General Motors will supply 2026 Chevy Blazer EVs to university teams participating in the latest EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, a multi-year engineering competition supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by Argonne National Laboratory. The program brings together 20 universities, two automakers and a number of industry partners to develop next-generation mobility solutions while training the engineers of the future.
The Chevy Blazer EV will serve as one of two vehicle platforms in the competition, with Stellantis contributing the 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid. Each platform has a separate engineering track, presenting students with different technical problems that reflect today’s market realities. The team will modify the propulsion system, develop high-voltage battery solutions, and integrate advanced software, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
DOE officials describe the initiative as a workforce investment and technology accelerator. “The Innovation Challenge is an investment in the next era of America’s workforce,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. He added that the collaboration between GM and Stellantis aims to “accelerate technological breakthroughs” while strengthening US competitiveness.
GM participation centers on providing real-world hardware and practical engineering context. Ken Morris, senior vice president of product programs, safety, integration and motorsports at GM, said, “EcoCAR develops engineers who understand how to integrate software, controls, advanced powertrains and customer experience into one system.” He justified the automaker’s decision to use the Chevy Blazer EV as the basis for its track, and emphasized the need for “practical expertise that the automotive industry needs today.”
The competition also marks the first time in more than 25 years that two major automakers have come together to support the same Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition series. In addition to GM and Stellantis, MathWorks and several large suppliers will provide tools, funding and technical support. Previously, GM had donated a Cadillac Lyriq EV for the same competition.
Participating schools include Georgia Tech, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Each team will spend several years perfecting its vehicle, with judging criteria emphasizing efficiency, performance and integration.
The use of the Chevy Blazer EV signals GM’s intention to position the Ultium-based electric vehicle as a development platform for new talent. For students, this provides access to production-level technology. For GM, they built a number of engineers who were familiar with the system.
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