High School EV Challenge

Empowering the Next Generation of EV Innovators

2025 Highschool EV Challenge

Event Date: May 31, 2025

Event Overview

The High School EV Challenge aims to spark interest in electric vehicle (EV) technology among young Canadians as they prepare to enter the workforce. This competition provides an exciting opportunity for students to explore their role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.

Through this initiative, we aim to inspire growth and interest in several key areas:

Engineering Skills: Enhancing both mechanical and electrical expertise.

Critical Thinking & Organizational Skills: Developing the ability to address engineering, performance, and safety challenges efficiently while working within time and resource constraints.

Creative Problem-Solving: Encouraging innovative solutions to longstanding engineering problems.

Teamwork: Highlighting the value of collaboration in achieving a common goal.

This competition is focused on the design and engineering of EVs.

Materials Provided

Participating schools will receive key components for EV construction, such as:

• Driver’s seat and seat belts

• Brake and steering system components

• Electric motor, batteries, system controller, and display

To encourage hands-on learning and creative problem-solving, certain components (e.g., the vehicle chassis) will not be provided, nor will detailed construction instructions. Participants will also receive only basic design and engineering guidance from Edison Motors staff, fostering independence and ingenuity.

The resulting EV designs will primarily reflect the creativity and engineering talents of the students involved.

Location & Competition Details

When & Where

Merritt Rodeo Grounds (Nicola Valley Rodeo Association). 499 Lindley Creek Rd, Merritt, BC V1K 1L4

Date: To be announced.

Registration & Inspection

  • All participants must arrive at the competition site before the first event to register and undergo a safety inspection conducted by the Edison Motors Safety Team.
  • Vehicles failing the initial inspection will have up to 60 minutes to make adjustments. Vehicles deemed unsafe to drive will not be allowed to compete.

The Challenge & Prizes

Teams will compete in the following challenges:

  • Race
  • Barrel Racing
  • Obstacle Course Race
  • Mystery event


Winners of each event: $500.00 scholarship.

Overall winners (most event wins): $1,500.00 scholarship.

The leader of the winning team will be offered a paid summer position at Edison Motors to further develop their EV fabrication and engineering skills.

The Rules

All vehicles must meet these criteria to qualify:

  • Maximum operating voltage of 78 volts DC
  • Properly installed and undamaged seat belts and crash helmets for drivers.
  • Structurally sound chassis as determined by the Edison Safety Team.
  • No dangerous metal protrusions.
  • Fully operational brakes and steering systems.
  • Secure and insulated electrical connections.
  • Properly installed main battery cutoff switch and circuit breakers.
  • Appropriately gauged wiring for all electrical components.

General Information

All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to the event.

For any questions, reach out to us at: eric.little@edisonmotors.ca or DTF@EdisonMotors.ca

Good Luck to All Participants!

Remember, even just showing up to compete is a win in itself!