About the EcoCAR EV Challenge

The EcoCAR EV Challenge is a four-year collegiate automotive engineering competition that challenges 15 North American universities to engineer a next generation battery electric vehicle to demonstrate the potential of advanced propulsion systems and Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies.

Competition Vehicle Overview:

General Motors will provide each team with a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ where teams will demonstrate the potential of advanced propulsion systems, connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies, and other innovative technologies to analyze energy efficiency.

EcoCAR teams will utilize a combination of on-board sensors and bidirectional vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity to implement energy efficient and customer-pleasing automated control features. Teams also will refine advanced powertrain along with charging and thermal systems to use grid electricity intelligently.

Competition Vision & Goals

The EcoCAR EV Challenge provides an unparalleled, hands-on educational experience that transforms the traditional classroom environment into a hub of automotive innovation. Students will:

EcoCAR Competition News

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February 12, 2025
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January 17, 2025
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January 3, 2025
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Setting the Stage for Success: Validating EcoCAR Energy Consumption Testing at CARB

November 27, 2024
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Preparing for the EcoCAR EV Challenge: ACC Energy Consumption Testing at Argonne

November 4, 2024
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Headline Sponsors

The U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, provide program management, team evaluation, logistical support, in order to educate the next generation of automotive engineers and accelerate the development of technologies of interest to the DOE and the automotive industry.

General Motors provides each competing team with a production vehicle, as well as vehicle components, seed money, technical mentoring and operational support.

MathWorks provides teams with a full suite of software tools, simulation models, training, technical mentoring and operational support.

Become a Sponsor

Interested in becoming an EcoCAR Sponsor? Contact us for more information.

Meet the Teams

Learn more about the teams in the EcoCAR EV Challenge!