Cal State LA selected for EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, a premier collegiate automotive competition

LOS ANGELES - April 17, 2026 - PRLog -- Cal State LA has been selected as one of 20 universities in North America to compete in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, a prestigious U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program that prepares the next generation of engineers to lead the future of transportation.

Cal State LA is the only university representing California in this four-year competition, which challenges students to design and build advanced mobility solutions using cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and exascale computing.

Managed by Argonne National Laboratory, the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge is the 15th installment of DOE's Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) series. The program provides an unparalleled, hands-on educational experience that has transformed the traditional classroom environment into a hub for automotive innovation.

"We are especially proud that Cal State LA is the only university in the state selected among 20 top institutions to compete in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge," Masood Shahverdi, lead faculty advisor for EcoCAR at Cal State LA. "This opportunity will empower our students to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving automotive and AI landscape."

Other faculty advisors who are part of the Cal State LA EcoCAR team include Chris Bachman, professor of mechanical engineering; David Blekhman, professor of technology; and Curtis Wang, professor of electrical and computer engineering.

This challenge marks a historic collaboration between two major automakers—General Motors (GM) and Stellantis—alongside technology partner MathWorks. Together with DOE and Argonne, the coalition aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce and accelerate innovation in the U.S. auto industry.

Participating teams will explore advanced propulsion system modifications, including the integration of electric motor systems and team-designed high-voltage batteries. Each automaker sponsors a distinct competition track, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-relevant vehicle platforms.

The Cal State LA team will compete in the Stellantis track, working with a 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid to gain direct experience integrating software, control systems, advanced powertrains, and user-centered design—skills critical to shaping the future of mobility.

In addition to the engineering work, the College of Business and Economics will support Cal State LA students and faculty involved in the business aspects of the competition throughout the duration of the program.

Read more: https://news.calstatela.edu/2026/04/16/cal-state-la-selec...