ATVs powered by solar energy are converted by Calgary students

Students at the University of Calgary have developed a solar-powered solution to convert all-terrain vehicles and hope the technology will help Indigenous and remote communities in Canada's north.
 

In an effort to convert the gas-powered Kubota used at the research station north of Whitehorse to an electric motor, students from the Schulich School of Engineering were asked.

Jasmine McDermott and Austin Bercier, who are both Indigenous, were excited to be a part of the project.

A regular power outlet can be used to charge the solar batteries, which have to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

The group has made a manual available to northern communities interested in converting their cars themselves.

Solar energy is more attractive in the north due to the skyrocketing price of fuel.

Published: May 19, 2022