High School Students Are Revving Up Learning with Hydrogen-Powered Cars

By Wendy Sutton, Communication Specialist
Photos by Eric Shaw, Director of Digital Marketing and Communication

On a recent Friday afternoon at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, a group of high school students faced a challenge fit for the Motor City. 

The 9th, 10th and 11th graders from nearby University Prep Science and Math High School were tasked with designing and building the fastest 1:20-scale hydrogen-powered cars possible.

It was part of a hands-on learning experience hosted by the Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ), a Detroit-based workspace that provides world-class STEM resources, instruction and counseling to students. 

Students began by using a portable electrolyzer to extract hydrogen from water. This hydrogen was then converted into electricity by a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which powered the car’s electric motor.

Next, students designed and assembled their cars. By allowing them the freedom to experiment with gear-to-wheel ratios and weight distribution, students gained a deeper understanding of each component’s function. 

Once fully assembled, these hydrogen-powered cars were put to the test as students raced against their classmates. Using real-time data and digital tools to plot race times and visualize track performance, they could continually analyze and optimize their vehicles.

This event was sponsored by MI Hydrogen, a University of Michigan initiative to support and catalyze multidisciplinary research involving hydrogen. The joint initiative is supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research, College of Engineering and School for Environment and Sustainability.

“Events like these are crucial for inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists,” said Haley Hart, director of the MEZ and associate director of k-20 programs in the College of Engineering. “They allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, fostering creativity, teamwork and a deeper understanding of engineering principles. The fun and excitement of competition make these learning experiences unforgettable.”