NWTC students use alternative energy to fuel car for competition

After months of researching, designing, and building a car powered by batteries, some students from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are getting ready to put their new knowledge of alternative power to the test -  by competing in a series of Wisconsin Electrathon racing events.

     Wisconsin Electrathon, an electric vehicle competition for high school and college students, tests competitors on how far their electric cars can go in one hour.

     To prepare for their racing debut at Road America later this month, the six electro-mechanical technology and automation engineering technology students will conducted a test run at noon, Sunday, April 20, on the NWTC Green Bay campus. Students ran the one-person car for about two hours on roads located within the campus.

     “This vehicle has been a good way to explore alternative technologies,” said 19 year old Ryan Wenzlick, the project leader, who plans to graduate from the electro-mechanical technology program next month. “We’re applying what we’re learning in a fun way. We want to show what electric cars can do.”

     Team work and coordination have been the keys to making the project a success, Wenzlick added. Students from the welding, machine tool, prototype and design, and automotive collision programs also contributed their talents toward building the car.

     This new student project was made possible with funding from the N WTC Educational Foundation, in support of the college’s new educational opportunities and innovative use of technology. Paper Converting Machine Company of Green Bay also contributed financially.

     Embracing environmental issues through this hands-on project will be a big plus to the participating students as they enter the workforce, said Wenzlick, who already has a job lined up as a service technician in the area. “The real-world experience will be invaluable.”

     About the car: Powered by automotive batteries, the one-person car can reach speeds of up to 25-38 miles per hour. The car is four feet wide by about ten feet long and is constructed from approximately 80 feet of aluminum tubing. Many bicycle components, including wheels and brakes, complete the car.

     The NWTC students will compete with the electric car in a series of upcoming Wisconsin Electrathon events:

• April 27-28      Road America, Elkhart Lake
• April 29           Oostburg Road Rally, Oostburg
• May 3              Wisconsin International Raceway, Kaukauna

For News Information or Updates, Contact:
Casey Fryda, PR/Communications Specialist at 920-498-6288 or
Ann Malvitz, PR/Communications Specialist at 920-498-5593