A team of eight University of Akron students is working on a next-generation, two-passenger NmG2 (no more gas) vehicle, based on a single-passenger NmG donated to the University by Myers Motors LLC of Tallmadge.
Under the direction of Dr. Tom Hartley, UA professor of electrical and computer engineering, the students — six majoring in electrical engineering, one in computer engineering and one in computer information systems— are collaborating with Myers Motors to design a concept car for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE competition. This cross-country, stage race is hosted by the X PRIZE Foundation of Playa Vista, Calif.
Dr. Tom Hartley behind the wheel of UA's NmG vehicle.
Our team is conducting research to verify the possibility that new developments in the electric drive system on the NmG2 vehicle can be applied in cars of the future,” Hartley says. “Our goal is to perfect the motor control and battery management system and to compete for the X PRIZE.”
Myers Motors’ NmG2 is the only DC-drive, three-wheel, freeway-approved electric vehicle consistently sold and delivered to consumers throughout the world. According to Dr. George Haritos, dean of the UA College of Engineering, the team’s work with the NmG2 provides the level of challenge to which UA students are accustomed.
“The College of Engineering’s ability to translate engineering research advances to end-product improvements will support the goal of creating a viable, production-ready and efficient vehicle that ultimately will be attractive to consumers,” Haritos says.
The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE competition is scheduled to begin in fall 2009 in New York City with stages in as many as nine other major U.S. cities, says Myers Motors spokeswoman Kammy Willis.
The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, a project of the X PRIZE Foundation, is — to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) will be awarded $10 million in prizes. For details, visit Progressive Automotive X PRIZE.
.