Faculty Advisors: Dr. Zac Chambers and Dr. Marc Herniter
Team Leader: Jon Nibert
Commnunications Managers: Kaci Lientz & Ashley Kronsell

Team Description
The Rose-Hulman EcoCAR 2 team consists predominantly of undergraduate students from multiple disciplines who are focusing on powertrain development in advanced vehicles. Although the team has a strong mix of mechanical and electrical engineering students, it actively welcomes students who have majors in all disciplines to become involved with the EcoCAR project. In addition, the Rose-Hulman team works with Indiana State University to give students in business, marketing, and communications an opportunity to participate in the EcoCAR 2 program. The team, which has participated in U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) since 2005, including Challenge X and EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, uses powertrain electrification to decrease the amounts of both the petroleum that is consumed and the emissions that are generated by production vehicles, while ensuring that they maintain or exceed consumer satisfaction levels with regard to their performance, utility, and safety. The faculty advisors are Dr. Zac Chambers, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Marc Herniter, Professor of ECE.

Vehicle Design
The Rose-Hulman EcoCAR 2 team is developing an E85-fueled split-parallel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) architecture. This architecture will use a GM BAS motor connected to the E85-fueled GM LE9 engine’s accessory belt, which will be able to charge the A123 Systems lithium-ion battery, start the engine, and provide additional power for acceleration. A separate Remy HVH250 motor will provide additional power and regenerative braking capabilities through the rear wheels.