A car that can go over 650 kilometres on a single litre of fuel may sound a little crazy, but a bunch of students at Sarnia’s Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School is looking to prove that they are among the most fuel-efficient car builders in the world.
Team Northern is heading to Sonoma, California, to compete in the 2018 Shell Eco-marathon event that takes place April 19-22. Maria Peregoudov, who serves as the team’s captain and car driver, says it was a great experience not only building the vehicle but now being able to go and drive the car on an actual race track at the Sonoma Raceway.
When asked how fuel efficient the car actually is, Peregoudov gave some shocking statistics. She says the car, which is officially named “Rover” but commonly referred to by the team as “Sardina” because of the cramped quarters, can go up to 800 kilometres on a single litre of gas.
Incredible, yes, but this has been a three-year project for the Northern students, assisted by teacher Doug McArthur as the overseer of the project. Students from all grade levels have been involved and Team Northern is the only Canadian high school team participating in the Shell Eco-marathon event.
Peregouda says this project not only highlights the eco-friendly challenge but also what an amazing place Sarnia is and the opportunities that are available here but many don’t know about.
The Eco-marathon is slated for April 19-22, but the “Sardina” will be leaving for California on April 5 in preparation for the marathon.