EcoCAR2: Design for a greener Malibu

During this challenge, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and GM, 15 university teams across North America compete head-to-head. You can ”meet” the teams here. Every year, there’s a new phase to the challenge. This year, which is the first of three years, the focus is on design, analysis, and simulation of the overall vehicle architecture as well as planning the implementation of all the mechanical, electrical and controls features of the vehicle. A key deliverable for Year 1 is the demonstration of a full-vehicle hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator that will be used for all software and electronics development for the competition.

There’s no other challenge of its kind to prepare our students for a future in automotive engineering. The students get to design with industry leading enabling technology, steering them on a path to quickly enter the automotive industry with a solid base of knowledge and skills. The students also have the opportunity to work with Freescale engineers who can help guide them in using our technology.

And for Freescale? We have the opportunity to work with talented students who have a passion for embedded solutions. I had the opportunity to meet with the teams during a training workshop that we had on site at Freescale last week.

Regardless of who places first, it’s an absolutely unique experience for all of the students and faculty who get involved. Not to mention me, since I manage our university programs and I’m following the challenge every step of the way. Watch for more to come in the coming months.
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