What: The UC Davis "Endura," one of the most advanced electric cars in the country, captured first place among all classes at the recent 1994 World Clean Air Road Rally in southern Calif. The car was designed and built by UC Davis researchers and students last winter. "This is an electric vehicle success story," says David Swan, assistant director of the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, who drove the car to victory. "This shows how good an electric commuter car can be."
When: 11 a.m. Friday, April 22
Earth Day
Where: Parking lot 46, Academic Surge Bldg.
UC Davis
Visuals: Media may test drive the Endura around campus. The UC Davis team who designed and built the car will demonstrate the things that set the Endura apart from the rest of the clean-air racing crowd. In the back seat, an advanced Zinc Flow battery invented in the United States provides high energy for long-range driving. Underneath the hood, an advanced propulsion system adapted from military technology efficiently powers the car at interstate speeds. Outside of the car, an advanced charging system gives drivers a safer and shorter recharging time.
Background: Beginning in mid-January, a team of UC Davis researchers and students in the Zero Emission Vehicle Laboratory stripped a 1994 Geo Prizm in 24 hours. Working every day for the next two months, the crew created an electric car capable of reaching 80 miles an hour and traveling 160 miles. The next and toughest challenge will be the 1994 American Tour de Sol, a six-day road rally on the East Coast beginning May 21.
Swan headed up a team of engineering graduate students who designed and built the car -- Murali Arikara, Blake Dickinson and Manohar Prabhu -- as well as undergraduate John Lee. Community volunteers and sponsors Jim Mathis and Jerry Benson assisted the crew.
Directions From I-80, take the UC Davis exit. Turn north on Old Davis Road.
and Parking: At the stop sign, proceed straight onto La Rue Road, which curves to the left. Turn right into the parking lot. Media may park for free if the vehicle is clearly marked or if media personnel display identification on the driver's side dashboard.