There are so many possibilities with hybrid and electric vehicles; a better environment, lower spending on fuels, etc. However, one problem that we have not solved yet is how to eliminate shipping cost by making our semi-trucks and transport vehicles battery power as to save of fuel costs. In this design challenge, you will explore the world of battery powered automation but building your own tractor and by seeing how much weight it can pull, how far it can pull it, and how fast it can pull that weight. Things you need to watch for: power output, motor power capacity, friction, weight of your trucks frame, etc.
Electric Semi-Truck TEK8 Student Guide
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
Electric Semi-Truck TEK8 Instructor’s Guide
This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.