About the Competition

The Washington DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix is a hands-on, educational program for high schools in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

For this competition, student teams apply strategy and engineering, science, and math principles to construct and race battery powered, electric cars. The project also helps improve their understanding of renewable energy technologies and project management while working in a team environment. Other aspects of the program involve: marketing, PR and fundraising, as well as logistics planning in preparation for the races.

Participation in the DEVGP serves as an excellent opportunity for young men and women in high schools to better prepare them for their college careers in the fields of science and engineering. The electric vehicles are single person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high efficiency, electric-motor- driven vehicles with three wheels; additionally, they must meet specific design and safety rules. They are powered by deep cycle lead acid battery packs not exceeding 33 kg (73 pounds).

The race is held on a purpose-built, closed track with a minimum length of 0.25 miles. Speeds are software limited through the controller to insure utmost safety. Teams drive their electrically powered vehicles as far as possible for one hour on the closed loop course, using only energy stored in their batteries. The winner of the DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix is the team that covers the longest distance in the allotted hour

The organizers made arrangements with partner organizations to assist the schools with their technical, parts sourcing, marketing, and fundraising needs. An official kit comprised of the necessary components has been specified and sourced by NuGen Mobility at no cost on behalf of the teams. This helps reduce risks and allows the schools to focus on the learning aspects of the project.