Case Study: University of California, Davis achieves an award-winning, fuel-efficient, zero-emissions hybrid SUV with MathWorks

UC Davis Students Develop an Environmentally Friendly Sport Utility Vehicle Using Simulink

The University of California, Davis took part in the 2001 FutureTruck Competition to challenge students to reengineer a 2000 Chevrolet Suburban to cut emissions and fuel consumption without sacrificing performance or safety. MathWorks provided MATLAB and Simulink (and the team used the Simulink-based PSAT) so students could build and modify accurate vehicle and powertrain models to develop hybrid control strategies.

Using MathWorks' MATLAB and Simulink, the team rebuilt PSAT control algorithms, imported C microcontroller code with Simulink S‑functions, and validated controllers in simulation before deploying them to the vehicle. The result: UC Davis won the 2001 FutureTruck championship and the MathWorks Vehicle Modeling & Dynamics award; the plug‑in hybrid achieved zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode (equivalent 70 mpg), 49 mpg in hybrid mode, reduced fuel consumption/driving costs by about 66%, and produced industry-ready student experience and accurate, deployable control software.

University of California, Davis

Mark Duvall

Truck Advisor