The rising gas prices affect everyone from adults to students here at Methacton. However, here at Methacton, there is a club where students are learning not only about cars but about alternative energy that can help save money and the environment. The club is called the Electric Car Club.

The ECC was started in 2001 by Mr. Savitz, a biology and AP environmental teacher here at Methacton with the purpose to educate people one car at a time about alternative energy options. For students who are interested in learning about the environment and alternative energy vehicles, then this is the club for you.



“I thought this club would provide students with the opportunity to learn about alternative energy options in their future while at the same time becoming teachers in the process,” said founder Mr. Savitz. “It gives them an opportunity to actually work on an electric car and learn more about alternative energy vehicles, while allowing them to get a better idea of how solar energy works when they learn how the car is charged by the solar cells that are on the roof of the garage.”

“It’s hard not to enjoy this club,” replied senior Patrick Cassidy, president of the ECC. “The Electric Car Club isn’t just learning about the environment, you learn about alternate energy cars, you get to work on them, and best of all you get to drive it around.”

Currently the ECC takes part in a number of events and competitions such as Temple University Earth Day, Renaissance Fair Grounds Earth Day, PA Renewable Energy Festival, Race for the 21st Century, and Tour de Sol Race. The Tour de Sol Race is a competition between schools’ alternative energy vehicles. The vehicles are judged based on their performance and efficiency.



During school where it is a constant debate in your science and history class on whether the government should look into alternate energy sources, here at Methacton the ECC allows students to find out for themselves whether or not alternative energy is really worth the hassle and hype that it gets.

“The club meets on Thursday's at 2:30 PM and then meets twice a week during the spring,” stated Mr. Savitz. “There are currently there are 25 members to the Electric Car Club and are always more than willing to accept more members for those willing to join, just talk to Mr. Del Rossi, Patrick Cassidy, or myself.”