About EVERON and the Power Drive Program
EVERON is a nonprofit organization operating the “Power Drive” program
Power Drive is a program that encourages students to apply classroom knowledge to solve a real-world challenge – to design and build an electric-powered vehicle, and then compete with similar vehicles in several events. The program is open to high school and college students.
The vehicles are the size of a “go-kart” with a single driver. Power comes from two car batteries. A race lasts either 60 or 90 minutes, depending on track length and shape. The vehicle with most laps wins, with tiebreakers in place when needed. Teams cannot replace or recharge the batteries during the race.
Teams work on their vehicles during the school year. Competitions run during April and early May each year. High school students from all grades are eligible. However, only those who are 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license may drive in competition.
The program began in the 1998-1999 school year. It was created by the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), a large electric utility serving eastern Nebraska. The following year, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) joined OPPD in the management, operation, and funding of the Power Drive program.
At the end of the 2015 season, both OPPD and NPPD discontinued their sponsorship of the program. Power Drive coaches from several schools decided the program was worth preserving. They formed a Nebraska nonprofit called EVERON – Electric Vehicle Energy Research Of Nebraska – on January 25, 2016. EVERON owns the program and has operated it since that time.
Teams
Program benefits for students come in applying “STEM” skills – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Teams use lessons from the classroom to solve the “real world” challenge of constructing a vehicle that can move on its own power for an hour. For example, a student who learns about aerodynamics in physics class can now build an aerodynamic vehicle body to make it easier to move through the air. This makes better use of the battery’s power. There is also a strong need for skills in writing, journalism, photography, computer graphics, and videography because teams must submit reports, photos, and documentation about their car. Teamwork is an absolute necessity due to the tasks and skills needed to field a team and vehicle.
