The automotive future is looking brighter – and greener – thanks in part to a group of engineering students from The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research (CAR). Recently, these students set a land speed record of 300 mph for a vehicle – the Buckeye Bullet 2— powered by hydrogen fuels cells. Talk about product innovation, this record-breaking fast car generates zero emissions!
The Ohio State University (OSU) is no stranger to setting land speed records with alternative energy vehicles. OSU's original Buckeye Bullet set the record as the first electric vehicle to go 300 mph. Of course, there is a difference between building a car for speed, and building one that provides sustained speed and power over a longer distance. The good news, though, is that commuter cars don't need to go 300 mph. The fact that it is possible could lead to future interest and product innovationin all-electric and hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
In the past few months, the CARs team has also developed a solar-powered vehicle that gets the equivalent of 2,000 MPG – again, with zero emissions. The CAR team also recently took first place in the 2009 EcoCAR NeXt Challenge for their design of an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powered by a 1.8-liter engine and fueled by E85 ethanol – a blended fuel comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The EcoCAR NeXt challenge was sponsored by the US Department of Energy and General Electric among others.
The CARs program is just one example of Ohio’s investment in product innovationthat leverages the state’s traditional manufacturing strengths to create the 21st century jobs and industries that will power the state’s economy while creating a sustainable energy future. Click here to learn more about Ohio’s nationally recognized work in advanced energy innovations.
As interim dean of OSU’s College of Engineering, Dr. Washington shared with me his appreciation for Ohio’s strong history in manufacturing. From the processing of raw materials to the creation of finely tuned products, Ohioans serve as the world's experts in the manufacturing sector.
In addition, Ohio is committed to providing the very best education. Across the state Ohio businesses benefit from this commitment by attracting and retaining a talented and skilled workforce.
But most importantly, Dr. Washington was drawn to Ohio’s warm and friendly people. Originally from the South, he was looking for a place to live committed to family. Ohio’s commitment to work:life balance allows him to spend quality time with his family, while being able to achieve professional success.
Check out the interview with Dr. Washington to learn more.
A world leader in the field of polymers, Ohio's polymer industry is the state's most expansive - and important - economic sector. The state's universities and colleges are stepping up to provide students with essential job skills to continue to allow this vital industry to expand in a 21st century global marketplace.
Through a National Science Foundation grant of nearly $1 million awarded to the Ohio Supercomputer Center, The Ohio State University, the University of Akron and the Ohio Learning Network, new educational opportunities will drive continued innovation in the polymer industry.
PolymerOhio, a networking group committed to the global competitiveness and growth of Ohio's polymer industry, provides programs and services to advance the industry. In collaboration with the grant, PolymerOhio will provide forums for the introduction of cyberinfrastructure resources and workforce training to key leaders of Ohio’s 2,800 polymer firms.
In the past few months, the CARs team has also developed a solar-powered vehicle that gets the equivalent of 2,000 MPG – again, with zero emissions. The CAR team also recently took first place in the 2009 EcoCAR NeXt Challenge for their design of an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powered by a 1.8-liter engine and fueled by E85 ethanol – a blended fuel comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The EcoCAR NeXt challenge was sponsored by the US Department of Energy and General Electric among others.
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