Mississippi State University

About

The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team is a seasoned competitor in Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC), with a proud history spanning over two decades.

The team has consistently demonstrated excellence, securing 1st place overall four times. The challenges they have participated in include Challenge X in 2004, EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge in 2008, EcoCAR 2: Plugging in to the Future in 2011, EcoCAR 3 in 2014, EcoCAR Mobility Challenge in 2018, and the current EcoCAR EV Challenge in 2022.

The team consists of eleven leads, with each lead overseeing their own subteam, and three tech teams. These subteams include Project Management (oversees progress and ensures standards), Communication (builds brand image and shares key messages about sponsors), Equity in Mobility (leads mobility projects and internal recruitment), System Designs Integration (handles the physical integration and development of parts), Connected Autonomous Vehicle (manages sensors and autonomous features), and Propulsion Control and Modeling (ensures vehicle controls work safely using Speedgoat). The team’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration is reflected in their impressive job placement rates—100% for graduates and over 90% for undergraduates.

As the team moves into Year 3 of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, their vision is to refine their fully electric vehicle, focusing on performance, efficiency, and the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The team aims to continue pushing the boundaries of automotive technology while preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team seeks to build better students by creating a diverse environment that promotes excellence and integrity to empower students as they prepare for the future workforce. We want to equip students with knowledge that can be carried into their careers through the teamwork opportunities we provide. Our purpose as an organization is to provide students with hands-on educational experiences to widen their skills as they enter the workforce.

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The MSU EcoCAR team is focused on addressing the mobility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities below the waist. One of the primary issues these individuals encounter is the difficulty of interacting with traditional acceleration and brake pedals, as they are unable to use their feet for driving. Additionally, the long wait times and high costs associated with installing hand controls further delay their ability to regain independence.
To tackle these challenges, the Equity in Mobility (EiM) Project aims to design hand controls that are more accessible and can be installed using a 'plug and play' system. This approach will significantly reduce installation time and minimize the need for extensive vehicle modifications. The team is also engaging with the University of Alabama's EcoCAR team, as both teams share a common goal. The competition could benefit from the synergies between these teams as they work together.
In Year 3, the team plans to develop a working prototype while collaborating with their community-based organization (CBO) partner, the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability. The center is home to a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) who trains individuals with lower-limb disabilities to drive using hand controls. Additionally, the Center's technical and engineering resources will play a crucial role in the EiM Project's development. The team is committed to working closely with the Center throughout the project's duration, ensuring that the final product meets the needs of the target stakeholders.