MeloYelo is not a company, it is a brand of EVolocity, a registered charity. EVolocity’s purpose is to draw more young people into science, technology & engineering, and educate the drivers of both today and tomorrow regarding the environmental, economic and performance benefits of electric vehicles. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of MeloYelo electric bikes are deposited in the EVolocity bank account.
What does EVolocity do?
We run a project based learning programme in high schools in which teams of students are equipped with an electric motor, batteries and a set of technical regulations. During the year, with tutoring assistance from our tertiary and trades training partners and industry experts, the teams design & build their own electric vehicles, developing skills and interests in mechanical and electrical engineering, power electronics, programming, video production and social media. During September and October we run regional finals competitions in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Canterbury, with teams competing in a variety of categories including performance, innovation, design & show, reporting, and communications. Then in late November/early December, we hold the national finals of the school competition.
Who is behind EVolocity?
Rob McEwen is the Executive Director. Rob has long been associated with the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors, having founded the industry Association Drive Electric and previously the NZ Clean Energy Centre in Taupo. Rob also ran his own marketing firm in Austin Texas for 19 years. Christchurch native Les Black runs the schools programme. Les is a former physics, science & math teacher who has consulted with the Ministry of Education around Science and Physics Curriculum development and Assessment Framework development (Science and Physics). Les Co-wrote the Physics and Technology assessment standards. Les’s company Electroflash supplies science & technology kit to schools throughout NZ. Other board members include Alan Direen of Christchurch and Julian Inch (also a board member of Enviroschools) of Wellington.