Penn State Places 5th in 2007 Challenge X Competition

Penn State's Challenge X team placed 5th overall in the 2007 Challenge X Competition that was held May 30 - June 7 at General Motor's Milford Proving Grounds.  Challenge X is the current incarnation of the DOE- and corporate-sponsored advanced vehicle technology competitions. Penn State competed in and successfully completed every event. In addition to the fifth-place overall finish, Penn State was one of six teams selected to participate in the Media Day Ride-and-Drive Event (based on our innovative powertrain design and robust vehicle operation), and was one of five teams selected for additional post-competition dynamometer testing (based on our strong performance in the regulated emissions event). Challenge X is designed to follow a realistic vehicle development process.

The first year (2005) emphasized modeling, simulation, and technical reports: there was no vehicle. The second year emphasized a "mule" vehicle with functioning hybrid powertrain, and agreement between predicted and actual vehicle performance. The third year (this year) emphasized powertrain refinement and consumer acceptability to a "99% buyoff" criterion that is an industry standard for a vehicle that is ready to be released for production. The final year (2008) will feature further technical refinements and will place a strong emphasis on outreach and public relations, including a road rally to Washington, DC.

Penn State's team advisor is Dr. Daniel Haworth, professor of Mechanical Engineering, and the team leader is Matt Shirk. For more information on the Penn State's Challenge X team visit their website at http://www.psuhev.org/