MSU Wins GM's EcoCAR Competition

The recently launched GM competition finally found its winners, with the Mississippi State University (MSU) clinching first place, followed by the Virginia Tech team in the runner-up spot and Penn State in third. Each team had to re-engineer a GM-donated car, implementing multiple alternative technologies and creating their own original architecture.

The final purpose of these modifications was to minimize the vehicle’s fuel consumption and emissions, while maintaining its utility, safety and performance.

“This was our most challenging year and stakes were high to have our vehicle ready for inspections. To finish a year of hard work and long hours in first place is an incredible honor for me and my teammates,” Matt Doude from Mississippi State, said in a release. “We look forward to the next chapter of the competition – with so much talent among the schools it will not be an easy road to another victory. But it’s this rigorous, hands-on process that gives us the valuable experience we’ll need in the workplace.”

The team at MSU designed and built a biodiesel extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), with a 21.3 kWh A123Systems battery pack, which provides an electric range of 60 miles. It’s also equipped with a 1.3l GM turbodiesel engine and 75 kW UQM generator in a series plug-in configuration. The vehicle achieved 118 mpg (1.99 l/100km) during testing.

“During the last 12 months, these teams faced a difficult challenge – to build an innovative vehicle and continually refine and improve its operation,” said Pat Davis, program manager of DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program. “These students demonstrated extreme determination and commitment to make their vision a reality, and it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mississippi State on its outstanding work and well-deserved first-place finish.”