History

The electric vehicle program began in Hertford County during the summer of 1994. Former vocational director Russ Lyles brought the idea of converting a gasoline powered truck into an electric vehicle to Lee Wilson, Industry Education Coordinator at Hertford County High School. It was decided this would be one of the work projects for the Summer Youth Job Training Partnership Act Program conducted by Hertford County Schools for the Mid East Commission. Jerry Stace of Central Ford in Ahoskie donated a 1983 Ford Range Pickup to the project, other businesses and individuals also made donations.

Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ron Lane, and Mr. David White plus a crew of six JTPA student workers began the process of converting the truck. The workers completed assignments such as sanding the entire truck for a new paint job, repairing a dent in the driver's side door, stripping parts from the truck and labeling them for re-installation, helping to build the battery cage, coming up with logo designs, working on the lighting system, and cutting metal support strips for the battery cage.

Within eight weeks the project was completed. The truck contained 16 6-volt batteries (10 under the truck bed and 6 under the hood) with a 27 horsepower DC motor. It reached a top speed of 65 m.p.h. and the batteries held up to 105 volts of power, which could be revived with an on board, solid state-of-the-art charging system. The truck had become a pollution-free, noise-free electric vehicle which required very little maintenance. Hertford County Schools proudly displayed their electric vehicle at the 1994 North Carolina State Fair.

The success of the electric truck led to plans to convert a car next. The Ahoskie Body painted and donated a 1981 Honda Accord to the local school system, and work began through the auto mechanic classes of Mr. Harry Keene. Many contributors donated materials and start-up money. Terry Wilson, manager of McPherson Brothers' NAPA Auto Supply of Ahoskie and a NASCAR certified driver, acted as procurement officer. He identified several needs and making arrangements to secure parts.

The Hertford County Schools System desires to continue the electric vehicle program to educate both students and the general public about the importance electric vehicles can have economically and environmentally. As new laws are being passed to protect the environment, it is important that everyone think about electric vehicles.

Classes and Instructors Involved

Instructors:
• David White
• Harry Keene
  
  Classes:
• Core/Automotive Service Technology I
• Automotive Service Technology II
• Automotive Service Technology III

What Students Learn by Participating

Students learn a variety of things by participating in the EV program. It is an opportunity for them to learn team work and problem solving skills. They are able to learn the issues associated with energy conservation and clean fuel technologies as they design and build a full size electric vehicle. They also learn responsibility and get a better appreciation for a pollution free environment.

Awards and Achievements

Electric Vehicle Technical Competition: Richmond Raceway in Richmond, VA on May 4-6 1995	The car won 3rd place in the acceleration event, 3rd place in the 35-lap Grand Prix, 5th place in the range event, 10th place overall, and a cash prize of $300.
Northampton Electric Road Rally on October 4-5, 1996	The truck won a slalom and the car finished 2nd in the "lightweight" EV slalom
5th Annual Electric Vehicle Rally: Becker Village Mall, Roanoke Rapids, NC. October 5, 2000	The car won 2nd place in the distance run.

Media Coverage

During the 1995-96 school year, the electric vehicles were displayed at the North Carolina State Fair as well as the Ahoskie Christmas Parade and the 1996 Chicken Fest. Also in 1996 the car was displayed at a campaign stop for Richard Petty and a Family Fun Day at the National Guard Armory in Ahoskie.