Students accept 'Ecocar challenge'

University students are trying to help save the world, armed with car parts and engineering knowledge. U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., visited Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute on April 20 to test drive the university’s new EcoCAR.

Meet the teams

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University — Daytona Beach, Fla.
Georgia Tech — Atlanta
Michigan Technological University — Houghton, Mich.
Mississippi State University — Starkville, Miss.
Missouri University of Science and Technology — Rolla, Mo.
North Carolina State University — Raleigh, N.C.
Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio
Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pa.
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology — Terre Haute
Texas Tech University — Lubbock, Texas
University of Ontario Institute of Technology — Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
University of Victoria — Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
University of Waterloo — Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
University of Wisconsin — Madison, Wis.
Virginia Tech — Blacksburg, Va.
West Virginia University — Morgantown, W.Va.

How it works — Year one

Use math-based design programs to select one advanced powertrain vehicle matching the basic rules and goals of the project
Determine if needed parts, such as wiring, mechanical pieces and software systems, will fit into the chosen vehicle and function properly

How it works — years two and three

Student teams build their eco-friendly vehicle, adjusting it to function properly and reduce its fuel consumption and emissions
Teams compete to determine if their vehicles meet or exceed the competition goals

Goals of the challenge

Incorporate technologies to reduce fuel energy consumption based on total fuel cycle well-to-wheel analysis
Increase energy efficiency of chosen vehicle
Reduce greenhouse gas emitted from vehicle
Maintain vehicle’s consumer safety, utility and performance standards