The parallel vehicle uses both an internal combustion for power and an electric motor for accelerating. The HEV does not depend on fossil fuels and also has regenerative breaking capabilities, which recovers some of the energy lost when driving. During the FutureTruck event, the UT team will be competing against 14 schools including Cornell University, George Washington University, Georgia Tech University, and West Virginia University. In 10 alternative-fuel competitions over the past 10 years, UT has won three and finished among the top four seven times. Dr. Hodgson said competitions like the FutureTruck Challenge are good hands-on learning experiences.
Students also learn discipline and commitment.
For some students this competition is the biggest thing in their career lives right now.