Duke Electric Vehicles 2025-26
Objective
Duke Electric Vehicles (DEV) is a student-led engineering team at Duke University dedicated to designing and building ultra-efficient electric vehicles. We combine innovation, sustainability, and hands-on experience to push the limits of energy efficiency and redefine what’s possible on the road. For over 15 years, we’ve competed in the Shell Eco-marathon, an international competition for energy-efficient vehicles, showcasing our designs and engineering excellence on a global stage.
As a member of the Kinematics Team, I work to design and manufacture our vehicle’s custom front axle and steering system.
Takeaways
Outcome
During the fall semester, I designed multiple components of the front axle system in SolidWorks and successfully integrated them into the vehicle’s full mechanical assembly. In the spring, my team members and I worked tirelessly to manufacture and assemble our vehicle, ultimately earning DEV’s first ever Technical Inspection pass in the Urban Concept division!
Skills
CAD Modeling & Simulation (SolidWorks)
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Machining (3-Axis Mill, Lathe)
Mechanical System Design
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Engineering Documentation
I can’t share specific details of our design, but overall, the project has been an incredibly rewarding introduction to electric vehicles and the full scope of engineering required to design a car for the Eco-marathon! Throughout the fall semester, I focused on developing a deep understanding of the front axle system, conducting research and translating those insights into a custom SolidWorks design. During the spring semester, I manufactured numerous front axle components and collaborated across sub-teams to assemble our final vehicle.
Being a member of DEV has strengthened my SolidWorks proficiency, machining skills, and given me hands-on experience working with large-scale assemblies. It has also reinforced the importance of conducting thorough research before diving into design decisions and the importance of effective cross-functional communication in developing a cohesive system, as I’ve had to collaborate closely with DEV’s various electrical and mechanical sub-teams.