May 07, 2013

Media Advisory – Electric Utility Vehicle

A collaborative project at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that began several years ago will hit the road Thursday, May 9, at SIU’s Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois Airport.

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to view the introduction of a functioning zero-emission electric vehicle converted from an existing, inoperable grounds utility vehicle.  The unveiling is set for 10 a.m. in Service Lab No. 2 in the Transportation Education Center.  Faculty and students involved with the project will be available for interviews.

After additional testing and evaluation, the utility vehicle will return to service on the campus. An aim of the project is to convert additional University-owned vehicles from gas to battery power to make the campus more environmentally friendly and provide hands-on experiences for students to further their understanding of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. said Ralph F. Tate, an associate professor in the Automotive Technology program.

The vehicle utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including an efficient AC motor and controller with regenerative breaking, Lithium-ion batteries designed for electric vehicles, and an intelligent on-board charger. 

For more information, contact Tate at 618/453-9135 or Omar Trinidad, assistant professor in Automotive Technology at 618/453-4024.