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A team of three students from Whangaparaoa College is hoping to be chosen for the EVolocity Nationals after taking three firsts in the Auckland regional competition.
The competition involved Year 13 students, Leroux Van Zyl, Balin Mitchell and Nick Goodall, together with teacher Colin Watts, converting a standard bike to electric.
Along the way, the students utilised CAD drawing 3D printing, welding, milling, circuit board making and programming – including using a phone app to read motor and battery performance while the bike is driven around the track.
Colin says that problem solving was also a key factor. “Competition day started with re-programming, then by midday we had a circuit problem that caused overheating,” Colin says. “A time pressured fix and replacement of parts and circuit was required to get back on the track for the Economy run.”
The Economy run challenged teams to use limited power supply and speed efficiency to drive the bike for as long as possible. It ended after 48 laps with only the Whangaparaoa College bike and a bike from Mahurangi left circling the track.
In the 350w category, the Whangaparaoa team was awarded Best Economy Run, best Motor Controller Performance and Fastest in Drag Race.
Colin says a highlight of the project was the opportunity to meet land speed record motorcyclist Eva Hakansson. Eva teaches engineering design at Auckland University and is working on a motorcycle called Green Envy, which could become the world’s fastest electric motorcycle, with 1000hp of battery power.
Colin says regardless of whether the Whangaparaoa team makes the nationals, they have come a long way with limited support.
“A number of teams have sponsorship/support from electrical, mechanical and structural/panel companies. These boys have not had this but we would welcome the opportunity to work with sponsors in 2020 and further ahead,” he says.
Colin says next year the college will enter at least one Year 12 and Year 13 team in EVolocity.
The EVolocity programme has been running since 2014 and is about inspiring students in engineering, design and sustainable technology. Students design and build an electric vehicle with 2–4 wheels, which they race in competitions such as a drag race, street circuit and economy run. All teams use the same 12-volt battery and kit of components.
