MSU's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems opens its doors and its garage to the public Tuesday [Aug. 23] for Movin' Maroon, a showcase of alternative vehicle designs and green energy technology.
Beginning at 1 p.m., a ride and drive event features cutting edge automotive technology, including Mississippi State's award winning EcoCAR, a student designed plug-in hybrid vehicle that earns more than 115 mpg.
Driving along the scenic loop in the university's Thad Cochran Research Park, the public can experience the performance and handling of the EcoCAR, a propane powered police car, and a Nissan Leaf.
The daylong event also showcases displays of current research, including technology that reduces fuel consumption and emissions in 18-wheelers, as well as MSU's automotive design team's national champion ChallengeX vehicle and its plans for the recently announced EcoCAR 2 competition.
In addition, tours of the center's expanded dynamometer laboratory will be offered. The state-of-the-art facility supports research in advanced engine technologies, duel fuel utilization, and evaluation of hybrid vehicle drive components and biofuels.
CAVS is housed in the 272-acre research park, located just north of campus off Highway 182. For more information about the center, visit www.cavs.msstate.edu.