The Ohio State named top students in automotive engineering and Year Three champion of EcoCAR 3 competition
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Georgia Tech teams finish second and third
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio State University took home first place in the third year of EcoCAR 3, an Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors Co.
"We need affordable, secure, domestic, and clean energy technologies to move people and goods across America. Developing innovative technologies that improve vehicle efficiency and enhance mobility will grow our economy and create jobs," said Acting Assistant Secretary for EERE, Daniel Simmons. "Students in the EcoCAR 3 program are our future technology leaders that will keep the American automotive industry moving forward."
In addition to the coveted trophy and bragging rights, the Buckeyes become this year's best and brightest students in automotive engineering as they unlock solutions to our nation's transportation and energy challenges. The team earned 853.7 out of 1000 overall points while also taking the top spot in multiple categories including, but not limited to Project Management, Vehicle Design Review and Emissions & Energy Consumption.
EcoCAR 3 is the latest Energy Department Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series and challenges 16 North American university teams to redesign a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro by incorporating cutting-edge advanced powertrains as well as emerging connected and automated vehicle technologies that are helping to re-invent the future of mobility. During development and demonstration, teams must also maintain the engineering mastery and expectations of this iconic American car. EcoCAR 3 teams have four years (2014-2018) to harness those ideas into the ultimate energy-efficient, high performance vehicle.
The competition included a week of rigorous safety, technical, drive quality and emissions testing of the team Camaros at GM's Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan. Next, teams had several days of presentations to show judges how they have developed as the next generation of engineers and business leaders who will be better prepared for the auto industry and related careers. Presentations took place in Washington, D.C., with students judged by industry and government officials.
"EcoCAR3 is a great program that fosters future generations of automotive engineers and business people, encouraging them to become true innovators," said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "This year's winners – and all the teams – are proof of that. It's a competition that GM is proud to support."
This year, the teams gained hands-on experience by building and refining their advanced technology vehicles, and incorporated an industry-standard multi-year vehicle development process. Teams were able to achieve their goal of presenting a fully integrated vehicle capable of driving in both electric and conventional mode while sustaining a charge.
AVTCs have long provided a real-world training ground that transcends the traditional classroom for college students. Through EcoCAR 3, teams are able to demonstrate emerging automotive technologies to help strengthen American competitiveness.
"Ohio State fully integrated their vehicle with impressive attention to details, and they managed to maintain the legacy of the Camaro while moving it into the future," said Kristen Wahl, director of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition at Argonne National Laboratory. "Innovative thinking and tireless devotion clearly contributed to the team's success."
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Georgia Tech took second and third place respectively. The student teams have now developed and integrated their energy efficient powertrains to maximize performance while retaining the safety and high consumer standards of the Chevrolet Camaro. In the final year of competition, teams will focus on controls refinement and market engagement.
Additional sponsors joining the DOE and GM include: MathWorks; National Science Foundation; California Air Resources Board; NXP; AVL Powertrain Engineering; Robert Bosch, LLC; ETAS; PACCAR; dSPACE, Inc.; Snap-on Tools; Siemens PLM Software; GKN Driveline; Transportation Research Center (TRC, Inc.); DENSO; Champlain Cable Corp.; Woodward; Proterra; Ricardo; Mentor Graphics; New Eagle; tesa tape; Vector CANtech, Inc.; Delphi Foundation; EcoMotors; Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.; A123 Systems; Flextronics; and Samsung SDI.
EcoCAR 3 industry sponsors have provided more than $6.1 million in hardware and cash donations, as well as $911 million in software to the 16 participating universities in the first three years. To learn more about the EcoCAR 3 program, please visit www.ecocar3.org.
About EcoCAR 3
EcoCAR 3 is a four-year collegiate engineering program that builds on the successful 26-year history of Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) by giving engineering students the chance to design and build advanced vehicles that demonstrate leading-edge automotive technologies. General Motors provides each of the 16 competing teams with a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, as well as vehicle components, seed money, technical mentoring and operational support. The DOE and its research and development facility, Argonne National Laboratory, provide competition management, team evaluation and logistical support. Through this important public/private partnership, EcoCAR 3 provides invaluable experience and training to promising young minds entering the North American job market.
SOURCE EcoCAR 3
Share this article