About The Car
The electric vehicle began in 2004 and is a senior design lab project. Each year students learn about the car, improve it in some way, and evaluate it's performance. Student work generally in groups of four and learn not only about the car, but how to work in and with teams. Over the years the car has gone through many changes..
The car has gone through many different stages and rebuilds, but the it's now powered by an Azure Dynamics DC frequency controlled motor. It's mated to a matching Azure Dynamics controller. Eight 12v batteries sit in the hatch while the other four reside behind the front bumper for better weight distribution for a total of twelve 12v lead acid batteries. The lead acid batteries are one of the biggest drawbacks of the car due to their poor power to weight ratio. All of this power is transferred from the motor to the wheels through a direct 10:1 gear. Regenerative braking allows the car to recoup what energy would be lost to conventional brakes. Solar panels on the roof and hood charge the onboard systems battery. In 2009 the car recieved some much needed cosmetic work from North Country Collision and now looks great, painted green with gold trim to match Clarkson University's colors. When fully charged the car has great low end torque due to it's relatively flat torque curve, unlike a conventional gas motor which gives most of it's power at higher RPM's.
