Local Boys Build Electric Car, Win First Place In Speed, Design

YORKVILLE, IL -- Four local boys from the TAG School of Illinois designed an electric car that won two top prizes at a recent competition. They won first place prizes for speed and design, making them the first team in 20 years to win both of the awards.

The boys are Adam and Elijah Hartford, 12, of Yorkville, Josh Grevens, 14, of Newark, and Kole Hultgren, 13, of Plano. Yorkville resident and business owner Bill Hartford leads the team.

The competition, which is run by the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, focuses on cost-effectiveness and knowledge. Teams are given identical gears, motors and capacitors. They are then allowed to spend a maximum of $20 on additional materials.

The boys were interviewed by professional engineers on their design, asking questions about gear ratios, electrical systems and design. After running three heats with their fast, well-designed electric car, they clinched a spot in the final race.

The TAG School boys' car beat out the second place car by over a second, according to Kendall County Now, to win the final race. They said they won the awards due to teamwork, craftsmanship, communication, and innovation and having the best design.

Article image via Argonne National Laboratory