Year 3 Competition
About The Competition
The Battery Workforce Challenge Competition marks the culmination of a three-year journey defined by innovation, collaboration, and hands-on engineering execution. Taking place in metro Detroit from April 27 through May 7, the final competition series brings together participating teams to complete and evaluate their battery systems in a real-world environment.
Throughout the event, teams will finalize their battery packs and undergo inspection at Prime Energy in Troy, Michigan, before advancing to vehicle integration at the Chrysler Technical Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where systems will be installed into Ram ProMaster EV platforms. The competition schedule is aligned with each team’s technical progress, ensuring activities reflect achieved development milestones.
In addition to technical evaluations, the event features a range of program elements, including Project Management and Advanced Communication (PMAC) presentations, the Sponsor Social, and Team Appreciation Night—providing opportunities for professional engagement, recognition, and peer connection.
The competition will conclude with a themed Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of teams and individuals across the program. Designed as a high-energy, red-carpet finale, the ceremony highlights standout accomplishments and commemorates the impact of the Battery Workforce Challenge.
Award Winners
Award Winners will be announced on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Overall
Overall Awards:
- First Place Overall Award: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
- Second Place Overall Award: McMaster University & Mohawk College
- Third Place Overall Award (tie): Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Ivy Tech Community College & University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College
Competition Events
PMAC: Award for Exceptional Performance: Colorado School of Mines and Arapahoe Community College
PMAC: Award for Notable Performance: University of Nevada, Las Vegas and College of Southern Nevada
Ram ProMasters of Box Delivery: Clemson University and Greenville Technical College
Exceptional Power Pulse: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Exceptional Fast Charge: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Least Impedance Pack: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Excellence in Gravimetric Energy Density: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Best Technical Presentation:McMaster University & Mohawk College
Winner, Vehicle Dynamic Testing: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Pre-Competition Deliverable Awards
Manufacturability Excellence in Module Design: California State University - Los Angeles and Cerritos College
Excellence in Module Technical Documentation: McMaster University & Mohawk College
Digital Twin Innovation & Simulation Excellence: Colorado School of Mines and Arapahoe Community College
Excellence in Advanced Simulation Modeling: University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College
Excellence in HV Battery Pack Technical Documentation: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Excellence in Vibration Data Acquisition: University of Nevada, Las Vegas and College of Southern Nevada
Evolution in Battery Disconnect Unit Design: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Exceptional Harness Design and Build: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
PMAC: Award for Exceptional Portfolio Execution: McMaster University & Mohawk College
PMAC: Award for Notable Portfolio Execution: Colorado School of Mines and Arapahoe Community College
Award for Exceptional Work Documentation: McMaster University & Mohawk College
Award for Notable Work Documentation: Colorado School of Mines and Arapahoe Community College
Best Industry Ready Facilities Binder: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Most Comprehensive DVP&R: The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College
Over the HIL Award: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Ivy Tech Community College
Excellence in Communications: Colorado School of Mines and Arapahoe Community College team and the McMaster University and Mohawk College
Organizer Recognized
Outstanding Faculty Advisor — University: Ohio State University: David Cooke
Outstanding Faculty Advisor — Vocational: Arapahoe Community College: Doc Viola
Spirit of the Challenge: Colorado School of Mines and Arapahoe Community College team
Excellence in Leadership — Project Management: McMaster University: Romulo Vieira
Excellence in Leadership — Engineering Management:
Sponsored
Eaton Power Distribution Award: McMaster University & Mohawk College
ABTC Steward of Recycling: Viviana Nelson - Colorado School of Mines & Arapahoe Community College
Volta Foundation Women in Batteries Award 2026:
Year Three Competition Stories:
