Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Electric Vehicle Conversions Using Alternative Energy To Drive Alaskan Rural Communities
EPA Grant Number: SU834704Title: Electric Vehicle Conversions Using Alternative Energy To Drive Alaskan Rural Communities
Investigators: Wies, Richard , Himschoot, Alexander , Reynolds, Anthony , Golub, Michael , Milke, Shaun , Nelson, Sydney , Noonkesser, William
Institution: University of Alaska - Fairbanks
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2010 through August 14, 2011
Project Amount: $10,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2010) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
This proposal concerns sustainable transportation in rural Alaskan communities which are not part of a road or electrical network (off-grid). In most off-grid communities, the road networks generally are less than 50 square miles, so transportation needs are limited. This limited travel generally is done with "four-wheelers", an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). In the larger off-grid 'hub' communities such as Bethel, Nome, and Dillingham, commuting with cars and trucks are more common, with the average vehicle consuming between 4 and 12 gallons of fuel weekly. Thus, in rural Alaska, transportation fuel is a significant cost; for example, Winter 2008-09 fuel prices ranged between $6.40 to $8.00 per gallon. The annual cost could range between $2,000 to over $5,000. This is in addition to other fuel uses such as heating homes and snowmobile use. To address this cost issue, our project proposes to study the feasibility of converting non-running fourwheelers already in rural Alaska into transportation assets by removing the combustion engines and replacing them with electric motors.
Alternative energy will power the Electric All Terrain Vehicles (EATVs) using a combination of wind and solar energy. Additionally, existing diesel fueled power plants will be utilized during non-peak times. Challenges addressed by this study will be the efficiency of batteries, the velocity of an EV, and charging EVs so that they can be used daily (for short distances). Results will be assessed by setting up a pilot project in the rural community of Dillingham at the Bristol Bay Environmental Science Laboratory (BBESL) in cooperation with the University Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) College of Engineering and Mines (CEM). BBESL has been progressive in developing the technology for rural EV use in that it has initiated a sustainable energy program. In this program, a non-running Subaru Loyale was converted to an EV. A 4 kW solar voltaic system is currently installed on site and is grid connected. The major components for the electric four-wheeler study will be in place and can be tested. This project will complete an electric transportation system by engineering the system, testing components, and training local residents in maintenance.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
If electric vehicles are successfully utilized, they have the potential to decrease pollution in the air, land and water. They may also reduce energy consumption, use fewer materials, and have a lesser impact on the local ecosystems. Using cutting-edge affordable Lithium batteries and rebuilding used vehicles in remote areas should alleviate any concerns that this novel innovation would not benefit the environment.
An ATV was converted to run on electric power. This EATV produces no emissions while it is in use. While some emissions are produced when generating electricity, this is reduced by using renewable energy and non-peak diesel generation. Producing fewer emissions is a benefit for people that need a four-wheeler for transportation. They breathe no emissions while utilizing the vehicle. In addition, we are able to either convert the four-wheeler to electric or manufacture one locally—helping the local economy and reducing shipping costs. Using a more fuel-efficient vehicle reduces cost to the end user, and its longer lifetime reduces the costs of use. The planet benefits by a reduction in green house gases emitted, and it is a more sustainable form of transportation.
Conclusions:
Converting older models of ATVs is not a difficult task. However, a used ATV must meet several criteria in order to be suitable for this project. A certain type of chassis works best for conversions. The actual conversion of the vehicle is relatively straight forward, and only a few parts require fabrication. All other components are “off-theshelf” and are readily available. Using an electric vehicle reduces energy consumption and reduces green house gases when using renewable energy.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 8 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Alternative Propulsion, Lithium-ion, Zero-Emission VehiclesRelevant Websites:
UAF students wrap up all-electric shuttle bus project Exit
Electric Vehicle Conversions Using Alternative Energy (EPA P3) Exit
Design of an affordable electric snowmobile — all over again (PDF) Exit
University of Alaska Fairbanks student helps campus go green Exit
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.