New Generation, New Energy

As ways to fuel our vehicles become more of an issue each day, the next generation will be the ones to find a permanent solution. Starting now, kids can learn about science, math, and engineering to prepare themselves for the road ahead. Learning these areas, and about new types of vehicle design and ways to fuel those vehicles is a way to make sure that the next generation's transportation is fueled by a new kind of energy. To schedule the Challenge X team to come to your school or youth group to talk about vehicles and fuel issues, please contact Amanda McAlpin.

Questions about our vehicle:

What makes this car special? Our vehicle is called a hybrid, meaning that it runs on two kinds of power. Electric and fuel. The fuel we use is called biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oil. Ours is made from soybean oil. Biodiesel is great because it is a renewable resource, meaning someting that we can get more of, and also because it doesn't pollute the environment as much as regular gasoline.

How fast does the car go? Right now the car will go about 80 miles per hour. We haven't really designed the car to go really fast. We want a car that can be a family car, and still be good for the environment.

Do you get to drive the car? Yes, almost all members of our team drive the car. We have to run a lot of tests on the car, so we have to drive it around. It is pretty much the same as a regular car, only it is usually quieter since the electric motor doesn't make much sound.

Do you put soybeans straight into your car? No, we use soybean oil, and then make the biodiesel out of it. It's kind of a complicated process. When we are done, the biodiesel looks a lot like vegetable oil that your parents use to cook with.

How much does your car cost? Well, our car isn't for sale, but someday they may make a car very similar to it. There are also hyrid cars that are available to buy now.

Why didn't you make a sports car? Sports cars are fun, but they aren't very practical if you and your family want to go somewhere together. Families need a larger vehicle. But there are so many vehicles right now in the world, they are using up a lot of gasoline! So we wanted to make a vehicle that everyone can buy, and it will be better for the environment, and we won't be using so much gasoline.

Does your car fly, or float on water? No, our car doesn't. People are still inventing technology to do all kinds of things like that. Maybe someday you can be the one to invent a car that flies! It's only limited by what's in your imagination, and by what kind of skills you have to build it. To get those skills, you should study math and science right now, so that you'll be ready when you get to college.

Click here to find out more information about cars, the environment, and technology from GM!

Click here for a printable kids brochure on hybrid vehicles.