Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions

Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) are a series of university-level engineering competitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors, and managed by Argonne National Laboratory. Programs like EcoCAR and EcoCAR Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge task collegiate teams with re-engineering production vehicles into advanced, energy-efficient, low-emissions cars using cutting-edge automotive and electrification technologies. While the core competition is for university teams, motivated high school students can get involved indirectly through local outreach events, campus team partnerships, and community STEM activities run by participating universities. These experiences can include exposure to advanced vehicle design, EV powertrains, software and controls, project management, and teamwork—valuable preparation for students interested in mechanical, electrical, computer engineering, or sustainability-focused careers. Students typically participate by connecting with nearby university EcoCAR or AVTC teams, attending public demos, or joining educational programs those teams run for K–12 audiences. This makes AVTCs a strong option for high schoolers who want early, real-world exposure to advanced automotive technology and collegiate-level engineering projects.