Ohio Technical College Students Build the Electro-Van
Students in the Alternative Fuel Program at the Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, recently developed an electric powered vehicle, the Electro-Van. The van is a 1997 Ford E350 and is fully functional and operational, and runs solely off the power of electricity and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. Thirteen students were in the class that took just over six weeks to design and build the van.
The Electro-Van was on display for the 2008 Day Odyssey Event at which Ohio Technical College was selected as a national campus to help promote energy.
The conversion from diesel to electric involved several revisions and updates to the vehicle. Some of the first revisions were removing the body and drive train. From there, the students prepped the frame and started to design the basic electrical systems. Then it was time to drop in the new electric motor and begin to install the new electric drive train and accessories such as power steering, a vacuum pump and a new alternator. The body and frame were re-installed and then the more advanced electronics were completed. Twenty-one batteries were utilized for power and solar panels will be added for recharging the batteries. Finally, the students gave the Electro-Van an extensive overview in which they tested, tuned and performed all troubleshooting.
After being constructed, the van was then brought to the Collision Repair and Refinishing Division where the it was painted green, to represent a healthy and clean environment. The Custom Paint and Graphics division added the final touch by developing a specially designed full body vehicle wrap. The vehicle wrap displays a world globe towards the front end, bolts of lightening and electricity running throughout each side and an outlet with a plug attached to give it the effect that it is truly electric.
There is more research and development ahead for the students at Ohio Technical College. The Alternative Fuel Division will have their hands full as they convert a 1982 Mercedes to a fully operated bio-diesel vehicle.
For more information, contact Jordan Brenner at 1-800-322-7000 or visit www.ohiotechnicalcollege.com.
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Ohio Technical College, located at 1374 E. 51st St. in Cleveland, is dedicated to providing premier technical training in the automotive industry by pursuing industry alliances, providing outstanding training equipment and focusing on the needs of individual students. Students can specialize in alternative fuels.