The University of Tennessee is one of 16 universities selected to participate in the four-year EcoCAR 3 (ecocar3.org) Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC), which begins in Fall 2014. Since 1989, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has sponsored AVTCs in partnership with the domestic automotive industry to (1) stimulate the development and demonstration of advanced powertrain and alternative fuel technologies and (2) seed the automotive industry with thousands of graduates who receive hands-on, real-world experience in advanced vehicle technologies. Sponsored by the DOE, General Motors and a host of industry sponsors, EcoCAR 3 will have additional focus on incorporating technical innovations in current and future automotive technologies.
EcoCAR 3 was officially announced on April 24 at a media event held at the Longview Gallery in Washington, DC. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz announced each school’s participation to the media. John Calabrese, Vice President, General Motors Global Vehicle Engineering announced the vehicle platform for EcoCAR 3: the Chevrolet Camaro. EcoCAR 3 will be one of the Mechanical Engineering Senior Capstone Design options for the four years of the project.
Currently, UT is one of 15 universities participating in EcoCAR 2: Plugging In To The Future (ecocar2.org). This is a three-year competition which began in 2011 and is also sponsored by DOE and GM. EcoCAR 2 has given engineering schools an opportunity to participate in hands-on R&D with leading-edge automotive propulsion systems, fuels, materials, and emissions-control technologies by re-engineering a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu to minimize petroleum energy consumption, tailpipe emissions, and GHG emissions while maintaining or exceeding stock vehicle utility and performance.
Prior to EcoCAR 2, UT was selected to participate in 14 AVTCs including the inaugural competition, Methanol Marathon, and won first place in four of the competitions.
For students looking to get involved with EcoCAR 3, please contact Dr. Irick.