UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
About
The University of Alabama’s EcoCAR EV Challenge team brings a proud and consistent legacy of participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions. Since its early involvement in the Natural Gas Vehicle Challenge (1988-1990), followed by EcoCAR 3 (2014-2018) and the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge (2018-2022), the Crimson Tide has steadily advanced its expertise in mobility solutions, vehicle systems integration, and community engagement.
In the current series, UA students are tasked with transforming a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ into a next-generation, semi-autonomous vehicle. Over the first three years of the program, the team has demonstrated both technical innovation and strong collaboration. They earned 3rd Overall in Year 1, 4th Overall in Year 2, and 3rd Overall in Year 3. They’ve also captured 1st place awards in Communications, Connected and Automated Vehicles, System Design and Integration, and numerous sponsored awards. These accomplishments underscore UA’s balanced strength across engineering, outreach, and project execution.
Beyond competition and vehicle successes, the team is deeply committed to outreach and workforce development. They partner with local organizations to mentor students, host STEM workshops, and promote awareness of careers in the automotive industry. Their efforts help spark interest in STEM fields and demonstrate the broader impact of advanced vehicle technologies.
Looking ahead in Year 4, the UA EcoCAR team is refining the LYRIQ with all-wheel-drive capabilities, advanced infotainment design, and refined autonomous features. By combining technical excellence, community engagement, and a strong tradition of innovation, the University of Alabama EcoCAR team continues to prepare the next generation of engineers to lead in the transition toward the future of mobility.
Mission
The University of Alabama EcoCAR Team exists to compete at its best in the DOE’s EcoCAR Electric Vehicle Challenge, expand knowledge, and remove mobility inequities by cultivating a team of motivated and career ready students, leading research and development initiatives, and focusing on mobility transformation.
Goals
- Strengthen undergraduate engagement by creating clear tasks and progression into leadership roles while ensuring students remain active across all subteams through Year 4
- Deliver a Cadillac LYRIQ that is competition-ready and indistinguishable from an industry-produced vehicle, with professional fit, finish, and system integration
- Grow awareness and engagement through events and social media for adaptive driving solutions, community outreach, ensuring our reputation of excellence succeeds the end of the challenge.
Dr. Hwan-Sik Yoon
Faculty Advisor
University of Alabama Team
Dr. Paul Puzinauskas
Lead Faculty Advisor
University of Alabama Team
Caden Schroder
Systems Safety Lead
University of Alabama Team
Chanakya Thirumala Setty
CAV Research Lead
University of Alabama Team
Ryan Douglas
Engineering Manager
University of Alabama Team
Sandra Chisom Onyishi
Mobility Challenge Lead
University of Alabama Team
Lisé Badeaux
Communications Manager
University of Alabama Team
Conner Hall
Project Manager
University of Alabama Team
Tony Ciccone
System Design and Integration Lead
University of Alabama Team
Daniel Szurek
Connected and Automated Vehicles Lead
University of Alabama Team
Wes Campbell
Propulsions Control and Modeling Lead
University of Alabama Team
Get Involved
We have rolling admission for all teams:
- Communications – Manage outreach, social media, and internal/external communications.
- Connected and Automated Vehicles – Develop autonomous features and software for the Cadillac LYRIQ.
- Mobility Challenge – Promote mobility solutions in the automotive industry and prototype accessible vehicle solutions.
- Project Management – Oversee timelines, budgets, recruitment, and team coordination.
- Propulsion Control and Modeling – Design and test efficient control strategies for the vehicle.
- System Design and Integration – Build and integrate hardware to support propulsion, controls, and automation.
Full team meetings occur monthly in SERC 2036 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM CST. However, each subteam holds meetings throughout the week at various times to perform their tasks. For volunteering and outreach opportunities, there is one a month and will be determined based on partner availability.
For more information, please contact our Project Manager, Conner Hall, at [email protected] or email the team at [email protected].
If you’re interested in joining, please fill out this form.
Contact Information
Address
245 7th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
