Van Kam Supports Future Engineers at the High School EV Challenge

At Van Kam Freightways, we support our communities, especially our youth, the next generation leading us into the future. This commitment was displayed as we proudly supported the High School EV Challenge, organized by Edison Motors on May 25, 2024, at the Merritt Rodeo Grounds in Merritt, BC. This event brought together bright young minds to showcase their skills and ingenuity in electric vehicle (EV) design and engineering.

Building the Next Generation of Innovators

The High School EV Challenge aimed to spark interest in EV technology among young Canadians. The competition sought to inspire future careers in a field critical to sustainable transportation by providing a platform for students to engage in hands-on engineering. The participants, high school students from across the region, demonstrated their prowess in mechanical and electrical engineering, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

Participating schools received critical components for their EV builds, including driver’s seats, seat belts, brake and steering systems, electric drive motors, batteries, and system controllers. However, the real test of their skills came with the requirement to design and build the vehicle chassis independently. This approach fostered personal growth and allowed students to learn new skills by tackling real-world engineering challenges with limited guidance.

Innovation in Action

The competition, created by Edison Motors, featured three exciting events: a straight-course race, a tractor pull, and an obstacle course race on soft terrain. Each event tested different aspects of the students’ EV designs, from speed and power to agility and handling. The participants also competed for bonus points for the coolest-looking EV, showcasing their creativity and design flair.

The winning teams of each event received a $500 scholarship prize, while the overall winning team earned a $1,500 scholarship prize. Additionally, the leader of the winning team was offered a paid summer position at Edison Motors to develop their EV fabrication and engineering skills further.

Van Kam’s Commitment

Van Kam is honoured to support this initiative. Our donation helped provide the resources needed for these students to participate and excel in the competition. By investing in events like the High School EV Challenge, we demonstrate our dedication to nurturing future talent and promoting sustainable practices in the transportation industry.

We congratulate all the participants and winners of the High School EV Challenge. Their hard work and creativity are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the amazing things they’ll achieve in the future.

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