A student design team at the University of Waterloo is taking part in a competition to improve the energy efficiency of an SUV while also balancing factors such as emissions, safety and consumer acceptance.
UWAFT (University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team) is up against teams from 11 other universities in North America in the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, the latest event staged by the U.S. Department of Energy and sponsors including General Motors.
Teams will apply advanced propulsion systems, electrification, automation and vehicle connectivity to improve the energy efficiency of a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer for the car-sharing market.
The four-year event, which will involve the use of onboard sensors and wireless communications, wraps up in the summer of 2022. Teams need to combine several engineering disciplines, as well as communications, marketing and project management.
UWAFT, which also include students from neighbouring Wilfrid Laurier University, has participated in numerous previous Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions events since the team was founded in 1996.