By Cara Miller
Arizona Daily Wildcat
When the red needle on the gas gauge registers "E" it usually means empty. But for Jonathan LeGrand and his 1970 VW microbus, "E" might mean electricity.
LeGrand, a geosciences junior, is retrofitting his Volkswagen to run on electricity in an effort to educate the community on conservational issues.
"It's sending a message that this is good and doesn't stink up the air," he said. "I'm hoping to spurt a wave of this type of thing, and get people involved in projects of their own."
The self-sufficient bus will not have to be plugged in or recharged, LeGrand said. Instead, solar panels will recharge the bus anywhere the sun or light shines.
LeGrand said in comparison to a normal fossil fuel vehicle, an electric bus is the perfect commuting vehicle because it is clean, quiet and almost non-polluting.
"Most people think electric cars are slow and outdated," he said. "But the technology is there to get you back and forth everyday."
And LeGrand plans on getting there in style. The finished bus will have grey velour seats and a dark blue and white paint job. The solar panels will be on the roof and the batteries under the seat.
LeGrand also intends to paint the names of those who have contributed to the project on the back of the bus.
"I don't want some old jalopy driving down the road," he said. "I wanted something presentable."
LeGrand said the bus's completion date depends on the amount
of help he receives from people in the community.
"If I have to do it by myself it will probably take a year," he said. "But with volunteers I should be able to get it done a lot sooner."
Although it is not finished, LeGrand will be presenting the vehicle as part of the Student Showcase this weekend.
The showcase, presented by the Graduate and Professional Student Council, is designed to provide solutions to many of the problems facing university students.
Other presentations include a Space Craft Simulator, a hydroplane, and a string quartet.
At least $7,000 in prize money will be divided among best-of-show winners and first place winners in the eight categories, said Carey Cramer, event co-director.
One hundred fifty-two exhibits will be judged on quality of presentation, academic merit and demonstration of the work's value to the public, he said.
"We are trying to demonstrate to the public why we are a research university and how we are part of the community," Cramer said.