Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Hard at work on a control system issues. The Embry Riddle Aeronautical School chose to use biodiesel to take advantage of their on-campus biodiesel fueling station. The team has plans to leverage their university's composite technology for weight reduction in year three. Composites are estimated to shaving off a targeted 200 pounds from the baseline vehicle.
Vehicle Design: The EcoEagles vehicle is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), consisting of a GM 1.3 liter diesel engine running on B20 biodiesel, a GM 2-mode transmission, a 55 kW Magna electric rear-drive motor, and an A123 330 V, 12.9 kWh lithium ion battery pack. The vehicle will be able to drive approximately 25 miles on electric-only power, before having to switch to hybrid mode, in which the engine switches on to sustain the battery and power the vehicle. The addition of the rear motor allows for higher all- electric speeds and overall power and acceleration.