More than 135 students at four (4) Hunterdon schools are currently participating in goHunterdon’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge program as part of the Fall/Winter session.  Registration for participation in spring session will open in February 2021.

The EV Challenge is an environmental education program for students in grades 6-8 that aligns with STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics); bridging the gap between these important educational disciplines. Students learn about alternative energy and electric vehicles by designing, building, and racing electrically powered model cars.

The program replaces the Junior Solar Sprints Program which goHunterdon coordinated in recent years. The change provides an opportunity to introduce new lessons on hybrid and electric vehicles, in support of New Jersey’s commitment to advance electric vehicles.

Over the course of several months, students learn about the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and how electric vehicles offer an alternative to the traditional combustion engine used in many cars. Students participate in interactive lessons on Greenhouse Gases, Vehicle Emissions, Alternative/Green Energy Sources, Aerodynamics, Gears and Gear Ratios, Basics of Design, Building and Testing a Prototype Vehicle, and Speed.

Student transform a few components including a motor, wheels, axles, and a battery pack into a unique and functioning model race car. Beyond these materials, which are provided free of charge, students may use anything they like to build their vehicle. The only two required materials that must be used are the battery pack and motor; everything else is fair game. Student vehicles are evaluated on Engineering, Craftsmanship, and Use of Upcycled Materials.

Due to COVID19, goHunterdon staff has been providing lessons via videoconferencing to students at Alexandria Middle School, Immaculate Conception School, Kingwood Township School, and Readington Middle School.  Califon Public School and Clinton Public School have already registered for the spring session.

The EV Challenge is offered at no cost to schools or students thanks to the generous support of program sponsors, including Altech Corp., Flemington and Green Power Energy, Annandale.

For more information on the EV Challenge, including becoming a sponsor, contact Tara Shepherd, tshepherd@gohunterdon.org.