Bright sparks at eV Challenge

Initially, the weather appeared to not be playing along, but by 10:00 most of the clouds had disappeared and the sun came out to keep an eye on the proceedings. Discussing the cars and expectations of the day with team members is always an interesting exercise, and each one anticipates their car outlasting the others.

The differences in the styles and looks of the cars are interesting. Some favour sleek lines and simplicity, while others are decorative and dolled up, albeit just as efficient when it comes down to it.

The MCs on the day were the unmistakable Dave Walters and Robin J, and as always the quips and witticisms added much entertainment to the day’s proceedings.

One of the cars that stood out was the Blue Viper, one of the two Flamboyant cars, the other being Green Electron. The Blue Viper could easily have come straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or better yet, Dr Seuss, with her merry turquoise air funnel and lightning-blue flames shooting over the front of the vehicle.

The enthusiasm from this team was palpable as they hustled around making last-minute changes and offering advice, with fans hovering to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Not surprisingly, the Flamboyant teams took home the sportsmanship award, while Blue Viper came first overall and won best presentation.

Vyfster Bakbouers, with their two entrants Bullet (or Betsy, as she became fondly known as) and Black Bird, stood an excellent chance on the day. Betsy lived up to her name and, apart from whizzing about the track, held her pace and stood her ground.

Betsy entered in the class A category. She was one of the few cars with a safety belt and also four wheels instead of three. Blackbird came first in class D while Bullet won in class A.

An interesting addition to the day was the electronic vehicle designed and built solely by Benjamin Phiri. This using only recycled and predominantly found items. Aptly named MP, it took a year to build and is a miniature version of a sedan, albeit with plenty of air-conditioning, as Dave Walters so fittingly said. This little car’s doors open and close, the bonnet opens and has a stand to keep it up and the lights go on and off.

With this masterpiece, it is no wonder that Benjamin is known as The Mastermind. Having quit his job to build this car full-time, we can expect to see great things from this quarter. It is definitely advisable to keep a close eye on this innovative and industrious fellow. The eV Challenge – a simplistic yet rewarding concept – does offer significant technical challenges to all the participants.

It offers four different classes in which to enter and participate:

• Class A: Novices and first-time car builders. Pupils turning 14 in the year may enter. Privateers may enter too. This class is intended for newly built cars. Only SLA (sealed lead acid) batteries are allowed. Total spent on the vehicle is not to exceed R9 000. To be part of the main prize you need to do the presentation.
• Class B: Pupils becoming 14 in the year may enter. Only SLA batteries are allowed. Only hub motors will be allowed in this class. Total spent on the vehicle not to exceed R 9 000.
• Class C: Pupils becoming 14 in the year may enter. Only SLA batteries are allowed. Hub motors are not allowed in this class. This implies that the motor and the shaft of the drive wheel are connected via some form of drive system to the shaft of the motor. Total spend on the vehicle not to exceed R10 000.
• Class D: Will cater for university and private teams with participants over the age of 18. Total spent not to exceed
R15 000.

Non-SLA batteries will be permitted here. Class D participants will not be required to do a presentation of their project to the committee.

Also, as part of the scrutinising process, each is required to do a presentation on the subject of their vehicle followed by a further session of questions from the panel. The purpose of this is to determine the extent to which the team members have had personal involvement in the planning, design and construction of the vehicle and race preparations, and to assess the extent to which they have benefited from the experience.

The evaluation of the presentation will be taken into account when finalising the awarding of certain prizes at the end of the event.

There were 19 entrants this year, and contrary to what people may think, speed is not essential. Rather, the competitor’s staying power is tested. Once your battery starts to run out, your car will no longer
run – it is that simple.

As the anticipation and excitement that had been building up all day came to a zenith and the countdown began, excited and enthusiastic onlookers merrily joined in and a loud cheer erupted as the race was officially under way.

For the first few laps the contestants sped around the track. There were very few mishaps between cars, just a bump here and there and the odd reckless spectator almost getting themselves knocked over, but otherwise everything ran like clockwork.

Also competing this year, for the second time, was Dasha, with their car Dash-It. The team, called The Dashers, are always full of enthusiasm for the event, and with her bright colours and quirky style, Dash-It is always a delight to look out for. The school itself, as always, supplied pancakes on the day, and there was no shortage of hungry people waiting in that queue!

Penreach also once again took part, having walked away with second and third prizes in last year’s eV Challenge. This is part of Penreach’s science-enrichment programme, whereby each year it identifies a number of learners in their partner schools who show promise in the fields of maths, science, physics, language and electronics. This year eight learners were identified, all of whom hail from Mayibuye, Mandlesive and Mhlume, effectively allowing Penreach to enter two teams, both of which participated in Class C.

This competition requires a fundamental understanding of electricity, and basic knowledge of measurement and construction. The two teams each managed to design a one-seater, three-wheel, battery-powered vehicle, and successfully completed the one-hour closed circuit race to obtain the second and third positions. It is an excellent opportunity to teach young people these basics, and give them a goal to work towards.

This year’s eV Challenge was an enormous amount of fun, as always. The excitement and enjoyment of the day was heightened by the presence of Crisp Cup coffee and the Picasso’s food truck for the hungry and thirsty. There were also cold drink and water stalls, as well as the aforementioned pancake sellers for the sweet-toothed. We challenge all students and pupils to enter next year’s event as well as to participate in the night race in August.

Results:

Overall:
1. Blue Viper – Flamboyant
2. Amakiti Racers – Bergvlam
3. Parion GT – Bonzweni Secondary School

Class A:
1. Bullet – Vyfster Bakbouers
2. Parion GT – Bonzweni Secondary School

Class B:
1. Amakiti Racers – Bergvlam
2. Green Electron – Flamboyant
3. Protech – Protech

Class C:
1. Blue Viper – Flamboyant
2. Penreach Two – Penreach
3. Penreach One – Penreach

Class D:
1. Black Bird – Vyfster Balbouers
2. Super GT – KaMagugu
3. Speedster – Westaffin

Best presentation: Blue Viper

Team spirit: Radio Laeveld

Best car of the day: Bullet – Vyfster Bakbouers

Sportsmanship: Flamboyant Teams

For your diary: The 2018 Mpumalanga Agri Show will this year host the eV Challenge night race.