KANSAS CITY, Mo. — MINDDRIVE, a Kansas City, Mo., non-profit organization that provides experiential learning to urban students, is building an electric car to be driven from San Diego, Calif., to Jacksonville, Fla., in March of 2012.
The car, based on a salvaged Indy car, will use quick-charge technology that enables the vehicle’s batteries to be recharged in less than an hour after traveling approximately 120 miles.
The MINDDRIVE experiential learning approach pairs students with adult mentors. The one-on-one approach helps students translate complex concepts of math, science, innovation and creativity into hands-on action.
Last year, MINDDRIVE students installed an electric powertrain in a 2000 Lola Indy car and recorded a 300 MPGe efficiency. This year’s class is using information gleaned from last year’s project for their coast-to-coast effort.
Working with corporate sponsors, MINDDRIVE’s cross-country trip will be an opportunity for the general public to interact with the car and students along the route. The trip will demonstrate how quick-charging technology can make electric cars viable for more than city use.
The MINDDRIVE car and students will visit several colleges to demonstrate their vehicle and interact with college students.
The “Coast-To-Coast” car is based on a retired Indy racecar that was chosen for its lightweight carbon-fiber chassis. An ultra-light transparent body, designed by the students, covers the chassis.
MINDDRIVE’s students are from DeLaSalle Education Center, Alta Vista Academy, University Academy, Lincoln College Prep Academy and Kearney High School.
The trip will be a major fundraising effort that enables individuals and corporations to be involved as partners. A noted documentary film producer has committed to filming the development and duration of the trip and its results.
For sponsorship information, visit www.minddrive.org or contact Linda Buchner at [email protected].
