Welcome to the Battery Workforce Challenge - Charging Eagles Team!
The Battery Workforce Challenge is a three-year student competition, from Fall 2023 to Fall 2026, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Stellantis, and Argonne National Laboratory. In this competition, twelve universities and vocational schools from North America compete to design, build, test, and integrate an advanced electric vehicle (EV) battery pack into a production Stellantis vehicle. This challenge is designed to train the next generation of engineers and vocational specialists in EV battery technology beyond the classrooms, allowing students to gain invaluable engineering, manufacturing, and battery testing skills while practicing cross-discipline collaboration. Universities and vocational schools will build authentic, deep, and lasting relationships by working together during this program. Through the development of this project, students will face complex battery design and manufacturing challenges to solve, which will help them develop the necessary skills to face their future battery and engineering careers.
Our Team Mission
Our mission as the California State University, Los Angeles–Cerritos College Charging Eagles Battery Workforce Challenge team is to educate and train the next generation of engineers and vocational specialists in EV battery pack design, build, and maintenance. We are providing hands-on experience and cross-disciplinary collaboration through the designing, building, testing and integration of a battery pack into a production Stellantis vehicle. By building a partnership between Cal State LA and Cerritos College, we will create a lasting pipeline of EV workers in Southern California.
Goals
- Goal No. 1: Consolidate our team at Cerritos College by recruiting 10 new students and maintaining active engagement with at least 20 students. Through technical workshops and engagement campaigns each semester, we aim to showcase the team's projects, learning opportunities and benefits, fostering dedicated participation.
- Goal No. 2: Build a high-quality battery pack module by completing in-house software and hardware designs and contracting a specialist for cell welding. We aim to finalize the building and testing by the end of year two, achieving a technically robust module. Success will be measured by meeting performance benchmarks in durability, safety and efficiency, positioning us strongly in the competition.
- Goal No. 3: Achieve a 60 percent retention rate among internal volunteers by tracking each member's tasks, providing regular project updates and organizing technical and social events. Our team's Project Management swimlane will foster connection and commitment, ensuring consistent involvement and team satisfaction.