# Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions

DOE-sponsored university-level eco-car competitions; high school students can engage via outreach, mentoring, and events.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | U.S. Department of Energy & Argonne National Laboratory |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Check official site |
| Apply | https://avtcseries.org |

## About this program

Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) are a series of university-level engineering competitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors, and managed by Argonne National Laboratory. Programs like EcoCAR and EcoCAR Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge task collegiate teams with re-engineering production vehicles into advanced, energy-efficient, low-emissions cars using cutting-edge automotive and electrification technologies.

While the core competition is for university teams, motivated high school students can get involved indirectly through local outreach events, campus team partnerships, and community STEM activities run by participating universities. These experiences can include exposure to advanced vehicle design, EV powertrains, software and controls, project management, and teamwork—valuable preparation for students interested in mechanical, electrical, computer engineering, or sustainability-focused careers.

Students typically participate by connecting with nearby university EcoCAR or AVTC teams, attending public demos, or joining educational programs those teams run for K–12 audiences. This makes AVTCs a strong option for high schoolers who want early, real-world exposure to advanced automotive technology and collegiate-level engineering projects.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions cost?

Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions?

Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions online or in person?

Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions is an in-person program.

### How do I apply to Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions?

Apply directly through U.S. Department of Energy & Argonne National Laboratory's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-04.
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