Creative Engineering Design: Model EV Design Challenge
Teamwork and the engineering design process are key elements to designing a model EV.Copyright 2023, Alezzandra Diaz
Students collaborate creatively in teams (2-4 students) to design, build, test, and iterate a model electric vehicle (EV) car, which runs on a battery-powered motor circuit. Students apply and integrate the engineering design process, forms of energy (electrical, chemical, mechanical), and related physics concepts, such as simple machines (pulleys, axles, and wheels), complex machines (gears), and motion of objects (friction, speed) to maximize the performance of their model EV. Throughout this project-based learning experience, students explore transportation-related concepts including air quality, health, and environmental connections. In a final design expo, teams present their model EV cars, explain their design process journey, and share perspectives on the intersection of engineering and environmental impacts regarding transportation. Teams can also participate in fun model EV races and aesthetic design competitions.
Electric vehicles intersect with multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical and mechanical engineering, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of vehicle design, development, and deployment to advance our transportation system.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Understand and apply the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to design, build, test, and iterate a model EV.
- Construct a basic EV motor circuit and explain how it works.
- Use basic CAD technology for design.
- Understand greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint, and how different vehicle fuels affect them.
- Explain connections between transportation and environmental impact-related issues and solutions.