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Many of our Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) undergraduate and graduate students not only excel in the classroom, they use that knowledge to mark a clear path to future careers. At Buckeye Current, students design, build and race an all-electric motorcycle to compete on the national stage. The program operates via the Ohio State Center for Automotive Research (CAR). In 2013 and 2014, Buckeye Current students prevailed at the Isle of Man TT Zero race, during which renowned rider Rob Barber piloted the team’s RW-2 and then RW-2.X vehicles to third place victories, achieving the title of the world’s fastest collegiate electric motorcycle two years in a row. After earning two podium finishes at the Isle of Man, the team was looking ahead to a new challenge. This year the team had to create an entirely new bike to conquer the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race. RW-3 is designed to average 76 miles per hour through the course with a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The battery pack holds 7.8 kilowatt-hours of energy on board and contains 972 individual 18650 cylindrical battery cells. The bike features a student-designed and built electronics system, carbon fiber fairings, and a custom-designed battery pack. With such great student talent, the team was able to create a bike that they believe can not only win the electric class but set the record for all motorcycles. Joe Prussiano, a professional race instructor at the Texas Tornado Boot Camp is the team's professional rider this year. Joe is a three-time Pikes Peak 450 Pro Class winner. More About Buckeye Current: Buckeye Current is a student team at The Ohio State University based at the Center for Automotive Research. The team researches, designs, builds, and races electric motorcycles to not only create innovative electric vehicles but to educate both students and the community about green technologies. The team’s first bike, RW-1, set the East Coast Timing Association record for electric motorcycles at 144.3 miles per hour. Buckeye Current’s second bike placed third in the Isle of Man TT Zero, an international all-electric series, and their third bike placed third to defend that position in the following year. To read more about the team and to follow its progress please visit current.osu.edu and the Facebook page (/BuckeyeCurrent). Buckeye Current seeks funding partners to continue the innovative development and success of the team. In addition to supporting a student led endeavor, partnership with the team provides access to highly qualified students and public exposure on an international stage, all while contributing to the advancement of clean technologies. For more about ECE, CAR and Buckeye Current, follow these links: https://ece.osu.edu http://current.osu.edu https://car.osu.edu Filming, interviews and editing: Ryan Horns, PR Coordinator, The Ohio State University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Music by: Paper Airplane