Competition rules for 2017

The Waterloo Electric Vehicle Challenge mission statement is to:

1. Provide an accessible enrichment program. The event organizers seeks to reduce barriers to entry and keep a level playing field for all teams, regardless of their financial resources.
2. Provide a safe event for teams to celebrate their success. The EV Challenge makes every effort to ensure its events are as safe as possible for teams.
3. Support the growth of the EV Challenge community in Ontario. The formation of new teams is actively encouraged, with the responsibility for mentoring and promoting new teams shared between the event organizers and established teams. The EV Challenge will actively seek financial support for new teams.

In 2017 there will be two 12 V heat races and one 24 V race. The winner of the 12 V race will be based on the number of laps and elapsed times from both heat races. There is a limit of one (1) entry per team per race or per heat race, for a total of three (3) entries in the competition, as follows:

• A team may race three cars; entering one car in one of the 12 V heat races (one entry), one car in the other 12 V heat race (one entry), and the third car in the 24V race (one entry).
• A team may race two cars; entering one car in one of the 12 V heat races and in the 24 V race (two entries) and the other car in the second 12 V heat race (one entry).
• A team may race two cars; entering one car in one of the 12 V heat races (one entry) and the other car in the second 12 V heat race (one entry)
• A team may race one car in one of the 12 V heat races (one entry) and race the same car in the 24 V race (one entry)
• A team may race one car in the 24 V race (one entry)
• A team may race one car in one of the 12 V heat races (one entry) **Rookie teams that have received an EV Kit are expected to register for one 12 V heat race only.

In addition to the online registration, teams must complete an on-site registration between 8 and 9 am on Saturday or, for local teams, 4 to 6 pm Friday. Teams are expected to provide the following documents during this time:

1. Completed Team Registration Form including the names of all students and teacher/advisors that are attending the event and the names of all drivers
2. Completed Participant Information Sheet form for all students and teacher/advisors that are attending the event.
3. A copy of the OSBIE Certificate of Insurance specifying insurance coverage for the team’s participation at the EV Challenge.  A sample Certificate of Insurance is included in the Appendix.
4. A completed Safety Inspection Checklist for each vehicle.
5. A signed Construction Responsibility Waiver for each team.
6. Drivers for the 24 volt race need to show a valid driver’s license.

See the appendix for copies of these forms.

To accommodate a larger number of teams participating in the EV Challenge, teams from the Waterloo region are permitted to load in on Friday from 4 to 6 pm. During this time, teams will complete on-site registration and the safety inspections. Teams will not compete in the Engineering Design Award until Saturday.

Vehicles will be stored securely in an indoor location at the University of Waterloo and will be made available to the teams on Saturday morning at 8 am.

A high school team is defined as a group of students that are currently enrolled in high school working together to build and compete with a vehicle. A team does not have to be associated with a particular school, but must have a teacher, parent or mentor acting as a supervisor for the team.

High school teams may enter the same car year into the competition that was raced in previous years. There is currently no cost limitations imposed on high school teams. All vehicles must be designed and built according to the Vehicle Design Rules.

A college team is defined as a group of students that are currently enrolled in a college program working together to build and compete with a vehicle. A college team must be associated with a particular school and must have a teacher acting as a supervisor for the team.

All vehicles built and raced by college teams must be designed and built according to the Vehicle Design Rules. The following additional rules are added to the competition for college teams.

• 3.2.1 A car entering the college division race must have a new frame each year. The
  design of the frame can be similar but it is expected that some level of
  improvements will be made to the design. The frame must be newly fabricated
  every year. Components of the car other than the frame can be reused but cost
  of retail parts must be included in the total price of car.
• 3.2.2 The races will be named a one battery race or a two battery race. How the power
  supply units are used are up to the teams entering the race. The 12 V race for
  the High Schools will be the one battery race for the Colleges and the 24 V race
  will be the two battery race. Teams may boost voltage or run batteries in parallel
  if they wish. Batteries cannot be exchanged or recharged during the race and the
  same batteries must be in the car for the entire race. Two batteries must be in
  the car at all times for the two battery race.
• 3.2.3 The battery used must be the Optima yellow top SC35DA. This is so each team
  is using the same power source.
• 3.2.4 All electrical components must be sized and protected according to safe
  electrical standards and codes.
• 3.2.5 The total cost of building the car must not exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000
  CND), this is to include donations and sponsorship materials and parts. Retail
  costs of parts recycled from a previous vehicle or donated must be included in
  the total costs of the build. If using wheels from last year the current retail cost of
  the wheels must be part of the $6,000. The cost of the batteries is not included in
  this total cost. Travel and helmet expenses are not included in this cost.
• 3.2.6 As part of the registration and safety inspections teams must provide
  documentation for the car including mechanical drawings, electrical schematics
  and cost spread sheets. A separate award for team documentation will be
  awarded to the team judged to have the best presentation for their car.

1. The distance between the tires must be at least 0.60 m, center to center.
2. The vehicle may be no wider than 1.2 m at its widest part.
3. The maximum vehicle length is 3.5 m.

1. Vehicles must be three- or four-wheeled. All wheels must be load-bearing and must remain in contact with the ground at all times.

1. All vehicles must have frame members that protect the driver in the event of a collision from any direction.
2. Frames may be constructed of various materials, so long as they provide adequate protection. If a frame does not appear to provide adequate protection, teams will be ineligible to race. For this reason, it is recommended that frames are made from steel or aluminum.

1. There must be a roll bar that extends 50 mm over the top of the helmet of the tallest driver, and protect them throughout their full range of motion. It must be constructed so that, in the event of a roll-over, the driver’s head is fully protected.
2. The roll bar must be made from steel or aluminum.
3. The roll bar must be triangulated with at least three legs or panel equivalent.

1. The vehicle body is only required to be structurally strong if the frame does not provide adequate protection from an impact. If the frame is not sufficient, then the body must be constructed to protect the driver in the event of an impact.
2. The body must have a floor to prevent the driver from contacting the ground.
3. The driver’s legs and feet must be enclosed to prevent them from leaving the vehicle in the event of an accident.

1. The vehicle must be stable at rest, while cornering, braking, and at top speed.
2. Leaning vehicles are not permitted.

1. The vehicle’s steering must allow for a minimum turning radius of 5 m.

1. At least two wheels must have brakes.
2. Brakes must be fitted to two wheels of the same axle – either two on the front or two on the back, depending on vehicle construction.
3. The two brakes must have separate actuation cables. If both brakes are actuated by a single hand or foot lever, then both cables should be attached to the lever.
4. The vehicle must not roll if the brakes are applied.
5. Axles supported at both ends must have a diameter of at least 10 mm.
6. Axles supported only on one end must have a diameter of at least 12 mm.
7. Safety wire or cotter pins must be used to secure all wheel axle nuts. Nylon lock nuts and double nuts alone are not acceptable.

1. Tires must be inflatable.
2. Vehicles should be designed with at least 40 mm ground clearance.
3. The driver must not be in a position to come in contact with the tires, wheels, or spokes.

1. The required battery for both the 12 V heat races and 24 V race is the Optima yellow top SC35DA. No other battery may be used in the competition.
2. Batteries must not be modified or heated.
3. Batteries must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a manner that they are protected from a roll-over or impact, and, in the event of an accident, will not leave the vehicle. Examples include a metal strap or a ratchet strap.

1. A fuse or circuit breaker is required in any electrical circuit between the battery and any electrical device.
2. All fuses or circuit breakers should be mounted as close as practically possible to the source of power.
3. All fuses or breakers should be sized to protect the wiring to which they are connected.

1. An isolation (kill switch) is required on all vehicles. This switch must have a break current rating that exceeds the maximum current draw of the vehicle.
2. The switch must be located in the main positive power cable, between the battery and any motor controller.
3. The driver must be able to actuate the switch while in driving position, without reaching outside the vehicle. Race officials must be able to actuate the switch from outside the vehicle without reaching in. Two separate switches may be used.
4. The switch must be in a colour contrasting the rest of the vehicle, preferably red.
5. A circuit breaker may be used as the isolation switch.
6. Wiring must be well-insulated and securely attached to the frame or body. All wiring must be visible for inspection for the entire length of the wiring runs. All wiring must be kept free from moving parts and protected from chafing.
7. Wiring that passes through a hole with sharp edges or through sheet metal must be protected by an insulating grommet or other suitable device.
8. Terminals must be secured so they will not come loose or short out during a competition.
9. No part of the system may use the vehicle frame as a conductor. The frame must not be grounded.

1. All vehicles must only be powered by electric motors.
2. All gears, chains, and sprockets must be covered. Strong material i.e. steel, aluminum, or Lexan must be used in constructing the guards. The guards should cover all moving parts in such a way that a finger or hand cannot reach them.

1. Any type of power controller is allowed.
2. Power to the motor must be controlled by the driver, and turn off automatically when the driver releases the accelerator (‘dead man’ cut-off).
3. Remote control of a vehicle is not permitted.
4. Computers are permitted on the vehicle if they present information only. The driver must have complete manual control of the vehicle.

1. Vehicles must display numbers at least six inches in height.
2. Ontario numbers are indexed at uwaterloo.ca/evchallenge/numbers. Teams should use this resource to register new numbers in advance of competition and ensure their numbers do not conflict other teams’.
3. If a team has been inactive for three years, their numbers may be used by other teams and will be removed from the registry.
4. A team will own all numbers they have registered so long as the team is active. Old numbers that are no longer used by an active may be requested by contacting the team.
5. The number must be in contrasting colours to the vehicle. The registered numbers must be the only numbers visible on the vehicle.

1. Vehicles must be equipped with at least 8 square inches of usable mirror surface area. Mirrors are required on both sides of the vehicle
2. The mirrors must allow the driver to see clearly to the rear on both sides of the vehicle.
3. The driver must be able to clearly see the front and both sides of the vehicle.
4. Electronic sensing devices, such as video cameras and monitors, may not be used as a substitute for rear-view mirrors.

1. All vehicles must be equipped with a five-point automotive seat belt system.
2. Seat belts must be mounted to a structural point at least 3 inches below the top of the driver’s waist.
3. The shoulder harness must be attached to a structural point at least 3 inches above the driver’s shoulder.

1. All drivers must wear a helmet that is DOT approved for motorcycle, snowmobile or auto racing use, either full face with an integrated visor, or open face with goggles.

1. Drivers must wear long sleeve shirts, pants, and shoes.
2. Gloves must be worn.
3. Hair must be contained so that it is unable to reach the drive train.
4. Necklaces, wrist and ankle bracelets, and large earrings must be removed.

1. The driver must be in a sitting position. A kneeling or head-first position is not permitted.
2. Arms and legs must remain within the vehicle body structure during competition.

The safety inspection will verify that the car has been constructed according to the Vehicle Design Rules and that the driver has the required safety equipment. If a car fails the safety inspection, that car will not be allowed to compete. All rulings by the judges are final. If a car is repaired, a second safety inspection will be conducted. The race will not be delayed for this process.

Teams located near the University of Waterloo are encouraged to bring their vehicles for safety inspection on Friday afternoon. Teams located further away will have their vehicle inspected on Saturday morning.

Prior to the competition, the team’s teacher / advisor will complete the Safety Inspection Checklist form (found in the Appendix) by initialing each line to confirm the team has met the requirements. The team will present the completed form at the on-site event registration and the judge will refer to the form during inspection of the vehicle. The requirements to pass the stationary inspection are as follows.

1. The vehicle must have a minimum of three road wheels. All wheels must be in contact with the ground at all times. Vehicle must be inherently stable at rest and in operation.
2. The frame must be fabricated in such a way to protect the driver in a collision. The design and fabrication must be structurally sound.
3. Mirrors are required on both sides of the vehicle to permit the driver a clear view behind.
4. A five-point safety harness is properly mounted.
5. All wiring must be visible for inspection for the entire length of the wiring runs. All wiring must be insulated and neatly secured and terminated. Wiring must be sized to have sufficient capacity.
6. Batteries must be firmly secured to the chassis with a metal strap, a ratchet strap, or are otherwise strongly secured. In the event of a collision, the battery must not move.
7. There must be an Emergency Power Off switch on the vehicle, accessible to the driver and emergency workers outside the car.
8. Brakes must be fitted on two wheels of the same axle. Each of the brakes on the two wheels must have a separate actuation cable. If both cables are to be actuated by a single lever then both cables are to be mounted to a common lever. The vehicle must not roll if pushed when the brakes are applied.
9. Cotter pins or safety wire must be used to secure all wheel axle nuts.
10. All chains, sprockets, belts or pulleys in the vehicle drivetrain must be safeguarded to prevent injury to the driver or any member of the team. Strong material i.e. steel, aluminum, or Lexan must be used in constructing the guards. The guards should cover all moving parts in such a way that a finger or hand cannot reach them.
11. The vehicle must have a steel or aluminum roll bar mounted to the frame in such a manner as to prevent collapsing or breaking. The bar must be at least two inches above the top of the tallest driver's helmet when seated in race position. The roll bar must be braced either forward or rearward to the frame of the vehicle. It must provide protection for the driver’s head throughout the full range of possible movement.
12. The driver must wear a helmet that is DOT approved for motorcycle, snowmobile or auto racing use. Eye protection – shield or goggles – is required.
13. The driver must be able to exit the car independently in less than 1 minute

Please note that this not a complete set of rules to be followed and additional inspection items may be applied as necessary. These rules represent the most significant hazards teams will face. For a full set of rules, see Section 4 Vehicle Design Guidelines.

During the event, extensive arrangements are made to promote the safety of all participants. These are enumerated below. In the interest of increasing overall safety, recommended additions to this list may be submitted to the event organizers.

1. Dedicated first-aid trained personnel will be on-site throughout the event.
2. A fire extinguisher will be on-site with a trained operator.
3. No less than eight (8) marshals will be present to monitor the race and respond to emergencies, in addition to the event organizers.
4. The Race Director, in coordination with the Race Manager and Head Marshal, may suspend a team or driver for unsafe actions or an unsafe vehicle.
5. Race marshals and other track workers will wear high-visibility vests.
6. The race area will be secured with various levels of crowd control/barricades. For any area where there is the potential for a vehicle to leave the race course and cause an injury, a metal barricade will be used. A combination of wood barricades and barricade tape will be used to secure other areas. There must be a secure perimeter around the race course at all times.
7. Race organizers and marshals will be in continual radio communication regarding overall event progress and safety.
8. Marshals will use horns and other visuals aids to stop the race when conditions merit.

The 12 volt class race will be 60 minutes in duration and the 24 volt class race will be 75 minutes in duration. Each race will end when the time is complete or when none of the cars are able to continue. Time is kept by the Scoring Lead and will be broadcast to teams through a public webcast.

Friday

Saturday

As you prepare for the race, remember this is an endurance competition and not a race; drive to last the full race, not to try and take the lead in a dangerous passing attempt.

Track rules must be adhered to at all times, as follows:

1. Pit access. The pit area will be accessible only to a maximum of six students and one teacher per car during the race. No parents or spectators will be allowed in the pit area during the race.
2. Pit safety. The pit is a no power zone. All cars must stop completely at the pit entrance gate and be pushed by the pit crew. When the car is moving in the no power zone, at least one person (other than the driver) must have a hand touching the car at all times.
3. Flag controls. Drivers must obey all flag instructions of the marshals as follows:
               Green - GO!
               Red – STOP! Wait for Marshal to wave Green Flag.
               Black - Report to pits on the current lap for penalty or repairs.
4. Yielding to a faster vehicle. Slower cars must hold their line. Do not weave or block. If it is safe to do so, point to the side that the faster car should pass.
5. Passing a slower vehicle. It is the responsibility of the faster cars to pass in a safe manner. Never pass in a no passing area.
6. General vehicle safety. Drivers must operate their vehicle safely. Their speed and control of the vehicle must be appropriate for the track conditions (including weather, the number of vehicles on that part of the track, and the position in the course).
7. When vehicle runs out of power. Remain in the vehicle if it breaks down until the race has been stopped. The marshal will decide whether to get you back to the pits or to pull your car from the race.
8. Access to track. NO ONE is to venture on to the track to rescue a broken down car. The track workers will push the car to the pits when it is safe to do so.
9. Mechanical issues. Cars that have mechanical issues will be allowed to make repairs and continue racing; however they will be considered to be lap down cars and must yield to other cars.

Each team must make two pit stops during the first 60 minutes of the race (both 12 volt and 24 volt classes) to change the driver of the car, as follows.

1. 12 V drivers must be team members. They must be of high school age.

2. 24 V drivers must be team members and have a valid G1 license, or equivalent.

3. Teams competing in multiple races (12 V heats and 24 V) must register and use a minimum number of qualified drivers as follows:

• A team with one race entry must register and use at least 2 qualified drivers
• A team with two race entries must register and use at least 4 qualified drivers
• A team with three race entries must register and use at least 6 qualified drivers
• A driver cannot drive more than one event. (i.e. A driver cannot drive in both 12v races, a driver that races the 12v event cannot drive in the 24v race

4. At least two different drivers must be used by each team during each race (12 and 24 volt). It is expected that each driver will complete approximately 1/3 of the scheduled race duration.

5. If a team chooses to have only two drivers, they must still perform two driver changes during the race. The driver who is re-entering the race must completely exit the car and place both feet on the ground before re-entering the car.

6. Each driver must complete one full lap before beginning another driver change.

7. Teams are allowed to change the driver if they have stopped in the pit area to repair a mechanical problem.

8. Teachers/advisors must disclose hearing or uncorrected vision impairments, including colour-blindness (particularly red/green), of their drivers to the organizers at least one week prior to the race. Race controls (i.e., flags) are colour-coded and this can present a safety hazard if unaddressed. Every effort will be made to allow the driver to participate, if participation can be done safely.

Compliance with the following sections may require additional design changes to the vehicle. Communication devices must not distract the driver.

1. Teams are prohibited from accessing the event radio frequencies. These are used by the organizers and marshals to discuss current standings, penalties, etc. and should not be intentionally used by teams.
2. Push to talk radios are permitted as long as the driver is not distracted by them.
3. Cell phones are permitted, so long as the line is kept open through the duration of the competition (i.e., no dialing).
4. Texting is prohibited.

Teams which contravene the rules will face penalties, as described below. Normally, when there is a sequence of penalties, marshals will issue penalties in that order. The event organizers may choose to implement harsher or less harsh penalties, depending on the circumstances of the violation.

Ultimate authority for dispensing penalties rests with the Race Director, who will make decisions in consultation with the Race Manager, Head Marshal, Lead Scorer, and Lead Safety Inspector.

In general, penalties should be corrective, not punitive. This means that warnings will be given before suspensions, in general. The only exception to this are situations that present a safety concern, particularly when the team is intentionally violating the rules.

As per rule 6.2.8, teams are prohibited from accessing the track to recover a broken-down vehicle. This presents problems for both the team competing, who are unable to work on their vehicle, and for the integrity of the race, with a car left on the track. To mitigate this, the following vehicle recovery procedures will be followed:

Any vehicle that breaks down on the track will be retrieved by the competition’s car recovery team and moved to one of several designated safety areas around the track. It will be up to the team to move their vehicle from the marker to the pit area safely.  

6.7. Scoring 
The finishing order for each race will be determined based on the number of laps that each car completed during the scheduled time. Scoring will be performed as follows. 

          6.7.1          Assignment of transponder. Each car will have an assigned transponder that will be used to track its progress during the race. Every time the car crosses the finish line, the scoring system will add one to the number of completed laps for that car.

          6.7.2          End of race. When the scheduled race time is complete, the checkered flag will be shown to all cars as they cross the finish line. The scoring system will log the finishing order based on the final number of laps that each car completed and their relative finishing position.

          6.7.3          Heat races. The results from the two 12 V heat races will be combined to find the overall winners for the 12 V class, based on final number of laps, relative finishing order and total elapsed time for each vehicle.

          6.7.4          Last lap in the event of power failure. If a car runs out of electrical power and is unable to maintain a safe speed and complete its current lap, it should pull off the track into a safe area, such as the pit area, driver change area, center of the parking lot, etc. The car will not be scored for having completed the lap it is on.

          6.7.5          Mounting. The transponder will be provided at the race and should be attached to the 
outside of the body shell in an area near the front of the vehicle where it can point upwards. All 
teams are required to prepare their vehicle for the transponder, as follows:

(1) Location. Identify the location where the transponder will be located. This should be a flat area near the front of the vehicle where the transponder can “see” the scoring loop above it without obstruction. The transponder must be attached using the Velcro tabs provided.

(2) Power. The transponder must be powered by one of the vehicles 12 volt batteries directly – not wired through the main shutoff switch. It may not be powered using a separate battery pack. It is the team’s responsibility to provide wiring from the battery to the transponder and attach to the connector provided to the team prior to the competition.

          6.7.6          In the event of transponder error. In the case of a transponder failure during the race, the race will be stopped with a red flag and the Lead Scorer and Race Manager will assess the situation. If replacing the transponder does not fix the problem:

(1) If the problem has been isolated (i.e., power failure), the vehicle will be returned to the pits where the team may attempt repairs while the race resumes. The race will not be substantially delayed for a transponder problem that is
deemed the fault of the team.

(2) At the discretion of the Race Manager and Lead Scorer, the car may be manually scored if the source of the problem is not immediately known. This is to prevent a team from being penalized in the event it is an issue with the scoring system rather than the car itself.

          6.7.7          Transponder verification. To prevent errors from occurring in the first place, the transponder will be checked by a race official during the morning of the competition for its power and mounting location. Transponder will be re-checked by a race official when cars are lined up.

Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for both the 12 V and 24 V races are presented to the schools with teams having the most total laps, as follows: 

(1)    1st place will be awarded to the school with the team that completed the most laps according to the electronic scoring system.
(2)    2nd place will be awarded the next, different school with the team that completed the next highest number of laps according to the electronic scoring system.
(3)    3rd place will be awarded the next, different school with the team that completed the next highest number of laps according to the electronic scoring system.

7.2.1 The Interstate Batteries Rookie Team Award is given to the team in their first year whose vehicle scored the most number of laps in one of the 12 V heat races.

7.2.2 A team will be considered in their first year if this is their first year racing anywhere. More specifically, teams that come to the EV Challenge but do not race are eligible for the Interstate Batteries Rookie Team Award when they do
race. Teams which have raced at other competitions in the calendar year prior to this one, but not at Waterloo, are ineligible for the Interstate Batteries Rookie Team Award.

The Engineering Design Award will be presented to the school that demonstrates the best overall design innovation, use of engineering calculations, and design for ease of assembly, maintenance, ergonomics and safety in their competition vehicles.

During the time between registration and the first race, approximately 8:00 – 9:45am, schools will present to judges for the Engineering Design Award, as follows:

1. The presentation will be held in the pits at the location provided to your team at the on-site registration. You do not need to move your vehicle to a different location or set up your display / make your presentation in a different area.
2. Judges will visit your team at different times, identify themselves as a judge for the Engineering Design Award and will conduct a 5 – 10 minute interview with your team.
3. The focus of your presentation should be on how the team used Engineering principles and Engineering analysis to design your vehicle

The Toyota Fabrication & Manufacturing Award will be presented to the school that demonstrates the best examples of manufacturing and fabrication in the vehicles that their team brings to the competition.  

During the time between registration and the first race, approximately 8:00 – 9:45 am, schools will present to judges for the Fabrication and Manufacturing Award, as follows.

1. The presentation will be held in the pits at the location provided to your team at the on-site registration.  You do not need to move your vehicle to a different location or set up your display / make your presentation in a different area.
2. Judges will visit your team at different times, identify themselves as a judge for the Fabrication and Manufacturing Award and will conduct a 5 – 10 minute interview with your team. 
3. The focus of your presentation should be on the different manufacturing and fabrication techniques that your team used in building your vehicle

Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are presented to the college teams having the highest total number of laps, scored over one of the 12 V heats and the 24 V race, as follows:

1. 1st place will be awarded to the college team that completed the highest total number of laps according to the electronic scoring system.
2. 2nd place will be awarded to the college team that completed the second highest total number of laps according to the electronic scoring system.
3. 3rd place will be awarded to the college team that completed the third highest total number of laps according to the electronic scoring system.