Once in awhile you get emails in the mail asking you to help out a friends’ child. Murmur a little, but you reluctantly do what is asked in the email. Name five friends, pass this email and don’t break the chain, or add your name to a list. Well, this email was completely different and right up the green girl’s alley. RideForward at University of Virgina Engineering School are seeking a $5000 grant from Brighter Planet’s Project Fund to turn a car from a gas guzzler to an electric car. Hands on people. Sign me up.
Now I am simplifying the UVA project and urge you read the application below as to why this project needs your vote. Each and everyone of you. In fact, you can vote up to three times before October 15, 2010.
All you have to do is register first, and then vote. Right now they are in second place. Help these kids change the world.
Professor Durand and student
Professor Durand states in RideForward’s application:
“The goal of our project is sustainable transportation. Every year our multi-disciplinary group of engineering students designs and converts a conventional car to electric drive (EV), and designs and installs a grid tied photovoltaic (PV) system that will offset the power that the car draws from the grid. Our program has been in existence for two years. On our first year we converted a 1994 Honda Accord, and installed a 1.2 kw PV system on a local home. The Honda will be used in the UVa fleet. Last year we converted a Ford Ranger pickup that will be used by facilities management at UVa. We also installed a 1.2 kw PV array on the UVa campus, the first photovoltaic array installed on the UVa campus. This year, we are converting a 1998 Subaru Outback AWD wagon for the Albemarle County fleet, but we don’t have the funding to design and install a PV system that would make our Subaru conversion truly sustainable. The $5,000 grant from Brighter Planet would allow us to do the PV installation to make our Subaru conversion completely emission free, anywhere, ever.
Our project helps fight climate change by doing EV conversions that include a PV system that offsets the power the car draws from the grid. Since we are the University of Virginia, we get a lot of press and so our project is also a great demonstration to the community on what can be done. Finally, we are teaching the next generation of engineering students about sustainability. They are learning that sustainability can be simple, effective, and economical.
The funds will be used to install this years PV system.
There is a lot of excitement on the part of the students in RideForward. They love working with their hands, and the prospect of designing and building a real system that can make a difference to our planet. In the past, the UVa has even assisted with labor and building materials for the PV installation. The only thing missing for project success is the $5,000 grant from Brigher Planet.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jim Durand
Director, RideForward
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
University of Virginia”
I have always said that it is the youth that will change the world. So, roll up your shelves and help these kids out. Help the RideForward kids change the world, one electric car at a time.
Thoughts about this project?
Pictures courtesy of RideForward.
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Leonard Chornay says
Now, this is just great. I do believe hybrids are the way, ’till we come up with something more substantial, as the usual cars put out too much carbon print and we already are witnessing the changes in climate. Two thumbs up!
funny true stories says
I do believe hybrids are the way, ’till we come up with something more substantial, as the usual cars put out too much carbon print and we already are witnessing the changes in climate. Two thumbs up!