С�� EcoCAR team hosts Spring Vehicle Showcase Ride and Drive

С�� admin pose in front of EcoCAR with team — Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum, center, stands with С�� administrators and the С�� EcoCAR team during its Spring Vehicle Showcase Ride and Drive. The showcase highlighted the team's work in the EcoCAR EV Challenge. (Photo by Emily Grace McCall)

С��sity’s EcoCAR team hosted its Spring Vehicle Showcase Ride and Drive this week, giving campus leadership, partners and guests an up-close look at the team’s award-winning electric vehicle.

The two-hour showcase highlighted the team’s work in the EcoCAR EV Challenge, a four-year collegiate engineering competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, MathWorks and other industry leaders. During the current EV Challenge cycle (2022–2026), С�� has earned 14 first-place awards along with honors for outstanding community impact, faculty advising and workmanship. С�� was one of just 15 universities across North America selected to participate.

Video by Sarah Kirk

Guests were invited to view the team’s modified 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ, featuring advanced propulsion systems and connected and automated vehicle technologies. A key feature of this year’s modifications was the one-pedal drive system, designed to improve efficiency, accessibility and overall driving experience.

The event, which began with lunch and networking, included a virtual presentation and Q&A with national EcoCAR EV Challenge Program Director Jesse Alley. Attendees could also explore a student research showcase in the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems lobby throughout the event.

President Keenum in car with С�� officials — Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum test drives the university’s EcoCAR during its Spring Vehicle Showcase Ride and Drive event this week. С�� is one of 15 universities across North America to compete in the four-year engineering competition. (Photo by Emily Grace McCall).

Ride and Drive participants included С�� President Mark E. Keenum, Senior Vice Provost Brett Fountain, Bagley College of Engineering Dean David Ford, Associate Dean for Academics Robert Green, CAVS Director Clay Walden and TK Martin Center partners, including Director Kassee Stratton and Occupational Therapist Eric Knox.

“This event showcases the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students,” said Ford. “Through EcoCAR, they are gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge vehicle technologies while working alongside industry leaders to shape the future of mobility.”

С�� has participated in EcoCAR competitions for more than 20 years and continues to rank among the program’s top-performing teams.

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