ProtoEV

ProtoEV is the UK’s first STEM competition for schools, colleges and apprentices to recycle used petrol go karts and transform them into high powered electric vehicles which they test and race to see which is the fastest and most energy efficient. Teams of students aged 15-18 use a combination of generative design, 3D printing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, energy efficiency and storage, aerodynamics and budgetary factors to design and build working prototypes using existing standard kart chassis’. Run over the course of eight months, student teams get to test and demonstrate their knowledge, problem solving skills and capabilities to deliver continuous performance improvements competing in a total of three test days and one final race day. There are a total of 3 x training workshops for teachers, lecturers and project leads, equipment purchase lists and a build manual. Working with partners in the Northern Automotive Alliance, ProtoEV also acts as an essential innovation platform and test bed to identify design, materials and processes which drive the development of cost effective propulsion technologies. ProtoEV will be scaled up as a Greater Manchester wide championship in 2019 with the race final as the centre piece of the first Manchester Festival of eSpeed.