As part of the UC Davis EcoCAR team, I contributed to the restoration of a CityEl, a compact German/Danish electric vehicle donated to our team to enhance hands-on vehicle learning. The vehicle initially had significant issues, with an outdated electrical system, non-functional battery, and no signaling capabilities. To restore it, we replaced the battery, brake components, and dashboard. Additionally, we integrated a new system for blinkers and signals, which involved electrical wiring and Arduino coding to manage the signal functionality effectively.
Throughout the restoration process, I gained experience in key automotive systems, including electrical wiring, mechanical brake design, and emergency safety protocols for handling electric vehicle components. Examining the CityEl’s control systems offered me a deeper understanding of EV basics and how driveline systems work in smaller vehicles, a perspective that directly supported my work in half-shaft design for the EcoCAR project.
Key Skills
Electrical System Repair
Arduino Programming
Mechanical System Understanding
Safety Protocols
Control Systems Knowledge
Date
June 2023 - September 2023