsche 914 into a battery electric vehicle (BEV) using 18 Valence Technology lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The team is now designing a second vehicle with the initial goals of fast recharge and extended range. The vehicles serve as platforms for testing batteries, motors, and their control; characterizing the real-world operating conditions of EVs and EV components; and demonstrating advanced EV technologies: more information
Provide Educational Opportunities for MIT Students
Designing, building, and testing a full-size EV is an incredibly rewarding and educational experience for all involved, regardless of prior experience and education. Members of the team use their involvement for BS theses topics and UROP and independent study credit. In May 2007, Emmanuel Sin won the Department of Mechanical Engineering's Peter Griffith Experimental Thesis Award for his BS thesis on the Porsche 914 conversion. Starting Spring 2009, students in 2.007: Design and Manufacturing will be given the opportunity to work on EVT projects in place of the regular class project.
Increase Public Awareness and Knowledge
One of the challenges EVs face today is a lack of knowledge and awareness about EV technologies. One of the primary activities of EVT is public outreach. The team presents at technical poster sessions and other energy and transportation events on a regular basis. Events during the 2007-2008 school year include MIT's Energy Night, Energy Showcase, EcoExpo, and Earth Day Fair. Team members have also taught classes on EVs for high school and middle school students and for the MIT community: more Information
