Welcome!


Welcome to the blog of the University of the South's Eco-Auto Club.

We are exploring a broader definition of 'efficiency' by modifying a used vehicle to be greener, since modifying a vehicle that is already manufactured naturally produces less emissions than purchasing a new product. Our goal is to dramatically increase the fuel efficiency of our 212,000-mile 1998 Ford Explorer (nicknamed "Ewvee") within the constraints of a limited budget.

Through small modifications to aerodynamics, fuel mixture, weight, and vehicle accessories, we plan to improve the ecological integrity of the vehicle and to strengthen the case for EUVs (extended use vehicles). With this project we hope to create a vehicle that can become a model for a University shuttle service and for others -- filling a current need for transportation and simultaneously lowering our carbon footprint.

We hope you enjoy hearing about what we are up to. Feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas you may wish to share.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

We brought Ewvee to a local sand pit scale to be weighed
and then removed the aerodynamically unfit roof rack. We also fixed a sticky seatbelt. Little steps for now -- the real work will begin in January.


Ewvee's weight? 3960 pounds (give or take 20, and Rocco was standing on the scale when he took the above photo) with just over a quarter tank of gas (we took a photo of the gas gauge also, just for future accuracy's sake).


Posted by spike at 11:40 PM

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