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 100 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—Mobility Challenge (MC), 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 4. 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 4. In prioritizing subteam integration, MAC is determined to drive change through technical and non-technical applications in tandem during Year 4 of the competition.
After a successful three years in the competition, MAC is excited to showcase all the hard work and the culmination of innovation in this final year of the AVTC EcoCAR EV Challenge. That is how MAC Drives.
Operating from the 90,000-square-foot McMaster Automotive Resource Centre, MAC has five subteams— Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs), System Design and Integration (SDI), Propulsion, Controls, and Modelling (PCM), Mobility Challenge (MC), 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 4 are as follows:
- Ensure a reliable, high performing vehicle: One of our key goals is to complete all dynamic events available to us through Year 4 of the competition. We want to ensure a vehicle that not only performs well in high stress environments, but one that is reliable in all aspects. One of the most difficult things within this competition is to go without fault, but we are working thoroughly, and together to ensure a vehicle that would be unmistakable from one on the Cadillac production line.
- Expand Community Engagement & Undergraduate Opportunities: We are dedicated to increasing community engagement in partnership with our CBO, enhancing community awareness and experience through design initiatives for the Greater Hamilton Area’s ageing population, and beyond. MAC is also committed to building on community outreach, by educating K-12 aged students 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
Lead CAVs Faculty Advisor
McMaster University
Kyle Wyndham-West
Communications Manager
McMaster University
Milenna Raposo
Mobility Challenge Lead
McMaster University
Laura Giron Bedoya
SDI Lead
McMaster University
Lucas Rajotte
PCM Lead
McMaster University
Samuel Khyzm
CAVs Co-Lead
McMaster University
Connor Ricotta
CAVs Co-Lead
McMaster University
TEAM LEADER QUOTES
“One thing I’ve learned from EcoCAR is to embrace the reality that nothing ever goes according to plan! The process of having an idea and taking it to the final implementation has taught me so much about adaptability, creative problem solving, and how every setback becomes a lesson in resilience. I’m so thankful for these opportunities and I know they will empower me in all areas of my life.” – Laura Giron Bedoya, SDI Lead
“My favourite part about EcoCAR is the fact that it gives me the chance to connect my non-technical background to the mobility industry through community impact. Every time I’m in the lab, I’m learning and applying new skills to work that changes my community for the better, and my peers do the same. You can’t get that anywhere else!” – Milenna Raposo, Mobility Challenge Lead
“I’m Vincent Lombardi, Project Manager of McMaster EcoCAR, and I’ve been proud to be part of the team for over six and a half years. My journey has included many roles, previously serving as the Systems Design & Integration Lead, where I guided the integration of our powertrain and vehicle systems. Those experiences taught me the value of collaboration, problem-solving, and leading through complex technical challenges. In Year 4, I’m most excited to help guide our team toward success as we round out the competition. I look forward to seeing our vehicle compete in all dynamic events and to making a lasting, positive impact on both the team and the project as we finish strong.– Vincent Lombardi, Project Manager
GET INVOLVED
Currently we are in the onboarding process for Year 4, 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 4, 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 [email protected].
