Not All SUVs are Gas-Guzzlers - Biodiesel Ford Explorer on
Display at 10th Annual MHTA Wonders of Technology State Fair Exhibit
Student-Modified SUV Runs on Soybean Oil
WHAT: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will display a student-
modified 2002 Ford Explorer at the 10th annual Minnesota High Tech
Association (MHTA) Wonders of Technology State Fair exhibit. The
4,500-pound SUV gets 40 miles to the gallon and runs on biodiesel,
a renewable fuel made in the United States from soybean oil.
Minnesota ranks third in the nation for soybean yields, with more
than 300 million bushels produced annually. With more than 7
million acres of soybeans, each year Minnesota harvests about 43
bushels per acre.
The modified Ford Explorer, nicknamed "Moolander," was designed by
a team of University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW) undergraduates for
the U.S. Department of Energy "Future Truck" competition, which UW
has won the past two years. Their diesel-electric hybrid is
powered by both a 2.5-liter direct-injection turbo diesel engine
and an electric motor.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
-- The Ford Explorer is on display in the MHTA Wonders of
Technology exhibit each day of the fair.
-- Representatives from MHTA and the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency are available for interviews each day.
WHEN/WHERE:
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. MHTA Wonders of Technology
Aug. 21 - Sept. 1 Progress Center
(Intersection of Cosgrove & Randall)
BACKGROUND:
The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth,
success and sustainability of Minnesota's technology-based
economy. MHTA members include virtually every aspect of
technology creation, production, application and education in
Minnesota.
With 800,000 visitors annually, the Wonders of Technology is the
largest education display of technology in the nation. MHTA
created the Wonders of Technology in 1994 to build awareness and
excitement about the use of technology in our everyday lives.
Work: (952) 230-4552
