Model electric buses inspire the engineers of tomorrow

On Thursday 4 July 2024 the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) visited Cannon Park Primary School in Coventry to deliver a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) morning to local year 6 children.

A team from the APC, which facilitates funding to UK-based projects developing zero-emission automotive technologies, introduced their involvement in sustainability, the technologies they support, and what careers in the sector are available for budding engineers.

Cannon Park Primary’s skills were put to the test in designing and building their own solar-powered buses, complete with an impromptu race across the assembly hall.

The children showed their fantastic enthusiasm, and some were already planning a career in engineering.

Acting Deputy Head, James Young said

“The children at Cannon Park Primary School had a fantastic time learning about sustainable vehicles through solar-powered technology. The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK organised an enriching and inspiring activity that hooked the children in and gave them considerable food for thought for the future of transportation.”

Leading the APC team Head of Strategy and Performance, Daniel Fung said

“Engineering is an activity that impacts all our lives in so many ways. Whether it’s providing for our basic needs such as energy, shelter, food or building the infrastructure which allows us to travel from place to place; improving our health and wellbeing or simply entertaining us through TV, computing and the internet; engineers are the ones that make it happen.”

Engineering is also central to achieving the UK’s net-zero goals and creating a more sustainable future for both people and the planet. But for this to be possible, more engineers are needed.

Through events like this the APC, which is based on the Warwick University campus in Coventry, wants to showcase what an engineering career in the automotive sector could look like.

There will be further opportunities for children to participate and learn how engineers employ science and technology to help us build a healthier planet and a better future for all. The APC invites local schools interested to get in touch.