Team Pravega with the e-car
An electric car designed by Team Pravega, a group of students from Government Engineering College Barton Hill, Thiruvananthapuram, was on Friday unveiled by Higher Education Minister R.K. Bindu and Transport Minister Antony Raju unveiled.
Team Pravega includes members from all four years of study at the college. Final year members, Joshwin T. Rajan (Team Leader), B. Pranav, Prahlad Vivek, Suraj S. and RB Yadukrishnan will participate in the Shell Eco Marathon Asia Pacific and Middle East to be held from July 4 to 9 at Pertamina Mandalika. International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia.
The body of the prototype e-car is made of biodegradable bamboo composite made from bamboo species found in Kerala. The teardrop-shaped vehicle runs on three ultra-lightweight magnesium alloy wheels. It features a data and telemetry system that tracks and receives on-track data such as elapsed time, elevation variation, position within the racetrack, and vehicle speed during racing. For the safety and convenience of the driver, the car is equipped with an advanced drowsiness detection system.
The VAHAN project was supported financially through sponsorship from the e-mobility promotion scheme of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Pravega team leader Joshwin T. Rajan said in a statement that the lightweight prototype electric car has been designed and engineered to optimize efficiency and stability. VK Prashant, MLA, and Rajshree MS, Director of Technical Education were also present.