By Ella Hart / Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
What does it take to build the next generation of electric vehicles? At Vigo Voltage, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology & Ivy Tech Community College’s BattChallenge team, we know that cutting-edge technology and hands-on experience are key. That’s why we’re beyond excited to have Samsung SDI America as a sponsor, providing us with the same high-performance battery cells used in real automotive applications. This support isn’t just helping us compete — it’s giving us an invaluable head start in the electric vehicle industry.
Charging ahead with industry-leading technology
We’re designing and building an advanced EV battery system. A crucial part of that process is working with top-tier lithium-ion cells, and that’s exactly what Samsung SDI America has supplied.
Early in our design phase, we used inert cells to test module configurations, validate safety measures and refine our pack assembly. Now, with the arrival of live cells, we’re taking a major step forward. These batteries will allow us to complete our assembled modules and begin real-world testing, ensuring our system meets the rigorous performance and safety standards required in the competition — and in the auto industry itself.
Hands-on experience, real-world impact
For many of us, this project is more than just a competition; it’s a glimpse into our future careers.
“Gaining hands-on experience with the same technology we’ll likely encounter in the automotive field unlike any other experience available at school,” said Chris Sanders an Ivy Tech student and BattScholar.
This kind of exposure is rare for students, and it’s setting us up for success as future engineers and innovators.
“Having access to industry-grade battery cells at this stage in our education is a game-changer,” said Jasper Halford, a Rose-Hulman mechanical engineering senior who serves as the team’s engineering manager.
“It’s one thing to learn about EV technology in class, but actually working with these cells is an entirely different level of experience.”
The road ahead
With our modules coming together, the next challenge is integrating them into our vehicle and optimizing performance. Testing, refinement and validation will be key as we prepare for the next phase of the competition. Thanks to Samsung SDI America, we’re equipped with the tools and knowledge to take on these challenges head-on.
Follow our journey
We’re just getting started, and we want you to come along for the ride! Follow Vigo Voltage on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay updated on our progress, see behind-the-scenes action and support our mission to push innovation forward.
