Tech students build electric car

Students in the Automotive Service Technology program at Lee County High Tech Center Central are doing a complete DC electric conversion of a 2001 Ford Ranger as part of their training.

When completed, the vehicle will be able to travel 50 miles on a single charge. The four students working on the conversion, Everton Davids, Stephen Davis, Martin Goldberg, and Robert Vaquerano, are learning the latest electrical and electronic technology that will be introduced in the automotive industry in the near future.

Last week, the students were visited by Andrew Roddy, Public Relations Director of the Florida Electric Auto Association. The FLEAA is a non-profit educational organization that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are a clean, quiet alternative to conventional vehicles. The FLEAA is building a Florida "Electric Highway" network of public charging stations through south and central Florida that will enable continuous travel from Key Largo to Melbourne with charging stations every 15-25 miles. More information is available on the Web site: floridaaeaa.org

The students were also visited by Al Lococo of Winter Haven who drives a DC conversion vehicle that is the model for the conversion the students are working on. The cost to convert his vehicle was approximately $10,000.

Call 334-4544 to learn more about the Automotive Service Technology program at High Tech Central.