Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_001.html
Western Washington University's entrants: Viking 23 and Viking 32Viking 23 has appeared in the Tour de Sol many times since its first appearance in 1996. It has changed quite a bit in that time, but the basic body pan and front-wheel-electric-motor and rear-wheel-ICE-engine plan has been consistent.
Viking 32, without its racing decorations ...
and with them.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_002.html
Bassi Scientific Entries in the E-Bike and NEV CategoryPhotos provided by Tony Basilicato.
Several of Tony Basilicato's EVs
A photo from the April 17, 2003, edition of "The Sound" newspaper, Bradford Connecticut.
Photos provided by Tony Basilicato.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_003.html
S&S AutoSport's entrant: S&S AutoSport PriusPhotos provided by Bob Strattan.
Starting out under the Blue Planet Earth Flag.
On display at the Trenton NJ State Museum plaza in 2002.
Displaying the trophies won in 2002.
Photos provided by Bob Strattan.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_004.html
Monte Carlo Rally entrant: Kyoto CamelSometimes you want exactly what you want. This in Jonathan Bartlett's third 1996 TDI Volkswagen Passat, but finally he found the wagon-without-sunroof he wanted.
Photo provided by Jonathan Bartlett.
``Kyoto Camel'': a stock 1996 VW Passat TDI wagon operated on B-100 biodiesel.
Photo provided by Jonathan Bartlett.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_005.html
ITAQ Smart BiodieselPhoto provided by Hugo Marsolais.
Hugo Marsolais will be driving this car in both the Monte Carlo Rally and the Tour de Sol Championship. The smart (the first letter of the name is not capitalized) has a lot of options, and is sold by Mercedes-Benz Canada.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_006.html
Short Descriptions of the 2005 Tour de Sol Championship EntrantsEntrants in the Sustainable Energy and Transportation Festival and Competition
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Production Division: Light Duty Vehicles
Vehicle Name: 2004 Civic GX Team Name: American Honda Motor Company Demonstration Vehicle: 2004 Honda Civic GX ICE: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
American Honda is pleased to continue offering the Natural Gas fueled Civic GX; named "Cleanest Production Vehicle on Earth" for the 3rd consecutive year by the ACEEE. The Civic GX offers a 20-30% fuel savings, using domestically produced CNG, with a range of 210-240 miles per fillup. Honda continues to support CNG as the "Pathway to Hydrogen." Honda will be exhibiting the hydrogen fueled FCX that is currently being demonstrated by the NYS OGS; as well as the Honda Hybrids, including the Insight, Civic and Accord.
Vehicle Name: FCX Demonstration Vehicle: Honda FCX Electric: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Vehicle Name: 2004 Civic Hybrid Demonstration Vehicle: 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid HEV: Gasoline + Battery
Vehicle Name: 2003 Insight Demonstration Vehicle: 2003 Honda Insight HEV: Gasoline + Battery
Vehicle Name: 2005 Honda Accord Demonstration Vehicle: 2005 Honda Hybrid Accord HEV: Gasoline + Battery
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Vehicle Name: Bio SMART (2005 SMART) Vehicle Number: 10 Team Name: Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) Providence: Quebec, Canada ICE: Biodiesel (B20)The Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) team wants to demonstrate a fun to drive eco-friendly car. The SMART is a production vehicle which, when powered with biofuels, can deliver substantial reductions in climate change emissions and air quality improvements. Quebec hosts one the largest biodiesel producers in North America using feedstock mainly from recycled source and this is an important R&D niche for the ITAQ.
Vehicle Name: S&S AutoSport Prius Vehicle Number: 70 Team Name: S&S AutoSport State: Kansas ICE: 2000 Toyota Prius, Gasoline + BatteryThis is the 5th year for this 2000 classic Prius to compete in the Tour de Sol. The vehicle has been trouble free for 60,000 miles and delivers a consistent 45 mpg in daily driving. The owner is a faculty co-advisor to the University of Tulsa's Hurricane Motor Works HEV team that has built 3 hybrids since 1993 and has competed in the Tour de Sol for 7 years.
Team Name: Toyota Motor Sales, USA Demonstration Vehicle: 2005 Lexus RS 400h HEV: Gasoline + Panasonic NMHToyota is committed to environmental responsibility through the design and development of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. We will continue to focus on developing innovative and practical technologies with minimal impact on the environment.
Team Name: Toyota Motor Sales, USA Demonstration Vehicle: 2005 Highlander HEV: Gasoline + Panasonic NMH
Vehicle Number: 12 Vogelbilt 2004 Ford F250 diesel pick-up ICE: Biodiesel (B100) Team Name: VogelbiltThis year Vogelbilt is using 100% renewable energy in a new 2004 Ford F250 6.0L Diesel. This truck has been modified for increased fuel economy and also has a generator on the engine PTO to produce electricity.
Additionally, Vogelbilt's electric motorcycle will be on display during the Tour de Sol. The motorcycle was part of the Eco Trekker TV series.
CATEGORY: HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Team Name: Valence Technology, Inc.Powered by the Valence U-Charge* Power System, this concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a fully functional concept car based on a 2004 Toyota Prius that was modified by EnergyCS. Because the Valence battery offers much more energy than batteries traditionally used in hybrid vehicles, it allows significant amounts of zero-emission driving and fuel efficiencies of 120-180 mpg.
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Hybrid Attack Vehicle Number: 2 Team Name: West Philly EV Team (High School) State: Pennsylvania HEV: kit car conversion, Biodiesel + Battery PbAThe West Philadelphia High School Electric Vehicle Team is returning for its fifth Tour de Sol. This years vehicle, named "The Hybrid Attack", has been a two year project. This hybrid "super-car" has over 300 hp and achieves more than 50 mpg. The front wheels are driven by an AC propulsion electric motor and the rear wheels are driven by a Volkswagen TDi burning biodiesel.
Vehicle Name: Viking 32 Vehicle Number: 32 Team Name: Western Washington University Hybrid Club State: Washington HEV: Purpose-built, Bio-methane (CNG) + Panasonic NMHWith funding from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, students and faculty at Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute built Viking 32 to demonstrate the first automotive use of carbon-fiber Viking 32 offers survivable front impact protection at up to 80 kph. In addition, side impact and roof strength exceed United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Vehicle Name: Viking 23 Vehicle Number: 23 Team Name: Western Washington University Hybrid Club State: Washington HEV: Purpose Built, Biodiesel + SAFT NMHViking 23 is designed and built by students and staff at the Vehicle Research Institute at Western Washington University. In 1990 a new body was designed by students and built out of carbon fiber. It uses Biodiesel a renewable fuel for its IC Diahatsu engine which powers the rear wheels. The front wheels are powered by a brushless DC UQN motor thus giving it 4 wheel drive.
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
INDEPENDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Maya 100 Vehicle Number: 19 Team Name: Electrovaya Providence: Ontario, CA Electric: 2002 Tracker conversion, Battery: Electrovaya LiIonElectrovaya has developed a long-range, ultra-safe, low cost zero-emission electric vehicle drivetrain based upon its proprietary Lithium-Ion SuperPolymer® battery technology and several unique system designs. Showcased in a 5-passenger compact SUV, it solves the Achilles heel of electric vehicles with a range of up to 230miles.
Vehicle Name: The Olympian Vehicle Number: 16 Team Name: Burlington County Electechs State: New Jersey Electric: (Battery: GNB PbA)"The Burlington County Electechs" includes students and instructors from Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Burlington County College (BCC.) They are entering the Olympian, an electric vehicle recently donated by Cinnaminson High School. The team is committed to preparing students for vocations in the high tech automotive and related industries, including the economic, social, and heath related benefits of greener transportation.
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: The Lorax Vehicle Number: 45 Team Name: Methacton Electric Car Club State: Pennsylvania Electric: 1999 "Lomax" kit car conversion, (Battery: Optima PbA)The Methacton Electric Car Club is made up of males and females ranging from 9th to 12th grades. Our mission is to explore alternative energy resources one car at a time while providing hands-on learning about alternate power sources for science, engineering, and trade students and the general public. In addition to building a vehicle the team created computer generated fundraising materials, and community outreach.
Vehicle Name: Woodstock Vehicle Number: 56 Team Name: St. Mark's Electric Vehicle Club State: Massachusetts 1994 Ford Ranger conversion Electric: (Battery: Trojan PbA)"Woodstock" is a true zero emission vehicle. It runs on 100% renewable electricity! This yellow 1994 Ranger was converted to run on battery power by high school students at St. Mark's School. Woodstock's batteries recharge overnight with wind-generated electricity from the grid. Built by physics students, the project gives them an opportunity to explore what engineering would be like, and the importance of efficiency.
Vehicle Name: Sola Rola Vehicle Number: 50 Team Name: Tandem Friends School State: Virginia Electric: (Battery: Optima PbA)The Tandem Friends Schools vehicle is a single person, solar charged commuter car. It was designed and built by the 16 students of the Conceptual Physics class. The hope is that involvement in a far-reaching project such as this will facilitate learning the basics concepts of physics.
(No photo yet.)
CATEGORY: BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
STUDENT DIVISION: light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Phantom Sol Vehicle Number: 66 Team Name: U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team State: Maine Electric: Purpose-built (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)The Phantom Sol was created in 2001 to dispell the myths that electric vehicles are impractical, weak, expensive and not much fun to drive. Originally a GMC-S15 pickup, this car has been drastically re-engineered to produce an economical and powerful vehicle with exceptional performance and sleek appearance.
Vehicle Name: Revolution Ride Vehicle Number: 53 Team Name: www.revolutionride.org State: Maine Electric: 1986 VW Wagon conversion (Battery: PbA)Since 2002, when students from Maine's smallest public high school put their Vanagon Syncro electric vehicle on the road, the van has become an indispensable daily driver and teaching tool for the school. The 4wd, 7 passenger van is charged by a 5.2kW net-metering photovoltaic array.
CATEGORY: SOLAR-ASSISTED ELECTRIC VEHICLES
STUDENT DIVISION: one-person light duty vehicles
Vehicle Name: Sunpacer Vehicle Number: 92 Team Name: Cato-Meridian High School Technology Team State: New York Electric: 1992 Purpose-built (Solar + Battery: Ovonic NMH)Since 1992 the SunPacer has participated in the Tour de Sol every year, and captured first place in the One-person Solar category 10 times. This student engineering project aims to improve vehicle efficiency each year. It presently has a range of 80 miles, top speed of 60 mph., and a demonstrated efficiency of 218 miles per equivalent gallon of gasoline.
Vehicle Name: Zodiac Vehicle Number: 7 Team Name: IHS Solar Car Team - W. Irondequoit High School State: New York Electric: 1999 Purpose-built, (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)The Zodiac has been going strong for five years thanks to the commitment dedication and countless man hours poured into the vehicle. Through previous competitions we have proven our skills and and hope to wow the competition this year.
Vehicle Name: Solar Black Bear Vehicle Number: 20 Team Name: U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team State: Maine Electric: 1986 Chevy S-10 conversion, (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)The Solar Black Bear was created in the spring of 1999 and has been the Light-duty two-person Solar Commuter Champion for 6 years. The Solar Black Bear is a very practical and usable vehicle that demonstrates the team's enthusiasm and commitment to creating a better tomorrow for today.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_007.html
West Philadelphia High School, "Hybrid Attack"
Vehicle Name: Hybrid Attack Vehicle Number: 2 Team Name: West Philly EV Team (High School) State: Pennsylvania HEV: kit car conversion, Biodiesel + Battery PbAThe West Philadelphia High School Electric Vehicle Team is returning for its fifth Tour de Sol. This years vehicle, named "The Hybrid Attack", has been a two year project. This hybrid "super-car" has over 300 hp and achieves more than 50 mpg. The front wheels are driven by an AC propulsion electric motor and the rear wheels are driven by a Volkswagen TDi burning biodiesel.
A car that turns heads.
A view of the engine.
We're looking over the hood, which is tilted forward, at the shocks and springs (yellow), the transmission (left) and motor forward of them, and the motor controller at the font.
Simon Hauger in the driver's seat.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_008.html
Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ), Bio SMART
Vehicle Name: Bio SMART (2005 SMART) Vehicle Number: 10 Team Name: Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) Providence: Quebec, Canada ICE: Biodiesel (B20)The Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute (ITAQ) team wants to demonstrate a fun to drive eco-friendly car. The SMART is a production vehicle which, when powered with biofuels, can deliver substantial reductions in climate change emissions and air quality improvements. Quebec hosts one the largest biodiesel producers in North America using feedstock mainly from recycled source and this is an important R&D niche for the ITAQ.
Hugo Marsolais explains the smart Passion and how of biodiesel made from used vegetable oil helps the environment.
The engine is low, behind the rear bumper. When the top is up, there is a tall luggage space behind the seats.
The interior feels roomy, mostly because the windshield is well forward. The mirrors and windows are electric. And this model has air conditioning.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_009.html
The Green HornetThis converted MR2 can be run as a fast, burn-rubber racing car or as a more docile street machine.
It was put through Technical Testing, even though it was not competing, to see how close-to-ready it was for next year's Tour.
Four contactors (two near the shock absorber tower and two near them middle of the "engine" compartment) can reconfigure.
the nine batteries in the rear, . . .
. . . and nine batteries in the front as one long string in series for speed or two short strings in parallel for range.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_010.html
The Lorax
Vehicle Name: The Lorax Vehicle Number: 45 Team Name: Methacton Electric Car Club State: Pennsylvania Electric: 1999 "Lomax" kit car conversion, (Battery: Eagle-Pricher PbA)The Methacton Electric Car Club is made up of males and females ranging from 9th to 12th grades. Our mission is to explore alternative energy resources one car at a time while providing hands-on learning about alternate power sources for science, engineering, and trade students and the general public. In addition to building a vehicle the team created computer generated fundraising materials, and community outreach.
Open wide and say "ahhhhhhh".
The roll bar and the flashing light that sits above it are new this year.
A view from the other side, with the rain cover on.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_011.html
The Olympian
Vehicle Name: The Olympian Vehicle Number: 16 Team Name: Burlington County Electechs State: New Jersey Electric: (Battery: GNB PbA)"The Burlington County Electechs" includes students and instructors from Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Burlington County College (BCC.) They are entering the Olympian, an electric vehicle recently donated by Cinnaminson High School. The team is committed to preparing students for vocations in the high tech automotive and related industries, including the economic, social, and health related benefits of greener transportation.
Ollie Perry is particularly proud of the ElecTechs logo, done by a former student of his.
Under the hood.
The battery box is visible in the back of the car.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_012.html
Woodstock
Vehicle Name: Woodstock Vehicle Number: 56 Team Name: St. Mark's Electric Vehicle Club State: Massachusetts 1994 Ford Ranger conversion Electric: (Battery: Trojan PbA)"Woodstock" is a true zero emission vehicle. It runs on 100% renewable electricity! This yellow 1994 Ranger was converted to run on battery power by high school students at St. Mark's School. Woodstock's batteries recharge overnight with wind-generated electricity from the grid. Built by physics students, the project gives them an opportunity to explore what engineering would be like, and the importance of efficiency.
Under the hood is the controller, the motor and some batteries.
The team gets ready to go through technical inspection. The bumper sticker says "Powered by American Electrons".
All the vehicles plugged into the generator set were using renewable sources. The generator was fueled with biodiesel.
"Renewable Row" at the Saratoga Spring Autoshow featured Woodstock, rEVolutionride.org and the Solar Black Bear (with the large tilted solar panel in the distance). Each is a practical battery-electric vehicle recharged by a renewable source.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_013.html
Mercedes Benz diesel runs on vegetable oilCynthia brought her veggie-Benz to the Tour de Sol display in Saratoga Springs to tell her story about driving on used cooking oil. And she got a TdS Monte Carlo Rally trophy for being the oldest car to enter.
But she was quite surprised when she won an award from the Spring Autoshow judges for "Best Mercedes".
Cynthia pulls up to win her award from the Saratoga Spring Autoshow.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_014.html
Honda FCX Fuel Cell carE> Vehicle Name: FCX Demonstration Vehicle: Honda FCX Electric: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
The short but tall profile of the car is largely due to the seats being raised by the fuel tanks, fuel cells, and associated subsystems under them.
Note the "see-through" side mirror.
There isn't a great deal of "plumbing" under the hood, although the "starter battery" certainly looks out of place. I suspect that's for "hotel loads"; lights, radio, etc.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_015.html
Solar Black Bear
Vehicle Name: Solar Black Bear Vehicle Number: 20 Team Name: U. Maine Solar Vehicle Team State: Maine Electric: 1986 Chevy S-10 conversion, (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)The Solar Black Bear was created in the spring of 1999 and has been the Light-duty two-person Solar Commuter Champion for 6 years. The Solar Black Bear is a very practical and usable vehicle that demonstrates the team's enthusiasm and commitment to creating a better tomorrow for today.
Early on the day of the Saratoga Spring Auto Show, the Solar Black Bear was set up, getting some rays.
The mechanism that tilts the array is simple, but clever and effective. There are four posts that support the under-frame of the array, which has pivot pins on both sides. Here we see the two driver's side pins have been pulled so the array is tilted on the passenger's side pins. The silver electric lift cylinder at the front of the load bed (just above the word "SCIENCE" pushes up at the center of the solar array, so the angle can be set just so. As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the cylinder lowers the array until, at noon, it is flat on the under-frame. Put in the driver's side pins, pull the others and push up with the cylinder to track the sun down to the west.
Here you can see the rear passenger's side pin and hinge.
The batteries are all below the diamond plate load bed. The diamond plate comes off easily for easy access.
Note the Solar Black Bear logo on the hood.
The other advantage of the big panel is it provides major shade when the sun gets hot.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_016.html
Zodiac
Vehicle Name: Zodiac Vehicle Number: 7 Team Name: IHS Solar Car Team - W. Irondequoit High School State: New York Electric: 1999 Purpose-built, (Solar + Battery: Trojan PbA)The Zodiac has been going strong for five years thanks to the commitment dedication and countless man hours poured into the vehicle. Through previous competitions we have proven our skills and and hope to wow the competition this year.
The single drive wheel is in the back, with the motor perched on top. The five solar panels are hinged so they can be tilted left and right to better catch the sun.
The side panels come off fairly easily.
With the removed, the components are easy to access. The window in the nose allows the driver to see what is immediately ahead, such as curbs and parking barriers.
Ready to start the hill climb competition.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_017.html
Plug-in Prius
Team Name: Valence Technology, Inc.Powered by the Valence U-Charge* Power System, this concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a fully functional concept car based on a 2004 Toyota Prius that was modified by EnergyCS. Because the Valence battery offers much more energy than batteries traditionally used in hybrid vehicles, it allows significant amounts of zero-emission driving and fuel efficiencies of 120-180 mpg.
It just looks like a normal 2004 Prius. But what does that graphic on the door say?
"125 MPG / 50 km per liter" Without the sign, how would you know?
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_018.html
Newburgh Free Academy Solar Racing TeamWhile 'Sol Machine #5' was only on display, the solar bike and the E-Bike competed in the Tour de Sol.
Sol Machine #5 features a tiltable solar array which allows for more efficient collection of the sun's rays by positioning the array as close to perpendicular to the rays as possible.
Another view.
The solar bike and the E-bike on display at the Auto Show. Note that the front wheel of the solar bike is both steering and power. The electric motor above the wheel drives it through a chain.
Notice that the solar bike doesn't have a steering wheel. Left and right handles steer the front wheel.
The E-bike also uses the steering handles instead of a steering wheel.
A member of the "Future E-Bike Racers of America" tries out the driver's seat.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_019.html
Bassi ScientificText not associated with a photo.
Tony Basilicato with his "teaching machine NEV".
Another view. On the shelf above the windshield are (left to right) a sound-effects box, a car radio, and a two-way radio. The wheels don't have a suspension or shock absorbers, but the seat does.
A closer look at the controls.
Anne Basilicato in the racing car.
In this view of the racing car, the battery packs and chargers are in the rear.
Another view.
The electric bike has the motor mounted above the rear wheel, connected with a chain drive. The battery pack is between the handle bars and the seat support.
Images at http://www.AutoAuditorium.com/TdS_Reports_2005/photos_020.html
Runabout Cycles
Josh Kerson explains the customized RunAbout Cycle. The seat is missing in this photo, but that allows us to see the lead-acid batteries that are mounted under it and the motor controller mounted behind it. Notice that the pedals are on an adjustable arm that makes finding the perfect position for any individual rider easy. Other things to notice: wheel fenders, a pair of rearview mirrors, and the pair of side-mounted steering handles.
Here is another RunAbout trike, equipped with saddle bags. The lithium ion battery pack and charger are in the white box under the seat. The motor and drive chain are visible in this photo, mount just forward of the rear wheel.