Aurora Report #6 from Bibendum, 2 June 2010

UNIVERSITY DAY

A new audience of university students were the scheduled guests today. Lunch would be big!

And you could guess what was the biggest attraction. The ride on trikes, bikes and scooters. It was like a race track.

Derrick and Nick became tourists for the day determined to ride the cable cars to the Jesus Christ statue and Sugar Loaf.

Today was also a chance to catch the exhibition, which was part of Bibendum’s massive display. Micheli had their in wheel motor on display, an ingenious arrangement of a geared motor housed within the inside of a drive wheel. Also Michelin were displaying their increasing range of low rolling resistance tires.

Michelin were also coordinating a number of supplier companies that were needed to design electric drive systems. This included Leoni a wiring network supplier based in Europe.

There was an interesting stand featuring a prototype small electric commercial vehicle built in Brazil. Four of these competent vehicles have been built and were also available during the ride and drive sessions.

A general observation was that small electric vehicles are developing fast although the electric sports cars were getting the attention.

In parallel with Bibendum there was a schools design competition for the clean car of the future. Some terrific ideas but occasionally implausible.

And the most popular area of the exhibition? The coffee and cake bar.

We ended our day in packing tools, spares, solar car and everything else for transportation to the beach tomorrow for the final event. This was to be a parade drive for the public and a photo session against the back drop of famous Mount Sugar Loaf! That is going to be interesting!!