The US Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory have launched the latest round of their college-centered engineering program, the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, with major support from General Motors, Stellantis, and MathWorks. The 15th edition of the four-year competition will involve 20 universities from across North America to develop “next-generation mobility solutions” using technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Organizers say the program is designed to really push innovation in vehicle technology, but also to help build the future automotive workforce at a time when the industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. “The Innovation Challenge is an investment in the next era of the American workforce,” said Audrey Robertson, assistant secretary of energy for energy efficiency and renewable energy. She also noted that the participation of GM and Stellantis marks the first time in more than 25 years that two major automakers have collaborated in the same competition. Each automaker will sponsor a separate competition track, providing students with different engineering challenges and vehicle platforms that are designed to reflect real-world market choices. GM will supply the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while Stellantis will provide a 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid. Student teams will be tasked with modifying and optimizing vehicle propulsion systems, including the design and integration of electric motors and high-voltage battery systems. The competition will also focus on software integration, controls, and overall system performance, which organizers says are skills that have become increasingly important in modern vehicle design and development. “EcoCAR develops engineers who understand how to integrate software, controls, advanced powertrains, and the customer experience into a single system,” said Ken Morris, GM’s senior vice president of product programs, safety, and motorsports. Stellantis echoed that sentiment, highlighting the program’s focus on real-world problem solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration. MathWorks will support students with industry-standard model-based