Chem-E Car Team

AIChE's annual Chem-E-Car Competition® engages college students in designing and constructing a car powered by a chemical energy source, that will safely drive over a given distance and stop within a specified time limit.

The Chem-E Car Competition is an annual collegiate competition that challenges students to design and construct a small, chemically-powered car. The competition is organized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and is typically held as part of the AIChE Annual Student Conference or the AIChE Annual Meeting.

The goal of the Chem-E Car Competition is to encourage students to apply their knowledge of chemical engineering principles to design a car that can safely carry a specified load over a certain distance. The unique aspect of the competition is that the car must be powered by one or more chemical reactions rather than traditional fuel sources such as gasoline or electricity.

Each team participating in the competition must design and build a car that meets certain constraints and requirements provided by the competition organizers. These constraints may include limitations on the size and weight of the car, the maximum amount of reactants used, and safety regulations. The specific details of the competition can vary from year to year.

During the competition, teams present their cars to a panel of judges and demonstrate their car's ability to carry a specified load. The distance the car must travel is usually not disclosed until the actual competition day, adding an element of unpredictability. The teams must calculate and control the chemical reaction(s) in their car to stop it as close as possible to the finish line without going over.

The Chem-E Car Competition encourages students to think creatively, apply engineering principles, and develop practical solutions for real-world challenges. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities within the field of chemical engineering.