Automobile industry is planning to switch to mostly electric vehicles by 2030-2040s. Studies have shown that electric vehicles are proven to be more environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, this is not true for all electric cars and it is very important to implement the technologies correctly in order to create an efficient vehicle. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles show potential to increase this efficiency. In order to address the issues stated, Illini EV Concept is seeking funding to design and build a highly energy efficient battery electric concept car with self driving features that aims to raise awareness of using clean energy, development of autonomous vehicles and recycle old electronics. This team is planning to work on this project on a 2-year timeline. 

This teams plan is to: design new car with better aerodynamics, build the lightest chassis our team ever made without losing any structural rigidity using carbon fiber, develop more efficient electronics systems, including remodeling our power converters as well as tailoring motor controller efficiency, implement braking, steering and accelerating based on the surroundings of the car.

Illini EV Concept also plans to tackle the major issue of recycling of old electronics and printed circuit boards from RSOs on campus. This team is planning to collect electronics and use such things as old batteries and power supplies for test equipment  Moreover, along with participating in various on-campus events such as Engineering Open House, Quad Day, Homecoming Parade and off-campus annual Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition, this team will increase its presence inside and outside of UIUC by having quarterly online sessions about sustainability and electric vehicles to both students and general public.