About the Competition

EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge is a three-year collegiate student engineering competition that focuses on vehicle integration of advanced propulsion technologies. The competition challenges 16 universities across North America to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles by designing and converting  a GM Donated vehicle that minimizes fuel consumption and emissions as well as encourages energy diversity, while maintaining utility, safety and performance.

EcoCAR was established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors (GM), and it is sponsored by the Government of Canada, as well as other high-profile sponsors, including the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The competition is the only program of its kind, and it builds on a 20-year history of DOE advanced vehicle technology competitions.  EcoCAR is an unprecedented public/private partnership that provides invaluable experience and training to the next generation of engineers developing future green vehicle technology solutions.

University engineering students across North America are challenged with re-engineering a GM donated vehicle (2009 Saturn VUE) to achieve improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while retaining the vehicle’s performance and consumer appeal. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of solutions including: electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cells. In addition, they will incorporate lightweight materials, improve aerodynamics and utilize alternative fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen and biodiesel. This real-world approach gives students valuable hands-on experience in advanced vehicle technology engineering that will help prepare them to make valuable contributions in the automotive industry in the 21^st century.

- From the EcoCAR Key Messages (9-21-09)

You can find more information on the NC State EcoCar team as well as the other teams involved at Green Garage Blog and the main EcoCar: The NeXt Challenge website.