Watch out Detroit! Here comes the SJSU's ZEM vehicle.
A team of SJSU Davidson College of Engineering students and faculty have designed the first vehicle powered by human, battery, and solar energy. The Zero EMissions vehicle, or ZEM as it has come to be known, is powered by human pedaling and an electric motor. The motor is driven by batteries that can be charged by 110-volt sources and by solar energy harnessed from the collection panels that are integrated into the exterior surface of the vehicle. The ZEM vehicle is unique from other electric vehicles on the road because the ZEM vehicle can be charged while driving.
The vehicle can be driven at low speeds by human pedaling in inner city streets with congested traffic. The electric motor can power the vehicle to run at higher speeds, up to 35 mph. Solar energy provides a continuous charge of the batteries during the operation of the vehicle and also when it is idle. The vehicle has a cruising range of 40 miles. With the solar energy supplement, its range is 50 miles.
The design and construction of the ZEM vehicle evolved from a senior design course in the Davidson College of Engineering. It combines the latest technologies in electric vehicle design, solar power conversions, and ergonomic human-powered vehicles into one affordable and environmentally sustainable vehicle for urban transportation. The ZEM vehicle is suitable for urban commuting, small business deliveries and shuttle services.
In March 2007, a student team consisting of Scott Cassell and Tim Wang won first prize for their ZEM proposal at the National Idea-to-Product Competition for EPICS and Social Entrepreneurship at Princeton University. Their award came with a $15,000 cash prize, to be used to invest in the development of the vehicle's technology.
Key industry sponsors include SunPower Corporation of San Jose and CleanPower Battery Technologies of Santa Clara.
No expensive gas, no toxic pollution, and a little bit of exercise! What could be more perfect for a motorist in 2008?!
On Tuesday, December 9, the City of San Jose will be giving a commendation to the SJSU ZEM team for their work on a sustainable vehicle for urban transportation. Mayor Chuck Reed will give the commendation.
For more information on the ZEM vehicle, contact Joy Leighton, Director of Communications, at joy.leighton@sjsu.edu.Links
- Spartan Daily Video Story
- Spartan Daily: Mobilizing green tech
- Spartan Daily: Allow me to ZEMonstrate
- Spartan Daily: ZEM is easy to drive, hard to pedal
- Watch KGO Channel 7's Story
- Watch KPIX Channel 5's Story
- Read the Mercury News' story
- Listen to KCBS's story
- Download ZEM vehicle brochure [PDF]
