Orenda is an all wood (except for mechanicals, batteries) single person electric vehicle, or PEV. It is
designed to be lightweight, efficient and practical. Its construction is similar to that employed in
traditional transportation devices like dog sleds and canoes, and made up of ash runners and spars covered with a Dacron skin.
Why such an ambitious project? Because in this era of climate change and resource depletion, we need to think creatively and act boldly. It’s clear that patterns of transportation are changing quickly. This is the
time to pursue alternatives. We have the support of a number of technical organizations to make this work
in the time required.
Why wood? The idea of using wood in transportation may be unconventional now but this was not always
the case. From legendary aircraft like the Sopwith Camel and the Ontario-made WWII era Mosquito
bomber to the once ubiquitous horse and carriage, wood has proven to be an excellent material foundation
to build highly efficient and locally produced transportation.
Orenda will be new kind or urban transport vehicle. Electric, low speed, designed for personal use
utilising as little space and resources as possible. If such a vehicle were to become popular then one can
imagine small local industries popping up to manufacture most of the vehicle locally using simple
machinery and sustainable raw materials.
By using ash, a naturally flexible and durable material in a creative application, we are able to blur the
boundary between past and modern connotations of sustainable materials, transportation devices and the
whole idea of mobility in the modern world.
