EcoCAR Challenge

05/29/2026

From Detroit to Ypsilanti, the EcoCAR EV Challenge Year 4 Competition marked the final chapter of a four-year journey redefining the future of advanced mobility. ⚡🚘

Teams completed rigorous vehicle evaluations at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground, demonstrating the performance, safety, and capability of their reengineered Cadillac LYRIQs. They then took their vehicles on-road, navigating real-world driving conditions on the journey to Hudson's Detroit, GM's global HQ.
Beyond the vehicle, students presented their engineering, project management, and communications accomplishments to industry judges and sponsors, demonstrating not only what they built, but how they brought it to life.

🎥 Watch this year’s recap video to see the moments, milestones, and memories that made the EcoCAR EV Challenge an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

05/27/2026

Driving the Future Forward: GM Leadership Connects with EcoCAR Students ⚡

At the EcoCAR EV Challenge Year 4 Competition, teams had the opportunity to connect with Sterling Anderson, Executive Vice President, Global Product and Chief Product Officer and Mike Anderson, Vice President, Global Battery and Propulsion Engineering from General Motors. Sterling and Mike met with students, explored team vehicles, and discussed the future of advanced mobility innovation.

As a driving force behind the progress in automated vehicle technologies, GM plays a critical role in shaping the future of mobility. That real-world perspective is what makes EcoCAR so impactful. We thank the leaders from GM for taking the time to connect and bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry. 🤝

05/26/2026

🏁 As the EcoCAR EV Challenge comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the 1,600 students from 15 universities representing 51 majors who helped shape the future of advanced mobility over the past four years. ⚡🚘

🔹 19,000 miles driven by re-engineered LYRIQs
🔹 188 outreach events led by students
🔹 42,000 youth impacted
🔹 240 hours of dynamometer testing completed
🔹 1,061 hours of in-person training provided by 27 industry sponsors

From concept to competition-ready vehicles, teams transformed model-based designs into fully functioning machines through innovation, collaboration, and determination.

But beyond the numbers, we celebrate the late nights, the breakthroughs, the setbacks, the recovery plans, and even the broken half shafts. Because every challenge became part of the learning process and every obstacle pushed these teams forward.

To every student, faculty advisor, sponsor, mentor, volunteer, and organizer who made the EcoCAR EV Challenge possible: thank you for your passion, perseverance, and commitment to driving innovation forward. The future of mobility is brighter because of you.

05/22/2026

We have a champion! 🏆

We’re proud to announce that 🥇Georgia Tech EcoCar has won first place in the final year of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, scoring 867 points out of 1,000.
🥈 McMaster Engineering EcoCAR Challenge secured second with 740, and 🥉 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team at Virginia Tech followed in third with 714.

Managed by Argonne National Laboratory and sponsored by DOE, General Motors, and MathWorks, the EcoCAR EV Challenge provided university students across North America with an ambitious challenge. They reengineered a Cadillac LYRIQ into a platform for next generation innovation. From advanced propulsion systems to connected and automated vehicle technologies, teams delivered solutions that balance advanced engineering with real world performance and consumer expectations.

The final competition pushed teams to prove their work in every setting, from rigorous testing at GM Milford Proving Ground to real-world driving through Detroit and high-stakes presentations to industry judges.

Congratulations to every team, student, faculty, mentor, and sponsor who made this program possible. The future of mobility is in excellent hands.

🔗Learn more: https://avtcseries.org/news-media/georgia-tech-wins-the-final-year-of-ecocar-challenge/

The EcoCAR EV Challenge brings together top university teams to design, build, and validate next-generation battery electric vehicles, integrating advanced propulsion, connectivity, and automated technologies in a real-world engineering environment.

Learn more at avtcseries.org.

05/21/2026

From the Milford Proving Grounds to the General Motors HQ at the Hudson Building, EcoCAR teams took their LYRIQs onto public roads for a 160+ mile Over-the-Road-Event. 🚗⚡

Designed to validate four years of engineering, integration, and testing, this event challenged teams to prove their vehicles could perform beyond the test track by navigating public roads, traffic, changing environments, and everyday driving scenarios.

The Over-the-Road Event marked a major milestone in the competition, showcasing the reliability, drivability, and advanced mobility technologies students have spent years developing and refining.

05/20/2026

The finish line is in sight! Be sure to join us live during the EcoCAR EV Challenge Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the final year of the series:

Join us for the EcoCAR EV Challenge Year 4 Awards Ceremony, where $100,000 in sponsor-provided prize money is up for grabs! We look forward to honoring our s...

05/20/2026

At the EcoCAR Consumer Ride & Drive event, judges stepped into the role of prospective consumers to evaluate how well each vehicle delivers a real-world driving experience.

Government and industry judges assessed everything from interior and exterior styling, cockpit layout, gauges and displays, and infotainment functionality, to Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies and overall vehicle usability.

This event challenged teams to go beyond technical performance and focus on creating a vehicle experience that is intuitive, refined, and consumer-ready. 🚗⚡

05/19/2026

The UA EcoCAR team is proud to be part of the EcoCAR EV Challenge thanks to the support of its headline sponsors:
🔹U.S. Department of Energy
🔹General Motors
🔹MathWorks

Through their commitment to workforce development, students across North America gain hands on experience designing and testing the next generation of electric and automated vehicles.
UA EcoCAR is grateful for the opportunity to learn, build, and innovate alongside industry leaders shaping the future of mobility. ⚡🚘

05/18/2026

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) has been an important Visionary Partner in EcoCAR, supporting teams over the past four years through mentorship, resources, and industry expertise. From donating Electric Drive Units (EDUs) to hosting workshops, AAM helps teams ensure systems are integrated, safe, and performing as expected. Their engineers also contribute to Technical Design Reviews and serve as competition judges, providing valuable feedback that prepares students for real-world engineering.

This video highlights AAM’s impact and the opportunities they create for students, including internships for EcoCAR students and alumni.

Follow the ERAU/BCU EcoCAR team’s social media to stay connected and learn more about the partnerships driving innovation.

05/17/2026

On behalf of the EcoCAR program, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team at Virginia Tech is proud to recognize the competition’s Leadership Sponsors:
🔹dSPACE
🔹PACCAR
🔹Bosch Global
🔹MagnaInternational
🔹NXP Semiconductors
🔹California Air Resources Board

Through their support, teams across the competition gain access to industry-grade technologies, next-generation software, and invaluable professional development opportunities. These contributions play a critical role in shaping the EcoCAR student experience—empowering participants to work with real-world tools and push the boundaries of vehicle innovation.

We truly appreciate what our Leadership sponsors provide for the EcoCAR program. Thanks to their support and resources, students are enabled to grow, innovate, and succeed both in the competition and beyond.

05/16/2026

The Mississippi State University EcoCAR team proudly recognizes its Sustaining Sponsors:
🔹AVL
🔹DENSO North America
🔹Siemens
🔹TCCI Manufacturing

Through their continued support, mentorship, and resources, these partners directly impact both vehicle development and student growth. Students gain hands-on experience in calibration, design, and system integration while applying classroom knowledge in real-world engineering settings. Their involvement also strengthens collaboration across subteams and helps prepare students for future careers in the automotive and mobility industries.

Learn more about how industry partnerships are shaping the future of mobility and supporting the next generation of engineers. ⚡