Virginia Tech Pushes it to Yuma

The Virginia Tech EcoCAR team recently completed the first step in a multiphase integration process to create its hybrid vehicle design.  The HEVT team successfully installed its 2.4 L FlexFuel (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) engine.  The team also installed a transmission into the vehicle that will allow for a quick launch after the engine has been off.

“HEVT is off to a good start, but the team has several big projects to tackle in the next six months before heading to competition,” said Patrick Walsh, a graduate research assistant from Richmond, VA.

In the next few weeks, the team will be building its battery pack with modules and controllers donated by A123Systems, installing its rear electric motor with a custom subframe built by TriFab, and installing its Hybrid Vehicle Supervisory Controller provided by National Instruments.  Check back to the blog for a video of Virginia Tech’s completed vehicle, but for now here’s a teaser off what it takes to do a engine swap!

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  1. Colin’s avatar

    It’s cool to see a montage of the work being done in a different school’s garage, there are many similarities in the work that goes on between all of us and I wonder how far along some of the other Universities are now. Ahead, behind, on time? It’ll be great to see what everyone brings to YUMA and meet the other teams (as I’ve joined this year it’s all new to me). Hope the weather’s nice and see you all there!

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  2. Eric’s avatar

    Great video! I like the still cam in the garage…

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