This Sunday the A & P showgrounds in Christchurch will host EVolocityFESTT.
The Festival of Engineering, Sustainability & Transportation Technologies is a showcase to stimulate youth interest and engagement in engineering, and for the wider public, the chance to experience the huge advances made in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology.
EVolocityFESTT is a unique public event that features the national finals of the EVolocity high school electric vehicle building competition.
It also showcases Rocketry and the Mission to Mars project from Ara Institute of Canterbury, Electric grass karts and solar mini racers from the University of Canterbury, Drone racing demos, Radio control car racing (where the public can bring their own car and compete), electric bike rides and more.
A major part of the festival this year will be test rides and drives for the general public of a wide range of production electric cars from manufacturers including Tesla, Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi and BMW. This is supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Executive Director of EVolocity, Rob McEwen says: “Our mission is to turn teenagers onto engineering, sustainability and transportation technologies and give students the chance to learn and experience the engineering process and train for an electric future.”
“While the schools programme remains a central part of the Festival, the event has grown significantly this year and should have wide public appeal.”
EVolocity is a registered charity aimed at growing enrolments in the areas of engineering & technology studies and trades – whilst fostering awareness of sustainable lifestyles by running an electric vehicle project based learning programme for young people and communities.
The programme introduces young school students to the engineering process from concept to completion – learning industry-based skills in the areas of teamwork, design, mechanical & electrical engineering, power electronics, assembly, documentation, communication and competition.
EVolocityFESTT runs from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Sunday 27th November at the A&P showgrounds, Curletts Road, Wigram, Christchurch.
Entry fee is a gold coin and those taking part in the EV rides and drives will be encouraged to support the New Zealand Red Cross November Earthquake appeal.