About The EcoCAR Innovation Challenge
The EcoCAR Innovation Challenge: Driving the Future is a four-year collegiate mobility competition that brings together the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, Stellantis, MathWorks, and Argonne National Laboratory to prepare the next generation of automotive and technology leaders.
The Challenge
As the 15th Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC), EcoCAR challenges 20 North American universities to develop innovative, energy-efficient mobility solutions using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, connected and automated vehicle systems, and advanced propulsion. Through hands-on engineering, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship from industry experts, students gain the technical, leadership, and professional skills needed to drive innovation across the future of mobility.
Developing Next Generation Vehicle Technologies Through Real World Engineering Experience
This series will involve a vehicle track sponsored by General Motors and a vehicle track sponsored by Stellantis. The tracks provide distinct engineering challenges and vehicle platforms that reflect choices in mobility offered to customers in North America.
General Motors Track
The General Motors track challenges students to transform the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV by developing connected and automated vehicle technologies, advanced propulsion systems, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity that enhances intelligent, efficient, and seamless mobility.
Stellantis Track
The Stellantis track challenges students to transform the 2026 Jeep Cherokee by integrating hybrid-electric propulsion, designing high-voltage battery systems, optimizing off-road performance, and developing intelligent controls that improve efficiency, capability, and the overall driver experience.
Product Innovation Track
The Product Innovation track empowers students to apply entrepreneurial thinking and innovation frameworks to develop products, processes, and methodologies that support vehicle development while exploring emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to solve real-world mobility challenges.
Competition Vision & Goals
Preparing Industry Ready Leaders Through Hands-On Learning and Innovation
Build a Future-Ready Workforce
Prepare students for careers in mobility, automotive engineering, and technology through hands-on experiences that develop the technical, professional, and leadership skills employers value.
Advance Vehicle Innovation
Challenge students to design, integrate, and validate next-generation vehicle technologies by applying engineering principles to real-world vehicle platforms.
Accelerate AI & Emerging Technologies
Empower students to explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced simulation, and other emerging technologies that are transforming the future of mobility.
EcoCAR Innovation Challenge Events
Latest EcoCAR Innovation Challenge News
Powered by Leaders in Automotive Innovation
As part of this groundbreaking coalition of government and industry partners, EcoCAR is made possible through the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, Stellantis, MathWorks, and Argonne National Laboratory, providing students with the resources, mentoring, and technical support to succeed.
Meet The EcoCAR Teams
Explore the next generation of automotive innovators.
