Sixteen Canterbury high school teams have participated in the EVolocity programme this year, as have CPIT, University of Canterbury, several local engineering firms including BVT and Powell Fenwick and a number of private electric vehicle enthusiasts like Air New Zealand engineer Simon Wilkinson who has built a 300 horsepower electric Falcon ute which he will race against a combustion XR8.
The programme culminates on November 29 & 30, and features three world record holding celebrities from the US and their unique vehicles.
A tour of the castle is offered at 3pm, with canapés and cocktails along with brief presentations from the international celebrities starting at 4pm. A fund raising auction will also be held, with opportunities to bid on electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric cars, as well as such exotic options as being honorary pit crew for the Killacycle Racing Team at Bonneville. Tickets to the event are $150.
Why do I feel it is important to support EVolocity?
- Because it's an exciting new vehicle (excuse the pun) for getting kids interested in science, technology and engineering;
- Because it has already created important bridges between high schools, tertiaries and the corporate sector right here in Canterbury;
- Because it plays to Canterbury's strengths in engineering, ICT and niche manufacturing;
- Because there are economic, environmental and social benefits. Economic in terms of innovation and export opportunities. Environmental in terms of improved air quality and reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels. And social in terms of skills development as well as ultimately, reduced health care costs brought about through exposure to vehicle emissions.
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