Written by: Angelina McGuire
“Why I would recommend EcoCAR, even over any other student project, is that connection to industry. It’s that mentor who shows up. It’s the subject matter experts that they get connected to. It’s the ability to use the same tools, the same processes we use in industry.” For students, these words from Bill Cawthorne capture the very heart of the experience. Cawthorn currently serves as General Motor’s Chief Engineer of the GEN1 Renewable Energy Storage Systems and an Executive Steering Committee Lead for the EcoCAR EV Challenge.
Driving Innovation Through Partnership
The EcoCAR EV Challenge thrives as a result of collaboration between academia and industry, and General Motors’ sponsorship highlights how impactful that partnership can be. From providing the cutting-edge vehicle platforms and testing facilities to pairing each team with a seasoned GM mentor, the company’s investment shapes the competition into a truly industry-relevant learning experience for the students participating.
According to Cawthorne, the automaker’s involvement is rooted in one clear goal: workforce development. “Ultimately, GM sponsors EcoCAR for workforce development,” he explained. “It’s about the students learning, developing, and gaining the skills they’ll need to be successful in industry.”
In support of the EV Challenge, General Motors provided each EcoCAR team with a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ to re-engineer using advanced propulsion and automation systems. GM also grants students exclusive access to its testing facilities, including the Milford and Yuma Desert Proving Grounds, where they can evaluate their innovations under real-world conditions. These opportunities offer an unparalleled look into the professional world of automotive engineering, emphasizing the importance of precision, collaboration, and innovation.
The Power of Mentorship
The experience goes beyond technical aspects. Through the GM Mentor Program, every team is paired with an experienced GM engineer who offers guidance, industry insights, and access to professional tools and techniques. Mentors volunteer their time, many of them former EcoCAR competitors who now work at GM.
“None of our mentors get paid to do this,” Cawthorne said. “They do it because they benefited from the program themselves and want to give back. They enjoy teaching, sharing what they know, and ultimately making GM stronger for the future.”
For GM, the return on investment is clear, as EcoCAR alumni consistently perform at a higher level and show stronger retention rates within the company. For students, the benefits are equally tangible: valuable hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and a network that extends well beyond graduation.
Beyond the Competition
Cawthorne’s advice to current competitors reflects that dual purpose: “Take full advantage of this opportunity. Winning is only part of it. It’s the learning, the growth, and the network you build that truly matter.”
Through its ongoing commitment to EcoCAR, General Motors continues to empower the next generation of automotive innovators—one mind at a time. To learn more about WVU EcoCAR’s purpose and progress, visit https://mmae.statler.wvu.edu/student-life/ecocar and follow the team on Instagram @wvuecocarchallenge.
