Georgia Institute of Technology took first place in The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, a four-year collegiate automotive engineering competition that challenges 11 university teams. Ohio State took second place while University of Alabama took third.
The teams were tasked to improve the energy efficiency of a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer while balancing emissions, safety, and consumer acceptability factors.
Over the four years, each team transformed its vehicle from a design concept into a reality by applying advanced propulsion systems, electrification, SAE Level 2 automation, and vehicle connectivity. The challenge provided students real-world training and hands-on experience designing and building next-generation mobility solutions.
More than $100,000 in prize money was awarded to the participating universities. Georgia Tech was given an extra $10,000 to further support its advanced vehicle technology program.
The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors, and MathWorks.
"EcoCAR exemplifies DOE's commitment to building a diverse, clean energy talent pipeline," said Kelly Speakes-Backman, principal deputy assistant secretary for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in a press release. "Through programs like this one, we will strengthen our domestic manufacturing and our ability to compete globally, as we prepare this next generation of innovators."
Each team was scored across various vehicle testing events ranging from energy consumption to acceleration and drive quality, as well as a 175-mile Over the Road Event through the Arizona desert, which tested each vehicle's thermal management, range, and overall durability.
The teams also gave five scored presentations to more than 65 judges from government and industry, detailing vehicle designs and subsystems, team management and communications activities, and demonstrating the multidisciplinary aspect of their EcoCAR team.
Additionally, they also participated in the Connected Mobility Challenge, which tested vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity capabilities of the Blazer. The vehicles navigated a connected signalized intersection while using real-time Infrastructure-to-Vehicle (I2V) information from the traffic lights.
"This competition brought unprecedented challenges for the students, which further showcased their talent, creativity and ability to innovate we are proud to be part of a partnership that makes this possible," said Lauren Tabolinsky, academic program manager, MathWorks, in a press release. "The hard work and dedication during the program are a testament to what the next generation of mobility talent has to offer the industry."
To learn more about The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, click here.
