The Sudden Demonstration of EV

Two weeks later, the storage facility buzzed with the team's palpable anticipation. The past days had been grueling, filled with last-minute adjustments, anxious follow-ups with the LTO, and relentless double-checking of every form and technical document. But today, the wait was over.

The certifications and necessary papers had arrived, neatly bound in a courier envelope delivered directly to the storage facility. Matthew held the package in his hands as though it were a fragile relic, his face a mixture of disbelief and relief.

"They're here," he announced, holding up the papers.

The group erupted in cheers, Leo pumping his fist in the air while Saimon let out a whoop. Samantha, leaning casually against the EV, allowed herself a small smile.

"Let's see them," Samantha said, pushing off the car and walking over to Matthew.

Matthew carefully opened the envelope and spread the documents on the workbench. The LTO certification, the DTI compliance approval, and the DENR environmental clearance were all there. The conduction sticker, still pristine and ready for application, gleamed at the bottom of the pile.

"We're official," Matthew said.

Leo slapped him on the back. "This calls for a celebration! And by celebration, I mean we're finally driving this thing on actual roads without getting pulled over."

Saimon grinned. "I say we stick that conduction sticker on right now and take her for a spin."

"Not so fast," Samantha interjected, her tone authoritative. She picked up her phone, which had buzzed moments earlier, and frowned. "We've got an email."

"From who?" Matthew asked.

"Professor Calerio," Samantha replied, her expression growing more curious as she scanned the message. "He's asking for an update on our project."

The team exchanged glances. Saimon shrugged. "Just tell him we're done."

"Better than that," Matthew said, his eyes lighting up. "Let's send him proof."

The team huddled around the EV, Samantha insisting on the best angle for the photo. With the completed prototype in the background and the certifications laid out on the workbench, Matthew held up his phone.

"Everyone ready?" Matthew asked, his finger hovering over the shutter button.

"Wait," Leo said, holding up a thumbs-up. "Now I'm ready."

"Alright, smile!" Matthew said.

The group smiled—Leo with his signature goofy grin, Saimon giving a casual peace sign, and Samantha, ever composed, flashing a subtle but genuine smile. Matthew snapped the photo, checking it quickly before nodding in approval.

"Perfect," he said, attaching the image to an email.

[Subject: Project Update – EV Prototype Completion

Dear Professor Calerio,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to update you on the progress of our Capstone project. I'm thrilled to report that we have successfully completed our electric vehicle prototype, along with all the necessary certifications and papers.

Attached is a group photo of the team with the prototype as proof of our achievement. The vehicle is fully functional and road-ready, equipped with air conditioning, a digital instrument cluster, and a responsive infotainment system.

Please let us know if there are any additional requirements or if you'd like us to present the prototype to you and the panel.

Best regards,

Matthew Borja. 

]

***

Meanwhile, on campus.

Professor Calerio leaned back in his chair, staring at the photo on his screen. The sleek, modern EV gleamed under the storage facility's lights, its futuristic design clearly visible. The smiling faces of the team radiated pride and accomplishment.

"This can't be real," he muttered, scrolling through the email again. He quickly forwarded the email to his fellow professors with a single line: "You need to see this."

Minutes later, a flood of responses filled his inbox. Words like "incredible," "unprecedented," and "we need to see this in person" dominated the thread.

Mr. Abad Santos replied to all. "Have them bring the prototype to campus immediately for a demonstration. If it works, they've earned their passing marks for Capstone 2."

Matthew's phone pinged with a reply from Professor Calerio just as he finished attaching the conduction sticker to the EV. He read it aloud to the team.

"'Bring the prototype to campus immediately for a demonstration. If it works, you'll pass Capstone 2.'"

Saimon whooped again, throwing an arm around Leo. "We're driving to victory, boys!"

Samantha remained calm but nodded in approval. "Let's get it loaded onto the tow truck. No unnecessary risks before the demonstration."

The tow truck pulled into the campus parking lot, drawing a crowd of curious students and faculty. The EV's polished design immediately captured attention, murmurs spreading through the growing audience.

The team carefully unloaded the car, Matthew giving it one final inspection as Samantha coordinated with the professors. Within minutes, the panel of faculty members, including Professor Calerio, Lucena, and Abad Santos gathered near the demonstration area.

"Good afternoon sirs!" Matthew said with a polished bow. "We present to you the future of automobiles, an electric vehicle."

"Good afternoon, sirs!" Matthew said with a polished bow, his voice steady but filled with pride. "We present to you the future of automobiles—an electric vehicle designed, built, and certified by students."

The panel of professors, led by Professor Calerio, stood with arms crossed, visibly impressed with the prototype.

"Does it work?" Calerio asked.

"We'll show you," Matthew smiled as he pulled something out of his pocket. It was a key fob. "As I don't have a driver's license, I will have Samantha, who possess one, drive the electric vehicle. In this demonstration, we'll show the basic movements: forward, reverse, and turning. We'll also highlight some unique features."

The panel nodded, with Professor Abad Santos adjusting his glasses. "Go ahead. We're eager to see it in action."

Samantha walked confidently to the driver's side of the EV. The crowd murmured as she slid into the seat.

Samantha adjusted the rearview mirror and glanced at the panel through the windshield. "Ready when you are."

"Proceed," Calerio said, crossing his arms with a raised eyebrow.

Samantha gently pressed the accelerator, and the EV rolled forward smoothly. She drove it down a pre-set path, marked with cones, demonstrating precise control as she maneuvered around obstacles. The vehicle glided silently, eliciting gasps and murmurs from the crowd.

"For the reverse test," Samantha announced, tapping the touchscreen to activate the rear-view camera. The professors leaned in, impressed by the clarity of the display. Samantha shifted to reverse, and the EV backed up perfectly, avoiding the cones with ease.

The vehicle then performed a series of turns, showcasing the precision of the steering and the stability of the suspension system. Samantha finished by parking the EV with a flawless parallel park, the crowd erupting into applause.

Matthew stepped forward, addressing the crowd and the panel. "Beyond the basics, this vehicle features a custom-built infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and air conditioning—all while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency."

Samantha powered on the infotainment system, displaying the intuitive interface. "This touchscreen interface provides real-time data about the vehicle's performance. It also includes navigation and multimedia options."

Leo chimed in from the crowd, "And check this out, sir. The air conditioning runs without compromising battery efficiency."

Samantha activated the air conditioning, and a soft breeze filled the cabin. The professors observed as Matthew pointed to the energy usage graph on the screen, which remained stable despite the added load.

"Lastly," Matthew concluded, "this EV incorporates regenerative braking technology, which recharges the battery during deceleration." 

The professors were lost for words, they didn't expect a student would be able to make such a prototype. They knew how hard it is for a student to make something like an electric vehicle but they pulled them off. This would be a national sensation, it will be popular among the netizens of the Philippines and perhaps the world. 

This is going to be groundbreaking for the campus. 

"Well…you four have outdone yourselves. I'll give it a solid pass," Calerio declared.

"And we are going to have to talk to the four of you," Mr. Abad Santos added.