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EcoCAR Innovation Challenge: Shaping the Future of Automotive Engineering

In a groundbreaking initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has partnered with Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne), General Motors (GM), Stellantis, and MathWorks to launch the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge. This competition aims to foster the next generation of automotive engineers by involving 20 universities in a challenge to design and develop intelligent mobility solutions using emerging technologies.

The EcoCAR Innovation Challenge represents the 15th series of the DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC), focusing on pushing the boundaries of innovation within the automotive industry. Universities participating in this initiative will work with two distinct vehicle platforms: the 2026 Chevy Blazer EV from GM and the 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid from Stellantis. Teams will tackle real-world engineering problems, utilizing advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cutting-edge software development. This collaboration is notable for being the first time two major automakers have co-sponsored a series in over 25 years, demonstrating a united effort to enhance the U.S. automotive workforce.

Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson emphasized that this innovative partnership is a strategic investment in the future workforce, underscoring the importance of preparing students to meet the evolving challenges of the automotive sector. Robertson stated, "We hope to fast-track technological breakthroughs, improve competitiveness in the automotive field, and offer a wider array of choices to consumers."

Participants in the challenge will not only work on integrating advanced technologies but also explore modifications in vehicle propulsion systems to enhance efficiency. Each team will receive a vehicle platform that reflects the variety of choices available to today’s automotive consumers. GM and Stellantis are sponsoring separate competition tracks, each providing unique challenges for participating students.

Ken Morris, Senior Vice President at GM, noted, "The EcoCAR competition trains engineers to blend software, controls, and advanced powertrains into cohesive systems, equipping them with the practical skills that the auto industry requires. We are eager to see what innovative solutions the students come up with."

Likewise, Micky Bly, Senior Vice President at Stellantis, remarked, "Such competitions allow students to experience hands-on challenges and foster innovations that directly address customer needs in real-world scenarios. We’re excited to offer the Jeep Cherokee hybrid for this purpose."

MathWorks will support the initiative by providing tools that facilitate model-based design workflows frequently used in the industry. Lauren Tabolinsky, Senior Manager at MathWorks, asserted that this hands-on experience is crucial for bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world engineering practices.

Universities Participating in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge

The universities chosen to participate in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge include:

• - California State University, Los Angeles – Stellantis Track
• - Colorado School of Mines – Stellantis Track
• - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – General Motors Track
• - Georgia Institute of Technology – General Motors Track
• - Louisiana State University – Stellantis Track
• - McMaster University – General Motors Track
• - Mississippi State University – General Motors Track
• - Ohio State University – Stellantis Track
• - Pennsylvania State University – General Motors Track
• - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology – Stellantis Track
• - Texas A&M University – Stellantis Track
• - University of Alabama – General Motors Track
• - University at Buffalo – Stellantis Track
• - University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Stellantis Track
• - University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Stellantis Track
• - University of Waterloo – Stellantis Track
• - University of Wisconsin-Madison – General Motors Track
• - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – General Motors Track
• - Western Michigan University – General Motors Track
• - West Virginia University – General Motors Track

Other sponsors of the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge include industry leaders like Caterpillar, Siemens, and Bosch amongst others, who join in promoting educational and practical skills in automotive engineering.

As the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge unfolds, it is anticipated that participating universities will empower a new wave of talent capable of driving future innovations within the automotive industry. For more information on this exciting program, visit EcoCAR Innovation Challenge.