The project began a few years ago and has been growing and becoming more accurately aligned with the fourth industrial revolution.

The Eco-Vehicle Programme aims to use an innovative skills development approach which will enable students from different academic programmes to develop basic knowledge and skills on sustainable energy.

This initiative is meant to equip students by developing the necessary graduate attributes that are needed to address issues of sustainable resources.

Eco-Vehicle cars at the starting line 2023. Picture supplied.

“Through this project, senior undergraduate students have worked together in teams through a mediated learning programme to build scale-model electric vehicles and mini-solar charging stations – powered by solar energy (or batteries that are charged through solar energy),” said Senior Assistant Officer, Teddy Sibiya.

This experience is meant to steer students towards finding solutions, solving complex problems, creating awareness around 21st-century issues, and adapting to the development of technology, essentially producing an interdisciplinary experience for UFS students.

“Our Vision is to establish a blueprint that can be duplicated in secondary schools and other universities and colleges,” Sibiya added.

Program pamphlet Picture: Facebook

Students prepare for the race over nine months. During this time, they apply integrated skills and knowledge in five engineering fields, developed through five skills programmes, which then come to fruition in May when the race is set to take place.

The race consists of five different races, namely the Smart Lap, Obstacle Course, and Endurance Race. Each has its own set of judging criteria and awards.

In addition to the race, the Arts and Culture Department has put together performances set to happen before and after the race by student artists.

The public is encouraged to join in on the fun and excitement.

Check News Archive Item (ufs.ac.za) for more details on the race.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh