Project No. 1: A Solar-Powered VW Bus

Project No. 1: A Solar-Powered VW Bus, or Project 1, is a current rebuild project taking place at Millersville University in which a 1970's Volkswagen Microbus is being overhauled to a state of the art solar vehicle. The project, part of the University's commitment to embrace agility by becoming carbon neutral in two decades, was inspired by Albert Unrath, Instructional Designer and car enthusiast at Millersville University, while considering how to help increase the accessibility of guests visiting Millersville for campus tours.
Inception
The project originated when the University began searching for a way to accommodate parents and students unable to walk the full length of a campus tour. The solution had to be something that could cross public roads and be environmentally friendly. Unrath, who is self-proclaimed “innovator, car guy and environmentalist,” proposed an idea of having MU students convert an old VW bus from gas power to electric power. The university supplied about $20,000 for the project, which mostly went toward the electric batteries and motor. Unrath is seeking outside donations to buy the solar panels and other components needed to complete the project.
Project No. 1 supports the "three pillars of sustainability" framework of John Elkington's triple bottom line through economic, social and environmental sustainability committments.
Events
Last Gas Day was an event that took place on Friday, October 9 during which the bus spent its final hours as a gas-powered vehicle. During the event, the bus was parked in front of the Student Memorial Center and members of the campus community had the chance to make the project personal by adding their thumb-print to the side of the bus.
Process
The next step is the removal of the engine. Students will strip the bus of all parts and build a steel frame that will mount the bus suspension. Then, after repairing rust and assembling the electrical vehicle parts, they will complete the body and merge the electric components. The project is set to be complete in April 2016 at the annual showcase for student research "Made in Millersville".

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