WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Virginia Tech competes to develop the latest car technology

Virginia Tech competes to develop the latest car technology

If someone gave you a car, and told you to do whatever you wanted to it, what would you do?

That's exactly happened to some Virginia Tech students and it may play a part in designing your future car.

Engineering students are helping to develop the green car of the future.

"I wish it was as easy as we think it is. It is absolutely blood, sweat and tears," says Virginia Tech senior Jesse Alley.

The students are taking part in the ECOCAR competition sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors.

They've designed an extended range electric vehicle propulsion system, essentially an advanced hybrid that runs partly on electricity, 45 miles to be exact.

"Electricity is much less expensive than fuel for the most part and it will have a lower impact on greenhouse gas emission and petroleum use," says Mechanical Engineering professor Doug Nelson.

That's because the hybrid engine, which kicks in after the electricity runs out, is fueled by 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline.

Thanks to GM, the students are now able to put this technology to practical use.

The company has donated this brand new car for the students to test on with the hope their work will pay off down the road.

"One day your Mom or Dad might be driving the vehicle you helped design and there's a lot of satisfaction you can get from that," says Virginia Tech senior Justin Badger.

The students will spend the next couple of months taking this engine out and putting their design in. They won't know until next year whether they've actually won the competition, but the team is confident it will win.

"I think we have a real good chance at winning the competition. We're going out there and give it all we got and hopefully win," says senior Whitney Bennis.

The team is competing against 16 other colleges and universities.