Mcmaster University
About
The McMaster University (MAC) EcoCAR team is one of two Canadian participants in the EcoCAR Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge, part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series. Comprised of over 130 members, MAC is focused on advancing the Cadillac LYRIQ’s propulsion, automation, and connectivity technologies to balance decarbonization, energy efficiency, and customer needs.
Operating from the 90,000-square-foot McMaster Automotive Resource Centre, MAC has five subteams—Equity in Mobility (EiM), Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs), System Design and Integration (SDI), Propulsion, Controls, and Modelling (PCM), and Communications (COMMs). MAC is committed to pushing limits through the implementation of the switch reluctance motor (SRM) on the Cadillac LYRIQ in Year 3. Beyond the innovation on our team’s vehicle, MAC is determined to actively engage our community (Greater Hamilton Area) by strengthening our partnership with our CBO in Year 3, emphasizing accessibility by design. In prioritizing subteam integration, MAC is determined to drive change through technical and non-technical applications in tandem during Year 3 of the competition.
After placing 3rd in Year 2— the best placement in MAC’s history — our team is determined to break boundaries in Year 3. Together, we build smarter, design better, and drive change. That is how MAC Drives.
Mission
McMaster University’s (MAC) EcoCAR team’s mission statement is to enhance electric vehicle technologies through the implementation of advanced propulsions and automated vehicle features, by means of a diverse and multidisciplinary team of students.
The primary objective is to modify the vehicle propulsion system and enhance connectivity features to improve user experience and vehicle performance in terms of energy efficiency and passenger comfort.
Goals
The MAC EcoCAR Team is united in a common goal: creating a highly efficient electric vehicle with advanced autonomous features, a user-friendly interface, and enhanced passenger comfort, all while prioritizing accessibility.
Some measurable checkpoints for our team in Year 3 are as follows:
- Promote Team Integration: One of our key goals is to foster strong inter-team collaboration between technical and non-technical subteams. By working closely together, we aim to effectively reach team goals for Year 3 of the EcoCAR competition, fostering close collaboration, with the aim to enhance communication, build mutual understanding, and strengthen partnerships for more effective and cohesive outcomes. MAC is driven by mentorship and is determined to offer more hands-on experiences and professional development for undergraduate students, positioning them for success while contributing to the best EV the competition has ever seen.
- Expand Community Engagement & Undergraduate Opportunities: We are dedicated to increasing community engagement in partnership with our CBO, enhancing community awareness and experience through accessible design initiatives for the Greater Hamilton Area’s ageing population, and beyond. MAC is also committed to building on community outreach, by educating school-age kids on the benefits of electric vehicles.
Achieve SAE Level 2 Autonomy & Meet VTS Targets: On the vehicle side, our goal is to reach SAE Level 2 autonomy while meeting and exceeding Vehicle Technical Specifications (VTS) targets, optimizing our electric vehicle's performance and safety
Dr Ali Emadi
Lead Faculty Advisor
McMaster University
Dr Mark Lawford
CAVs Faculty Advisor
McMaster University
Kyle Wyndham-West
Project Manager
McMaster University
Cara McGuinness
Communications Manager
McMaster University
Gopal Uppalapati
Equity in Mobility Lead
McMaster University
Vincent Lombardi
SDI Lead
McMaster University
Luc Rajotte
PCM Lead
McMaster University
Samuel Khyzm
CAVs Co-Lead
McMaster University
Connor Ricotta
CAVs Co-Lead
McMaster University
GET INVOLVED
Currently we are in the onboarding process for Year 3, with our SDI, CAVs and PCM subteams expanding. MAC will be running an interview process and a DEV challenge to fulfill that goal. MAC welcomes volunteers at Sunday Workdays. Our Sunday Workdays will continue to be hosted on a weekly basis at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre Highbay space, where technical and non-technical subteams will work on current projects and deliverables on an ongoing basis. MAC welcomes volunteers to join us for our Sunday Workdays. By contributing your time and sharing your ideas, you can gain valuable, hands-on experience while offering fresh perspectives to our team. We encourage new participants to get involved, and with dedication, there are growth opportunities within the team to expand your skills.
The McMaster EcoCAR team is currently onboarding for Year 3, with our SDI, CAVs, and PCM subteams expanding. MAC will conduct an interview process and a DEV challenge to meet these goals. Student volunteers are welcome to join our Sunday Workdays, held weekly at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre Highbay, where all subteams collaborate on deliverables and projects on an ongoing basis. By contributing your time and ideas, you’ll gain hands-on experience and provide fresh perspectives to the team. We encourage new participants to get involved, offering opportunities for growth and skill development for committed students!
Contact Information
Address
200 Longwood St S, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
For more information check here or email us to get involved at ecocar@mcmaster.ca.
