A photovoltaic light electric vehicle for project-based education in engineering

Abstract

This article presents a project for the design, manufacture and evaluation of a light electric vehicle prototype whose only source of energy comes from a photovoltaic generator integrated in it, that is, it does not have batteries for energy storage. In its approach and development, a project-based learning model (PBL) has been followed, for which a group of students from different degrees of the Escuela de Ingenierías of the Universidad de Málaga has been formed, who have developed all the tasks involved in the realization of the prototype. The purpose of this prototype is to serve as a model for defining a new concept of student races on energy efficiency in mobility. To evaluate the performance of the prototype, tests have been carried out to characterize the energy consumption in different drive cycles and irradiance conditions and to obtain characteristics as limits of speed, acceleration and rising slope. Another long-term objective and, therefore, not included in this article is the evaluation of the technical training and complementary skills acquired by the students.