Waterloo EV Challenge

The Waterloo EV Challenge takes place each spring at the University of Waterloo. This is the premiere event for the Electric Vehicle Challenge. This page contains information relevant to all visitors -- both teams and the general public.

The 2025 Waterloo EV Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 (rain date Sunday, May 25)

Competition rules

Parking and directions

Free parking is available for the EV Challenge in the following locations shown below.

  • Q parking lots surrounding EC4 - enter from Phillip Street and follow the signs
  • B parking lot near E5 - enter from Phillip Street, lot is adjacent to transit plaza

Food nearby
  • There is a Tim Hortons within walking distance at Columbia and Philip. The University Plaza (University and Philip) has many different food options available for lunch.
  • We will not be selling any food at the EV Challenge this year.

Schedule
Time Event
8:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Teams arrive, set up in pits
9:15 am - 10:15 am
  • Safety inspections, award judging
  • Transponder setup and inspection
10:15 am
  • Driver's meeting in pits -- mandatory attendance by the 12 and 24 volt drivers
10:30 am
  • Opening ceremonies, all 12 volt cars on track
10:45 am - 12:10 pm
  • 12 volt race (70 minute duration)
12:10 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Lunch break and prep for 24 volt race
1:30 pm - 3:15 pm
  • 24 volt race (90 minute duration)
3:30 pm
  • Awards ceremonies

The time allotted to each race is longer than the official race time — this is to allow for cars to be stopped, moved off the track, or repaired.

Registration

Registration for the Waterloo EV Challenge takes place in two parts:

  • Online Registration completed ahead of the event
  • On-site registration during the event

For details of the registration process, including the information required, refer to the Competition Rules.

Course layout
Annotated map showing race track layout for 2023 EV Challenge

Live stream of results

The event will be live streamed from the scoring table. From here, the most recent scoring data and the official time is broadcast. In addition to score information, the broadcast will also stream from cameras, and provide official announcements about the race. The live stream is the only official source of information about the race while it is ongoing.

Transponders and electronic scoring

The Electric Vehicle Challenge makes use of electronic infrared transponders to count laps. The start-finish line consists of a line of receivers that are strung over the track, connected to the scoring computer. The computer automatically tabulates the competition results, which are broadcast to the live stream.

Mounting the transponder

Example of a proplery mounted transponder
  • Teams should mount the transponder to a flat surface facing upwards near the front of the car. It should be as level as possible, and the construction of a dedicated mounting bracket may be required (see example in the photograph above). The transponder is approximately 3.2 x 2.6 cm.
  • The transponder must not be covered at all. It must have clear sight of the receivers as it passes under the gantry at the start/finish line.
  • Transponders are attached to vehicles with self-adhesive Velcro strips provided by the organizers.

Powering the transponder

The transponder requires 12 V, and it must be connectd to a 12 V battery used to power the vehicle.

  • The transponder is to be directly wired to one of the 12 V batteries. It must not be wired as part of the main vehicle electrical system where it could be connected to 24 V power. This would damage the transducer.
  • There should be no switch between the transponder and the power source. The transponder should not be wired through the vehicle emergency stop system. Once the transponder is plugged in to the connector, it should begin to operate and continue to operate throughout the race.
  • The power draw from the transponder is minimal, and will be one of the last things to fail on vehicles (the transponders will operate on as low as 7 V, whereas cars will stop running around 10.5 V).
  • Power connectors. Teams are required to provide their own connectors for the transducers. The correct connectors are readily available on Amazon.ca using the keyword search Servo Extension Cable. The figure below shows how to wire the connector to the car.
Schematic showing how to modify and install power connector for scoring system
  • The connector should be securely located next to the mounting location for the transponder, with enough slack in the cable to allow it to be plugged into the transponder. (approximately 5cm)
  • You are expected to have your car(s) fully prepared for mounting and powering the transponder when you arrive at the race.

Transponder checklist

Run through this check-list to make sure your vehicle is ready for the scoring system.

  1. There is a mounting area with at least 3.2 mm by 2.6 mm in space.
  2. The mounting area faces directly upwards.
  3. The mounting area is at the nose of the vehicle.
  4. The mounting area is unobstructed (transponders use line-of-sight)
  5. Power is provided from the vehicles 12V battery to the mounting area, with the positive battery terminal connected to the red wire, and the negative battery terminal connected to the black wire.
  6. The power to the mounting area is independent of the vehicle's main wiring harness and emergency stop or power switch.
  7. All the wiring is securely fastened to the vehicle.