Written by: Riddhi Puranik
Year 3 of the EcoCAR EV Challenge marked a significant turning point for the UC Davis EcoCAR team. With substantial improvements in drivability, propulsion system functionality, and advanced testing capabilities, the team demonstrated its engineering prowess and resilience. From completing rigorous testing at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) facility to achieving speeds and features once thought out of reach, the team’s vehicle is now safer, more responsive, and refined.
Throughout Year 3, the team made significant strides in vehicle performance thanks to rigorous testing and collaboration. Two rounds of Motor Control Testing (MCT) at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) facility played a key role in fine-tuning drivability and responsiveness. The first test demonstrated strong energy efficiency, and insights from the second helped the team uncover opportunities for refinement. Quick adjustments to the Torque Shaping algorithm and the integration of updated pedal maps led to major improvements in stability and driver feel. With the support of sponsors like Magna, the team implemented changes efficiently—resulting in a vehicle that’s smoother, more responsive, and competition-ready. These efforts paid off during the Year 3 competition finale as the team received 1st place for the Energy Consumption testing at CARB.
One of the standout achievements of Year 3 was the vehicle’s remarkable transformation. The LYRIQ not only drives smoothly but has also been tested at speeds up to 65 mph. The propulsion system saw significant progress, with long-standing accelerator pedal response delays eliminated through extensive dynamometer testing. Additionally, new features such as regenerative braking and a partially functional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system highlight the vehicle’s growing technological sophistication.
Beyond the garage, the team has made an equally impressive impact through its community and youth outreach efforts. This year alone, they engaged with over six youth audiences through interactive events and hands-on activities designed to spark interest in STEM and engineering. The team developed numerous educational materials, including lesson plans, presentations, and activities tailored for K-12 students. By simplifying complex vehicle technologies into accessible concepts, they inspired the next generation of innovators.
During the Year 4 Competition, the UC Davis team walked away with a 4th Place Overall finish, as well as individual awards for Excellence in Leadership Runner Up – Riddhi Puranik, and 2024-2025 Outstanding Faculty Advisor – Dahlia Garas.
The team’s success would not have been possible without the support of key sponsors. Magna played a pivotal role in resolving drivability issues, offering expert guidance during CARB testing. GM’s mentorship was equally valuable, particularly in ensuring the vehicle’s cybersecurity functionality. On the CAV side, dSPACE provided critical support by helping the team develop their Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) bench, troubleshoot software issues, and deploy control algorithms efficiently. This industry collaboration not only advanced the vehicle’s capabilities but also provided invaluable learning opportunities for team members.
As UC Davis EcoCAR heads into the final stretch of the series, the team’s remarkable Year 3 achievements have laid a solid foundation for future success. With continued testing, collaboration, and outreach, they are well on their way to pushing the boundaries of mobility. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the team prepares for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
