The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) - Impactful Programs
TREP funds have a huge impact on the programming available at CAR. These dollars are used to promote K-12 outreach through the Camp CAR program and support current Ohio State students who are involved with the various motorsports teams.
CAMP CAR
TREP funds were instrumental in allowing CAMP CAR, a summer STEM camp, for 26 high school students whonparticipated from all over Ohio as well as 14 other states. The camp is put on free of charge to the students and has a highly diverse and inclusive group of attendees. This past year TREP funds helped to purchase supplies for the hands-on autonomous vehicle and robotics project. Funds also supported the group to travel to East Liberty, where they toured the Honda wind tunnel facility and TRC. The TRC/Honda day is always a highlight for the students because it inspires them to think about their future educational and career goals.
STUDENT MOTORSPORTS TEAMS
Seven different motorsports teams have been supported from the TREP funds this year. Here is a detailed update of recent results from each team.
Battery Workforce Challenge - Support for the team’s inaugural year has propelled them into a strong start, finishing second in year one of the three-year challenge. With nearly 25 students onboard, they are dedicated to delivering top-notch results for the competition while enhancing recruitment efforts for coming years. They anticipate further growth and advancement within CAR as this new team is established.
AutoDrive Challenge II - At the Year 2 Competition of the SAE/GM AutoDrive Challenge II, The Buckeye AutoDrive Team placed third in the project management category, systems safety and technical report, and MathWorks Simulation Challenge.
EcoCAR - The Ohio State-Wilberforce University EcoCAR EV Challenge team (pictured above), clinched first place in year one and earned various accolades, showcasing its commitment to diversity and technical excellence. Through community engagement and academic endeavors, EcoCAR enhances student learning and contributes to the College of
Engineering’s vibrancy.Buckeye Solar Racing - Over the 22-23 season, Buckeye Solar Racing made some truly incredible progress. Over the summer they competed for the first time at the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) and placed sixth after completing 257.5 miles. Recently they have been working hard to improve their current vehicle, Farasi 2, while simultaneously designing a new vehicle which they plan to race in 2025, aiming for a podium finish. This summer they will once again race Farasi 2 at FSGP and hope to qualify for the American Solar Challenge, an 1800-mile road race across the U.S.
Formula Buckeyes - This May, the Formula Buckeyes experienced their most successful season ever. The team bested 107 other teams to win the Formula SAE Michigan competition. The team took home a third place overall finish at FSAE Michigan out of 120 entered teams, matching their historical best result since 2001. The team also finished second overall at both the 2023 Pittsburgh and Toronto Shootouts. During the fall, the Formula Buckeyes also started their EV development program, pushing to have an electric FSAE vehicle ready for competition in 2025.
Buckeye Current - In 2023, the Buckeye Current electric motorcycle team made incredible strides, restarting with a team of three people after a hiatus of several years. Since then, the team has grown to over 30 members. They have developed an advanced battery pack, entirely from scratch, and have been working through the fabrication process. Buckeye Current has also designed, prototyped, and fabricated, in house, a chassis that is assembled and functional, and a powertrain system that they have been testing with CAR’s dynamometer.
Baja Buckeyes - Last year they competed at Baja SAE Oregon and Ohio competitions and placed 16th overall at both events, meeting their goal of placing in the top 20. Another huge milestone was achieving 10th in the endurance event at the Ohio Competition.