University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team

History - 1997 Propane Vehicle Challenge

UWAFT was first formed in 1996, with the primary goal of representing the University of Waterloo in the 1997 Propane Vehicle Challenge in Austin, Texas. Seventeen student engineering teams from universities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico participated. The objective was to convert a stock Dodge Dakota pickup truck from gasoline to propane power. The competition involved comprehensive testing of the converted vehicles in events focusing on vehicle emissions, performance, design, and fuel economy. Participating teams were also required to document their research and conversion strategies in written reports.

Waterloo's relatively small team consisted of 6 mechanical engineering students and 6 systems design engineering students. In less than a year, UWAFT developed a variety of innovative solutions and brought them together into a final solution that made their first ever alternative fuel powered vehicle. Adding to that accomplishment, UWAFT's entry placed first in its field.

1997 Propane Vehicle Challenge

First Place Overall

Lowest Emissions

Best New Team

Best Design Presentation