8 electric vehicles were on display in the parking lot of the McKimmon Center on the NCSU campus (the Solar House is on the McKimmon Center grounds, rather than the other way around). Included in the display were:
"E-Alison" an Oldsmobile Calais converted by Garner
High School.
The near-twin, a Pontiac Grand Am converted
by Garner HS.
A Chevrolet S-10, converted and operated by
the NC Department of Transportation, Highway Division. (120volts
worth of T-145 batteries)
A US Electricar Prizm and Solectria E-10,
from the fleet of Carolina Power and Light.
"Red", a Pontiac Fiero converted
by Solar Electric and owned by Advanced Energy. Red is credited
with being the inspiration for much of the EV activity in North
Carolina, most notably Northampton High School's highly successful
program.
Speaking of Northampton, the N.E.A.T. bunch brought their trophy-winning
Shocker III all the way from Conway.
A big feature of the EVent was ride-and-drive
demonstrations, which allowed the public to experience the electric
propulsion for themselves. The Red Fiero, Garner's Pontiac, and
CP&L's Prizm and E-10 took turns tooling around the large
parking lot.
I always make a point to mention that Garner's
conversion retains the full rear seat, an uncommon feature in
cars built for High School competition. The advantages are obvious
in a situation like this, as it allows non-drivers to enjoy the
EV, and demonstrates that EVs are real cars.
The "Yow Commuter" is a prototype pedal-electric hybrid.
Driver and passenger can provide power through a 2-speed derailleur,
while an electric motor has its own chain drive. Spins around
the parking lot were very popular.
Members of the public, and the occasional PEPCO basset hound learned about the construction of EV's from the people who built them.
Under the spreading willow-oak, the TEAA members picnic.
Following the show, we
ate and post-mortemed the event.