ILLINOIS TECH
About
The Illinois Tech EcoCAR team is a multidisciplinary group of about 46 students from various majors, including engineering, computer science, business, and other fields, working collaboratively to advance sustainable automotive technology. As part of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, the team is tasked with transforming a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ into a more energy-efficient, semi-autonomous vehicle.
Since joining the competition, the team has made significant progress, showcasing their technical skills and adaptability. In Year 2, they placed 2nd in the Equity in Mobility presentation, demonstrating their commitment to creating inclusive and accessible vehicle designs. Additionally, the team won the Community Outreach Award for their impactful efforts and educating the local community about sustainable transportation solutions.
In Year 3, the team’s vision is to enhance their vehicle’s autonomous capabilities and energy efficiency further. They aim to lead the competition by integrating new technology and fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and practical learning, preparing students for careers in the evolving automotive and technology industries.
Mission
Illinois Tech EcoCAR provides our students with an opportunity to gain industry-like hands-on experience with the design and manufacturing of advanced automotive systems while engaging and informing the community of E-mobility. We endeavor to stimulate the advancement of vehicle technologies and sustainable transportation through research and development while never losing sight of the needs of our stakeholders.
Goals
- Enhance Team Collaboration: Create and foster a collaborative environment by improving communication and coordination across all subteams (PM, PCM, SDI, CAVs, Comms, and EIM), ensuring that everyone works together to achieve common goals and project milestones.
- Develop an Integrated Vehicle: Create a cohesive and well-functioning vehicle where each subteam’s technologies flow seamlessly together, minimizing the need for rework or disassembly. This involves close collaboration across all technical subteams to ensure that all systems and components integrate effectively, resulting in a high-performing, efficient car.
- Advance Autonomous Capabilities: Integrate and test new autonomous driving features, focusing on sensor fusion, machine learning algorithms, and vehicle control systems to enhance the vehicle’s semi-autonomous capabilities and functionality in outside environments.
Carrie Hall
Lead Faculty Advisor
Illinios Tech Team
Matthew Spenko
Lead Faculty Advisor
Illinios Tech Team
Carter Anderson
Project Manager
Illinios Tech Team
Antonia Martinez
Communications Manager
Illinios Tech Team
Grace Goodnough
Equity in Mobility Lead
Illinios Tech Team
Nicolas Etchegaray
SDI Lead
Illinios Tech Team
Kelly Hitchcock
PCM Lead
Illinios Tech Team
Faith Busche
CAVs Lead
Illinios Tech Team
Samin Bin Karim
Technical Specialist
Illinios Tech Team
Prasanna Kalimuthu
Technical Specialist
Illinios Tech Team
Get Involved
Positions available on team: Propulsion, Controls, and Modeling (PCM) member, System Design Integration (SDI) team member, Communications team member, and Equity in Mobility (EiM) team member, Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAVs) team member
Times & dates for team meetings: Friday from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM
Contact Information
Meeting Location
Location for team meetings: Kaplan Institute at Illinois Tech, in the Tellabs Innovation Alley, Room 107
Carter Anderson, Project Manager: canderson11@hawk.iit.edu
