Professor transforms car for efficiency
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 09/18/2008
Sara Conn | Campus Editor
Assistant Professor in Computer Information Technology Michael Kane explains the inter workings of his battery powered bug to a curious student on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Knoy Hall of Technology.
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Rising gas prices has inspired one Purdue professor to park his gas guzzler and go green.
Michael Kane said he was proud of his lime-green BMW electric Bug, except for the car's shocking color, but his family won't allow him to repaint it.
"My wife and daughter just love it," said the assistant professor in the department of Computer and Information Technology. Kane found the car, with a newly painted exterior, in a classified ad.
"The former owner was having trouble with engine," Kane said. He bought the car for $1,500 and found a kit to convert the car to run on battery power. The total cost of Kane's new mode of transportation was $4,500. He said the project was his way of combating rising fuel prices.
"I drive a gas guzzler and it's a way to commute around town."
Kane said the car is perfect for driving around Lafayette and West Lafayette, because while it doesn't use any fuel, the car can only travel a distance of approximately 20 miles before needing to charge its batteries. But he's not sure what will happen this winter, when the cold weather causes battery efficiency to drop. He said it would be helpful if there were parking spots specifically designed for electric cars.
"Purdue needs to have some designated areas where you could plug in," he said.
The demand for parking spots that support electric cars might soon increase. Some of Kane's colleagues said they were interested in converting a car for themselves. Thomas Hacker, an assistant professor in the department of Computer and Information Technology, said he would like to find a Bug he could convert.
"It's difficult to find a hybrid car right now," he said.
Hacker said he is trying to reduce his fuel consumption even when it comes to mowing his lawn. He doesn't use the traditional gas-hungry lawn mower; he traded it in for a push reel mower.
"It really doesn't make sense having a ship bring fuel across an ocean so I can mow my lawn," he said.
Hacker said while he would like to convert a car he wanted to go for a ride in Kane's Bug first.
"It seems like the '60s."
It took Kane three days to make the changes to the vehicle but he said the project was simple. The most difficult part was finding insurance to cover the vehicle.
"I shopped around quite a bit and the only insurance company that would cover is Progressive."
Kane said he may be known as a "tinkerer" or a "master of none" but anyone can convert a car to run on batteries.
"I shocked myself a couple times but it's pretty straightforward."