EcoCAR’s Year 3 Competition Wraps With Outstanding Achievements

The EcoCAR EV Challenge Year 3 Competition, held from May 12–22, 2025, brought together over 200 students and 130 industry representatives across two locations: Yuma, AZ, and San Diego, CA. Throughout the competition, participants focused on reengineering the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ, pushing the boundaries of vehicle innovation and showcasing their talents on a national stage.

Stage one unfolded at the GM Desert Proving Ground in Yuma, where teams navigated a series of demanding dynamic events. Their vehicles underwent intense scrutiny, successfully passing the rigorous 300-line-item technical inspections and demonstrating their integration and safety standards during the On-Road Safety Evaluation. The Consumer Ride & Drive event gave judges firsthand experience behind the wheel, while challenges like the Connected Intersection Navigation Challenge and the ACC Feature Evaluation tested advanced vehicle connectivity and automation. Among the many standout moments were the Ohio State University and Wilberforce University team excelling in both the Connected Intersection Navigation Challenge and the ACC Feature Evaluation, Georgia Tech leading in the Consumer Ride & Drive and Driveability Evaluation, and the University of Alabama topping the Thermal Derate Event.

The second stage shifted to San Diego, where teams presented their work across engineering, project management, communications, and mobility. Mississippi State University captured top honors in both Project Management and the Mobility Challenge, impressing judges with their effective milestone management and the development of a Precision Hand Control system. Georgia Tech emerged as the leader in Communications, recognized for its exceptional K-12 STEM outreach, planning, and content creation.

Beyond technical achievements, the competition fostered a vibrant community spirit. Special events like the Award Luncheon, Faculty Recognition Dinner, and Team Appreciation Night offered moments for reflection, celebration, and connection—underscoring the collaborative ethos of the EcoCAR program.

The competition reached its climax during the Year-End Awards Ceremony in San Diego, where final rankings were announced. The Ohio State University and Wilberforce University team claimed first place overall with 839 points out of 1,000, followed by Georgia Tech in second place with 726 points and the University of Alabama in third with 683 points. As the third year of this four-year challenge concluded, the program celebrated the impressive accomplishments of every team and set its sights on the final year—an opportunity for students to build on their successes, refine their vehicle systems, and continue shaping the future of sustainable mobility.

GM’s Cadillac LYRIQ is an All-American EV Superstar

EcoCAR used a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ for its event. In the short two years since 2023, Cadillac and other GM nameplates are poised to be America’s new number one EV seller, unless Ford or Hyundai win the crown. For right now, it seems GM will win. One big reason for GM’s EV success is its versatile, popular Cadillac LYRIQ.

The 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ is a bold expression of Cadillac’s electrified future, blending luxury with cutting-edge technology. It features a sleek, aerodynamic design that embodies the brand’s signature sophistication while offering an all-electric powertrain that delivers exhilarating performance and near-instant torque. The LYRIQ’s Ultium battery platform, developed by General Motors, provides an estimated range of over 300 miles on a single charge, setting a new standard for electric luxury SUVs.

Inside, the LYRIQ offers an immersive and refined experience, highlighted by a 33-inch advanced LED display that seamlessly spans the dashboard, providing vibrant visuals and intuitive controls. The spacious cabin combines premium materials, such as genuine wood and leather accents, with advanced noise cancellation technology for a serene and comfortable ride. The LYRIQ also features a sophisticated AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system, ensuring that every journey is accompanied by exceptional sound quality.

Beyond luxury, the LYRIQ integrates state-of-the-art driver-assistance technologies and connectivity features, including Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driver assistance system for compatible highways. With its dynamic styling, innovative technology, and commitment to sustainable mobility, the 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ represents a new era for Cadillac and a compelling choice for drivers seeking an elevated electric driving experience.

GM Approaching Number One EV Seller in America, Rising an Astounding 94% in Q1

In the first quarter of 2025, GM experienced a remarkable surge in its EV sales in the U.S., climbing by 94% to 31,887 units and establishing the company as the second-largest EV seller in the country. This impressive growth was driven by the strong performance of the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV, underscoring GM’s increasingly competitive position in the EV market.

Overall, GM’s total vehicle sales for the quarter grew by 17% year-over-year, reaching 693,363 units—a clear indicator of sustained demand across its product lineup. The surge in EV sales also allowed GM to surpass Ford and Hyundai Motor in EV market share, demonstrating its ability to respond to shifting consumer preferences and capitalize on the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles.

“GM’s sales growth outpaced every other major automaker , and the driving force is our portfolio,” said Rory Harvey, GM executive VP and president of global markets. “We’re the industry leader in trucks and affordable small SUVs, Cadillac is growing significantly in luxury, and we have the broadest portfolio of EVs in the industry.”

Despite these strong results, GM faced a decrease in inventory by 8%, reflecting the robust demand for its vehicles. As GM continues to expand its EV offerings and strengthen its position in the market, this performance highlights both the company’s momentum and the growing appetite among consumers for electric mobility.

Follow Future AVTC Challenges

Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) are a series of engineering challenges that bring together students, faculty, industry partners, and government agencies to advance innovation in vehicle technologies and sustainable mobility solutions. These competitions, including programs like EcoCAR, EcoCAR EV Challenge, the Battery Workforce Challenge, and the former Challenge X and EcoCAR 2, provide university teams with real-world experiences in reengineering modern vehicles to meet evolving environmental and safety standards.

Participants tackle cutting-edge automotive systems, such as electric propulsion, connected and automated vehicle features, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, while balancing factors like performance, safety, and consumer appeal. AVTCs not only develop the next generation of skilled engineers and project managers but also foster collaboration, leadership, and creativity in shaping the future of transportation.