Date on Honors Thesis

Fall 12-12-2025

Major

Engineering Physics

Minor

Mathematics

Examining Committee Member

Dr. James Hereford, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Tyler Stoffel, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Jamie Rogers, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Jeff Osborne, Honors College Advisor

Abstract/Description

The School of Engineering at Murray State University (MSU) identified the need for a reliable, low-cost mode of transportation between the Engineering Physics building and the Collins Industry and Technology Center. To meet this need, a senior design team in 2024 initiated the development of a custom electric utility vehicle by fabricating a new chassis and repurposing electrical and mechanical components from previous departmental projects. These reused parts included most of the drivetrain from the previous Baja competition team, and the rest of the drivetrain and suspension assemblies taken from a 1990s-era Carryall golf cart. Although that team successfully designed, built, and tested a robust chassis, the resulting vehicle suffered from electrical issues that limited its performance and reliability. Following this partial implementation, the current senior design team was tasked with diagnosing and repairing the inherited electrical system while also upgrading the drivetrain to better meet the department’s operational requirements within the timeframe of two semesters. The primary objective of this project was to deliver an efficient, functional, and road-safe electric utility vehicle that satisfies both departmental specifications and relevant regulatory standards. To achieve this, the team removed the failing electrical system and installed a completely new drivetrain, including an updated motor and controller, modern wiring architecture, and a redesigned power distribution system. Additionally, most of the requirements for road legality, such as turn signals, hazard lights, headlights, and brake lights, were restored, rewired, or replaced to ensure proper operation and compliance. The vehicle was then tested to verify performance improvements, electrical stability, and adherence to safety standards. Through these upgrades, the project not only revitalized a previously nonfunctional prototype but also provided MSU with a reliable and cost-effective means of campus transportation. Furthermore, this work establishes a foundation for future student teams to refine, expand, or adapt the vehicle as an educational platform for electric drivetrain design and integration.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

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