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Design and Manufacture of Small-Sized Electric Vehicles for Mechanical Engineering Education
Haruo Sakamoto
Dept. of Intelligent Mech. Sys. Engr., Kochi University of Technology, Tosayamada-cho, Kochi 782-8501, Japan
Received:December 9, 2000Accepted:May 1, 2001Published:August 20, 2001
Keywords:electric vehicle, engineering education, mechanical engineering, vehicle rally, solar car
Abstract
This paper describes an attempt of engineering education in extracurricular activities outside of class and an experimental course in class using electric vehicles. The Kochi University of Technology was inaugurated in April 1997. Engineering education trials of three years has been conducted. In 1997, 3 student teams participated in an ecopower race held in Kochi, Japan, with hand-made ecological vehicles. In the summer, 1998, three teams challenged to participate in the Shikoku Electric Vehicle Rally using light-weight vehicles converted into electric cars. Using such lightweight electric vehicles, a student experimental course in class was condhcted in the winter, 1998. This paper reports these engineering education activities. To provide such an active learning opportunity, a learning environment is needed rather than just teaching in classes. Manufacturing such as electric vehicles is considered to be of importance as well as the basic sciences such as mathematics and physics.
Cite this article as:H. Sakamoto, “Design and Manufacture of Small-Sized Electric Vehicles for Mechanical Engineering Education,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.13 No.4, pp. 426-431, 2001.Data files:
Copyright© 2001 by Fuji Technology Press Ltd. and Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All right reserved.
