Hotly Contested 2016 Electric Vehicle Challenge

On Sunday 14th August Macquarie College once again competed in Australia’s Largest Electric Vehicle Gran Prix. This is an extracurricular STEM project that the school has been a part of since its inception in 2012. This year there were over 45 team entries. 

To compete in the race, teams build electric bikes that meet strict requirements from battery capacity and voltage limitations to rider position and rider safety. Students learned about gear ratios, electricity, kinetic energy, and kept track of statistical measurements during testing.

Mr O’Hern and Mr Ross supervised these builds during lunchtimes and after school. “I’m so proud of the work ethic of the team this year” stated Mr. Ross. The bikes were completed before the race and testing was carried out. We knew we would be competitive but weren’t sure if the batteries (which were carried over from previous years) would be up to the task.

Team members included Angus McLean, Oscar Priest, Noah Cameron, Josh and Sam Alexander, Densley Ross and James Butcher. The team stuck to their game plan and rode extremely well, but in the end the old batteries kept us out of a podium finish with the teams placing 5th and 8th in the endurance category.

We would like to make special mention to the parents who helped for the duration of the day, Mr Alexander, Mr and Mrs McLean and Mr and Mrs Priest, your help is so appreciated. The team is already making plans for our next bike builds to expand the categories that we can compete in and add new members to the team.

For next year’s event, we are seeking donations in the way of motorcycle riding gear for our riders.  Anyone who may be able to help, please contact Mr. Ross or Mr. O’Hern.

Click Here for our Facebook gallery of images from the day!