Creative minds get wheels turning at EVolocity races

No revving engines or petrol fumes but plenty of speed, twists and turns on the racetrack and finessing of electric motors at the EVolocity Regionals at Waitara last week.

The EVomaniacs team (pictured) from Highlands Intermediate School were among Taranaki students who have spent the year preparing for the event with workshops and build days at WITT, a key sponsor of EVolocity. It’s a nationwide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme for Year 7 to 13 students that sees them design and build two-to-four-wheeled electric vehicles and race them

The EVomaniacs built their machine from an old ironing board, a step ladder, a reject school chair, bed frame and bicycle wheels. Oh, and a margarine container lid for the number plate.

EVolocity was brought to the Taranaki region in 2021 through a partnership between WITT and Ara Ake. The nationwide programme is striving to develop the next generation of engineers, technology innovators and entrepreneurs to accelerate New Zealand’s transition to electric vehicles and clean transportation and a more sustainable future.

Driving dreams to drag races

Kerrie Thomson-Booth, Deputy Director of School - Trades Automotive, Engineering, Construction, Services, and Work-Based Learning, and lead for automotive and mechanical engineering, is part of a team of WITT kaimahi mentoring the Taranaki students involved.

This year, students from Spotswood College, New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Highlands Intermediate School, Inglewood High and Inglewood Primary Schools, Kaimata School (Inglewood) and Rawhitiroa School (Eltham) competed in 10 teams at the regionals on October 17 at KartSport Taranaki’s Newton Harvesting Raceway.

The day’s races included drag racing, gymkhana/slalom, efficiency and endurance challenges, and 'just for fun’ racing experiences, with a prize-giving at the end.

“EVolocity Regionals has been the highlight of my year here at WITT. I’m still buzzing thinking about it,” says Kerrie, a judge on the day.

“These young kids came along to Launch Day in March with ideas and dreams what they were going to build and on the 17^th of October they got to race! The smiles on their faces, the teamwork - even when things go wrong - the problem solving and learning that naturally occurs has been invaluable.  I’ve been honoured to be a part of this for the last four years,” she says.

Kerrie says the participants get hands-on experience and gain diverse interpersonal and technical skills. At the start of the school year, high school and intermediate teams are given electric motor kits, and some guidelines to follow. They learn about project management, problem-solving and teamwork. They figure out how to research where to find sustainable materials and resources, learn to use equipment such as welding gear, grinders and paint strippers, and understand health and safety.

Future leaders in sustainable technology

EVolocity says it is “on a mission to break down barriers and inspire young Kiwis into sustainable engineering while fast forwarding New Zealand’s clean tech future.”

 “It’s about building the next generation of innovators, along with the skills they need to make a positive impact on their future, and the world they live in. Our programme envisions a cleaner, more resilient future where every young Kiwi can be a leader in sustainable technologies.”

Kerrie has seen how life-changing it can be with participants inspired and having fun.

“Race day saw the kids, parents, grandparents and friends come and enjoy whanau time on what was a beautiful day. One racer said, ‘I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life’.  When I get asked why I do EVolocity - that is my ‘why’.”

Caption: Highlands Intermediate School’s EVomaniacs team (from left); Nanda Kosuru, Rowan Jamieson (driver’s dad), Shaivyo Banerjee and (driver) Kalvin Jamieson.