SciStarter Blog

Help researchers tailor electric vehicle solutions (based on YOUR commute).

Just back from a visit to Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Lab. Fascinating developments taking place there, not the least of which includes a number of citizen science initiatives! First up: ChargeCar!

This project, part of a series of community-based applied research activities coming out of CMU’s CommunityRobotics.org,  is asking you to share your daily commute data. Why? “If we can accumulate a large database of real commutes,” the CMU site reports,  “Electric Vehicle researchers will be better able to tailor solutions to individual trips, and the understanding of the typical commute will improve.”

In addition to contributing to science, you’ll be able to calculate the cost of commuting with an electric car using your actual commute data, compare the efficiency of gasoline and electric cars for your trips, and browse commutes across the country.

Give it a whirl! If you decide to participate, consider sharing your experience with others by creating a member blog right here on Sci4Cits!
This video explains more about ChargeCar: