WASHINGTON, D.C. - Michigan Technological University's hybrid electric vehicles mobile lab is on the move.
The lab, which is on display in Washington, D.C., this week, will make its way back to Michigan after a visit to the USA Science and Engineering Festival in the Washington Convention Center this weekend.
Jeremy Worm, mobile lab director, said the lab, painted in black and gold with Michigan Tech's logo, will be used to demonstrate a variety of science projects, such as using test batteries, using stationary bikes to power an electric engine and seeing a car engine run.
"We're having a good time and it's been great," Worm said in a phone interview from Washington, D.C. "The public event starts on Friday."
So far, the crew with the lab has offered tours and demonstrations for several senators and directors of governmental agencies, set up with the help of Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit.
"It's a nice opportunity for us, for sure," Worm said.
After this weekend, the lab staff will conduct demonstrations at the U.S. Army's tank research center in downstate Warren, followed by presentations for Chrysler Corporation engineers and a display at the High School Enterprise Showcase at the Renaissance Center in Detroit.
The lab is the university's pioneering hybrid electric vehicle engineering program and is funded by a $3 million U.S. Department of Energy grant and $750,000 of in-kind contributions from automotive industry sponsor and partners.