2000 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge

The Ethanol Vehicle Challenge (EVC) 2000 is a competition in which the students converted a stock Chevrolet Silverado truck to run on E85, a blend of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline. The objective is to achieve the lowest emissions, highest fuel economy, best cold-start capabilities as well as other measures of vehicle performance. The competition included a three-and-a-half-day rally from Ottawa to Windsor, a trailer pull. The team consisted of students from both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. The scores achieved are given below the photos.

University of Windsor/St. Clair College Scores

in the

2000 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge

Overall Points (582.5 out of 1000 Points, 7^th place)

Written Design Report (34.6 out of 100 Points, 15^th place)

Before the start of the competition, all teams are required to submit to a written report describing their approaches for emissions control, vehicle operation, ethanol conversion, cold start, driveability, improved performance, and fuel economy. Reports are formatted according to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards and are judged on content and quality.

On-Road Fuel Economy (64.5 out of 75 Points, 7^th place)

This event consists of two parts: trailer towing and highway. The fuel economies obtained in these two components will be combined using a harmonically weighted average.

Trailer Towing: A 6,000-lb trailer will be attached to each vehicle. Each vehicle will then be driven from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in Ottawa, through the Gatineau Hills Park in Quebec, and then back again. At the start of the event, vehicles will be precisely refueled to capacity. The vehicles will again be precisely refilled to capacity at the end of the trip. The amount of fuel consumed during the loop will be recorded and used to determine the trailering fuel economy of the vehicles.

Highway: Highway fuel economy will be measured on the highway between Ottawa and Oshawa, following posted speed limits. At the start of the event, vehicles will be precisely refueled to capacity. On arrival at GM Canada's Oshawa Assembly Plant/Quality Assurance Building, the vehicles will again be precisely refilled to capacity. The amount of fuel consumed during the 242-mile trip will be recorded and used to determine the highway fuel economy of the vehicles.

Oral Presentations (44.8 out of 100 Points, 11^th place)

Two members of each team will make a 15-minute oral presentation to a group of industry experts, then answer questions for five minutes. Presentations will highlight the teams' conversion, fuel-economy, emission, cold start, driveability, and performance-enhancement strategies. They wiill be judged on content, format, and delivery. These sessions will be held in the General Motors Canada Headquarters Building and are open only to members of the presenting team, official judges, and invited guests.

Design Judging (45.3 out of 100 Points, 13^th place)

At General Motors Canada's Product Assurance Building at the Oshawa Assembly Plant, teams will present the technical highlights of their vehicle and answer questions from judges concerning the execution of their conversion plan. Judges look for innovative designs, production feasibility, and quality craftsmanship. Up to three members per team are allowed to participate.

Emissions Testing (170 out of 200 Points, 7^th place)

EPA Fuel Economy (125.7 out of 150 Points, 5^th place)

Each vehicle must undergo a Federal Test Procedure (FTP) for exhaust emissions. Specifications for this procedure originate from the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Parts 86 and 600. Total hydrocarbons, methane, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and aldehydes/ketones are measured. Environment Canada will conduct these tests on a 24-inch, single-roll, electric chassis dynamometer. After the FTP, competition vehicles will run a Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET). Fuel economy will be calculated from the FTP (city fuel economy) and from the HWFET by a carbon balance from the exhaust emission results. The EPA fuel economy is calculated as 45% highway and 55% city.

Cold Start/Driveability (0 out of 150 Points, Tied with 12 other teams for 4^th place)

Cold starting ability (from 0̊F) will be tested at Environment Canada. After preparation, vehicles will soak for a minimum of eight hours in refrigeration trucks before being tested. The amount of time before the vehicle starts will be recorded and used to calculate the team's cold-start time score (75 points).

Vehicles will also undergo a driveability test. A "CRC Cold Start and Warm-up Driveability Cycle" modified to include the cold-start event will be used for this test. Driveability will be tested on a chassis dynamometer at Environment Canada. The rating in this event will be used to calculate the cold-start driveability score (75 points).

Acceleration (50.1 out of 75 Points, 5^th place)

Each vehicle will run a 1/4-mile straight-line acceleration from a standing start at the Luskville Dragway in Quebec. The best time of two attempts will be used to calculate the team's score. The maximum speed will be recorded by the dragway's timing system.

Off-Road (42.5 out of 50 Points, 4^th place)

This event evaluates the truck's maneuverability and handling qualities on a sand and gravel road course. Each vehicle will be driven through an off-road vehicle course at Gopher Dunes near Tillsonburg. Drivers will try to match a target time set by the organizers. The fastest time (including penalties) will win the event.

Noise Penalty (5 Bonus Points)

Noise will be measured with stand-mounted sound meters. The test will be held at the Luskville Dragway in Quebec before the Acceleration Event. A stock Silverado is reported to have a noise level of less than 80 dB.