Good news!

RideForward is delighted to be the recipient of the 2009-2010 School of Engineering translational research seed grant for $25,000 to be used in developing electric conversions.

What is RideForward?

RideForward is an interdisciplinary project initiated in 2008 at UVa to research, design and build alternative energy vehicles. Run by students under the guidance of professor Jim Durand, this innovative program aims to investigate the longterm impact of electric vehicles on the grid, the capability of photovoltaics for recharging, and the transportation needs of communities like universities and the greater Charlottesville area.

The goal? Zero carbon emissions.

This year we're converting an old Ford Ranger used as a UVa grounds maintenance truck to plug-in electric drive. We're also working on an EZ-GO golf cart as a test rig for independent wheel drive designs.

Last year we converted a 1994 Honda Accord to plug-in electric drive, charged by solar array with battery storage capabilities.

...and this site?

For detailed information on the program, check About Us. For weekly updates on our progress and observations from the garage, click Blogs. For our press information, news coverage, links to sponsors, etc, try Resources. To make a tax-deductible donation through UVa's secure webform, click Donate. We also welcome any comments, questions and suggestions through our Contact page!



Visit our gallery!

Web news:

Jan. 05, '10: The 2009-2010 RideForward site is up. Check for details on our new vehicles!
Mar. 18: All pages should be functional now, contrary to previous promises...
Feb. 25: Home, About Us and Donate pages are functional. Everything else will be up tonight.
UVa Disclaimer: Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization's contracts, acts or omissions.

Copyright © 2010 RideForward. All rights reserved.