The Challenge X Student Engineering Experience

Engineering students from Mississippi State University have successfully competed in a four-year competition among 17 universities throughout North America, Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility. With headline sponsorship by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, a Chevrolet Equinox was re-engineered to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and increase performance. The competition was an intense, profound endeavor for the students resulting in technological developments, proficiency with today´s engineering tools and methodology, and a unique team experience. The students´ success in re-engineering a conventional vehicle poses the question as to whether it can serve as a model for broad introduction of HEV/PHEV technology into niche market segments.