Virginia Tech
About
Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Virginia Tech EcoCAR team is commonly known as the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team (HEVT). HEVT has been competing in Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions for over 30 years. In those 30 years, HEVT has 4 first place finishes and 12 top 3 finishes over 9 competitions. Currently, the HEVT has 80 members containing 15+ majors ranging from engineering to communications & public relations.
Throughout the EcoCAR EV Challenge, HEVT has cultivated an inclusive and collaborative environment, allowing our members to not only succeed as a team but find ways to challenge themselves to grow professionally and personally. As the first HEVT team to work on an all EV platform, we look to set the foundation for future teams on how to properly design, optimize, and operate our custom LYRIQ.
Mission
HEVT’s purpose is to develop engineers with a passion for problem-solving that is enhanced by future and society-oriented attitudes to tackle the real-world open-ended challenges in the mobility industry. HEVT is focused on re-engineering a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ with advanced propulsion systems and autonomous features that enhance energy efficiency, system safety, commercial viability, and social acceptance. Moreover, HEVT provides a team culture that nurtures and prepares students to seek excellence, take on ownership to lead, be responsive and answerable, synthesize designs, be co-operative, and finally be an inspiration to others.
Goals
- By the end of Year 4, HEVT will have a vehicle with drivability semi-comparable to a production vehicle, with all vehicle systems optimized for safety and efficiency.
- By the end of Year 4, HEVT will develop a well-defined team operations process through regular check-ins with members to encourage a collaborative and critically thinking environment.
- HEVT will end the EcoCAR EV Challenge with their best overall finish of the series.
Dr. Scott Huxtable
Lead Faculty Advisor
Virginia Tech Team
Alec Boron
Project Manager
Virginia Tech Team
Danny Tripaldi
Technical Specialist
Virginia Tech Team
Jacob Jenkins
COMM Social Media
Virginia Tech Team
Katelyn Finn
COMM Events & Planning
Virginia Tech Team
Helena Biediger
MC
Virginia Tech Team
Jacob Johnson
CAV
Virginia Tech Team
Parth Pandya
CAV
Virginia Tech Team
Jackson Moody
CAV
Virginia Tech Team
Andrew Carella
SDI
Virginia Tech Team
James Rosati-Brown
SDI
Virginia Tech Team
Tony Weng
PCM
Virginia Tech Team
Yates Kirby
PCM
Virginia Tech Team
Bruno Motto-Teran
PCM
Virginia Tech Team
Team Leader Quotes
What have you learned from EcoCAR?
“The biggest thing I learned from being in EcoCAR is how to adapt and find success in different ways. No, things won’t always turn out how you intended them to, but when do things ever? Learning to reflect and adapt is what makes a great problem solver, and doing that is hard! Taking the wins when you can get them along the way is important for team morale and self-growth both professionally and personally.” – Alec Boron, Project Manager
What does it mean to be a part of EcoCAR?
“This team has been a huge part of my academic/professional career and it allows me to work with extremely bright and talented people”
Favorite thing about EcoCAR?
“My favorite thing about ecocar is the community aspect. Although we all compete against each other and want to win first place, everyone is willing to help each other”
Tony Weng, PCM Lead
What have you gained from being involved in EcoCAR?
“I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge that has made me grow as a leader”
Katelyn Finn, COMM Lead
Get Involved
Applications for the spring semester are now open! Apply via the Linktree in our Instagram bio @vt_hevt.
Contact Information
Address
Torgersen Hall, 3046, 0217), 620 Drillfield Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24061
To contact us, reach out to our project manager Alec Boron at [email protected], or our team’s email at [email protected].
