electric EveryTrain Vehicle | eETV, the future of Off-Roadin

We provide low-cost, lightweight and high-performing electric ATVs to help make them more easily accessible to farmers and enthusiasts – cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.

ATVs, both traditional and electric, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and sustainability they offer farmers. The agriculture sector has seen a spike in demand for electric ATVs due to their sustainability, reduced emissions, and improved performance. In 2020, 11.2% of all greenhouse gas emissions were due to farming activities, many of which are powered by ATVs. This prompted Congress to dedicate $7.9 billion to helping farmers switch to climate-smart practices. Despite these efforts, in 2022, farming still accounted for 11.6% of all greenhouse gas emissions, this is mainly due to the starting cost of electric ATVs being around $14,000 while gas-powered ATVs start around $3,000. 

Furthermore, with an average weight of over 700 lbs, ATVs cause soil to become compact which leads to soil degradation. This degradation depletes our fresh water systems; and threatens the potential collapse of our agriculture and food supply. Making a great need for low-cost, lightweight and high-performing electric ATVs.

Our proposed eETV 2.0 is a vehicle designed for farmers, allowing for high load capacity at lighter weight. It is designed to be lighter than traditional ATVs-- increasing the range while maintaining carrying capacity -- and uses recycled parts -- significantly reducing the cost. Enabling us to build a light-weight and high-performance electric ATV with low-cost. 

Mechanically, we are utilizing a robust, powerful, and lightweight design that enables us to deliver the required performance while significantly reducing the total weight. This reduction in weight translates into a reduction in motor power,  which results in a reduced cost. 

Electrically, our battery system takes advantage of recycled battery cells. For our first electric ATV we were able deliver the capacity to drive for a 50 mile range; typical gas-powered ATVs usually go around 100 miles on a full tank of gas. While slightly more complicated, re-using recycled battery cells not only helps decrease waste, which aids in the sustainability of our vehicle, but it also helps us significantly reduce the cost of buying new battery cells.

Currently, ATVs are commonly used in the farming industry for tasks such as transporting crops, supplies, and equipment, as well as for general maintenance and inspection of land and livestock. ATVs provide farmers with a versatile means of transportation on large farms, and can be equipped with a range of attachments for various tasks. They help to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs, making them an essential tool for many farmers. However, farmers who use gas ATVs face several costs; this includes fuel expenses, maintenance costs, and environmental impact. Fuel costs for gas ATVs can add up over time, as MPG (Miles per Gallon) of the vehicle drops overtime, and regular maintenance is required to keep the vehicle running smoothly, this can put a lot of financial strain on farmers. 

Electric ATVs offer major advantages in the agricultural industry due to their numerous benefits over traditional gas-powered ATVs. They produce zero emissions, which can greatly reduce the environmental impact of farming operations. This is especially important for farmers who work in sensitive ecosystems or near residential areas, as it can help to mitigate the negative effects of air pollution. They are also much quieter than gas-powered ATVs (virtually silent), which can be a significant advantage for farmers who need to operate in close proximity to homes, or other sensitive areas. Additionally, the reduced noise levels make it easier for farmers to communicate with each other, which can improve safety and productivity on the farm. Electric ATVs also have much lower maintenance costs; in contrast to gas-powered ATVs, which require regular oil changes, part replacements and other maintenance. This can save farmers a significant amount of time and money in the long run. Additionally, the efficient use of energy in electric ATVs can help to reduce the overall cost of farming operations.

Overall, electric ATVs have a significant positive impact on farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole. They are environmentally friendly, quiet, low maintenance, and efficient, which can help to improve the sustainability, productivity, and profitability of farming operations.

Ahmad Taka - Team Lead:

Ahmad grew up in suburban VA, with a father who loved to cook. His father would often take him to farmers markets and apple farms. He got to know several farmers and understand the margins and difficulties they face. He also has a brother who loves cars and works as a mechanic. As a result, he found a niche in farming vehicles and off-roading technology. In correspondence with his passion, he has extensive experience in 3D Mechanical and PCB design. Multiple mechanical and electrical engineering projects including a 3D printer, research publications, and an Electric ATV (personal website and project page) 

Ahmed Katary - Software Engineer / Business:

Ahmed Katary is a highly motivated and competent Software Developer. His computer science achievements span a wide variety of fields. His most notable achievements are a research publication on A.I. and 3D modeling. His character and friendliness serve as unique assets, putting him in a good position to talk to customers and negotiate. As an immigrant from Egypt, Ahmed also has a passion for low-cost climate friendly solutions. (personal website) 

Farris Elnager - Mechanical Engineer: 

Farris is an exceptional Mechanical Engineer. Despite being a sophomore at MIT he has already spearheaded multiple automotive projects. He served as an integral member of MITs Motorsports team. He has experience in vehicle dynamics and suspension technology. He has worked as a vehicle technician. 

Raiphy Jerez - Battery Technician:

Raiphy is an Electrical Engineering senior at MIT, he has extensive experience in battery technology and has numerous projects in electrical system design. Most notably he helped design and build for the aforementioned ATV. His knowledge in Electrical Engineering is unmatched. Among his multitude of projects, he has designed his own motor controller and speaker system.

Travis Zeigler - Embedded System:

Travis grew up in rural Texas he has seen ATVs his entire life. He understands the costs associated with maintaining ATVs as well as its impact on finances. He is also an exceptional software and hardware developer who has extensive experience in both PCB design and Software development. His major projects include a Hardware Implementation of the original GameBoy on a FPGA, a computer vision pipeline, and custom LTE GPS module. 

(personal website)

During the construction of eETV v1.0, we spoke to mechanics, ATV-enthusiasts, and some of the car-making teams on campus in order to build our design and construct our vehicle. Seeing the potential of eETV v1.0, we decided to further research markets for electric ATVs. We discovered that there is a great need for electric ATVs in the agriculture industry. Research revealed to us, recent efforts by Congress to help promote electric ATVs for farmers in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the initiative was a great step forward, we discovered that the main blockades stopping farmers from switching to electric ATVs was the high cost. This motivated us to begin working on eETV, a high-performing low-cost electric ATV. So far, we have found two organizations: Regenerate America and Food and Agriculture Climate alliance (FACA). Regenerate America is an organization aimed at helping farmers prevent soil degradation. FACA aims to help farmers use sustainable technologies to reduce their greenhouse gas-emissions. Due to eETV’s lightweight it does not compact soil preventing soil degradation and because our vehicle is electric it produces 0 greenhouse gas emissions.

Our solution, eETV 2.0, takes advantage of the substantial benefits of electric vehicles while significantly reducing the price, namely the brushless motor technology. By re-designing the frame to be lighter and structurally as strong, we are able to provide competitive performance at a much lower price -- enabling more farmers to switch to eETV 2.0 and decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. During our first design we learned how to use recycled battery cells, to construct a battery, while maintaining capacity. Our new design will implement an inline 4WD (four wheel drive) design, which allows us to use small motors and maintain power and load capacity. This also removes the need for a rear axle, reducing maintenance costs, weight, and complexity. Unlike other ATVs we will use a belt drive system for our drivetrain, which will maintain high torque at reduced weight, and increase longevity of the drivetrain system. We expect eETV 2.0 will transform farming by enabling more farmers to be able to switch to a more sustainable solution which will greatly reduce total greenhouse gas emissions. 

Over the course of the next year we have 2 main goals: developing the second version of our eETV and securing investments and partnerships to help us commercialize our vehicle. This will help us achieve our main impact goal: enabling farmers to switch to sustainable high-preforming ATVs at a low-cost. We have been working diligently on presenting our work so far, researching for possible funding avenues, possible partners and clients. We hope that by 2024, we are able to partner with several farms in order to beta test our eETV.

Our eETV preserves beneficial aspects of traditional ATVs, such as the high power output of the Motor:

1. eETV is powered by a brushless motor, which can convert a higher percentage of the energy it consumes into useful work -- increasing efficiency. They last longer and require little maintenance -- increasing lifespan. Can limit the amount of current that can flow through the motor -- increasing power. And they are easier to control.

Our eETV, however, modifies the design and construction of the traditional electric ATVs in key ways in order to create a cheaper ATV with longer range:

1. eETV makes use of recycled batteries, which are manually tested and adjusted to become compatible with our vehicles. Recycled batteries have the advantage of being significantly cheaper than new power cells while, if properly repurposed, provide almost the same amount of power. They reduce the environmental impact of battery production. And can help to ensure a steady supply of batteries for use. 

1. eETV uses a simpler and lighter steel frame. This decreases the amount of steel needed which decreases the cost and creates a higher horsepower to weight ratio which increases the range and efficiency. Makes the eETV more agile and easier to control, especially when riding off-road. It reduces the risk of rollovers and other accidents. And enables the eETV to carry more weight, as it can handle a higher load without being overloaded.

Our first prototype, eETV v1.0, had a total weight < 430 lbs, had a 50 mile range (current electric ATVs, of which there are little, are around 30-45 miles in range) and cost < $1500 to make (many ATVs retail for $15,000). This proof of concept proved 2 important facts to us:

1. Re-designing of the frame to be lighter while maintaining structural strength is possible

1. eETV can achieve competitive performance to modern electric ATVs while costing almost 1/10 of the cost!

As we begin planning eETV v2.0, the frame will be even lighter -- achieving < 330 lbs -- and reaching a top speed of up to 40 mph, we are aiming for a range of 75 miles. We are also designing a new  electric 4WD system, allowing us to increase power output while maintaining cost effectiveness.

Our eETV 2.0 is aimed at serving farmers in need of low-cost sustainable ATVs to help with their farming activities. Because we have not yet launched our solution, over the course of the next year, we plan on partnering with a few farmers in order to test our vehicle and gain insight for further improvement. This will then enable us to finalize our product and begin the launching process.

Currently our main barriers to realizing our eETV v2.0 are:

1. Funding. While we were able to put eETV v1.0 together for under $1000, for us to develop v2.0 we require around $3000 - $5000, this obstacle is the greatest limitation we currently have.

1. Legal. Everyone on our team comes with an engineering background which leaves us with a very limited understanding of the legal aspect of selling and marketing our product. While not a pressing issue currently, we anticipate this will be an obstacle later on down the road as we develop more commercial versions of our eETV. 

We understand getting into the Vehicle business is a lot of hard work. We are at a disadvantage because we have a small amount of resources. However, we are equipped with the necessary skills to make a lot of different things efficiently with limited resources. Our designs are centered around digital manufacturing processes meant for low to mid-scale. This gives us flexibility in our design, and allows us to rapidly prototype and iterate. It also enables us to make parts from raw materials which is both sustainable and significantly reduces cost, complexity, and inefficiency.

MIT D-Lab, they have donated their shop and equipment for use in manufacturing and development